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East Hanover Plaza Included in Massive $126 Million National Retail Deal

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East Hanover Plaza at 154 Route 10 in East Hanover — Courtesy: JLL

EAST HANOVER — A well-known Morris County shopping center has become part of a major national retail real estate transaction. East Hanover Plaza, located at 154 Route 10, is one of three properties acquired in a $126 million, three-state portfolio sale finalized between SITE Centers Corp. and Haverford Retail Partners.

The nearly 98,020-square-foot New Jersey plaza was singled out in the deal as a high-performing, fully leased retail center anchored by three powerhouse brands from the TJX Companies: HomeSense, HomeGoods, and Sierra. Together, these tenants occupy roughly 70% of the property, making East Hanover Plaza one of the most stable and sought-after retail destinations in the region.

A Strong Local Asset With Regional Pull

Positioned squarely along the heavily traveled Route 10 corridor — which sees more than 35,600 vehicles per day — East Hanover Plaza draws customers not only from East Hanover, Parsippany, and Livingston, but from across Morris and Essex counties. Its visibility, strong tenant mix, and affluent surrounding demographics made it a standout asset in the portfolio.

The shopping center remains 100% occupied, a rarity in today’s retail market and a testament to the plaza’s enduring strength.

Part of a Multi-State Retail Portfolio Acquisition

The acquisition includes:
    •    East Hanover Plaza — 98,020 sq. ft., East Hanover, NJ
    •    Southmont Plaza — 250,939 sq. ft., Easton, PA
    •    Stow Community Shopping Center — 418,587 sq. ft., Stow, OH

In total, the portfolio spans nearly 770,000 square feet across 46.8 acres, with an impressive 99% occupancy rate. The buyer, Haverford Retail Partners, plans to continue operating the centers as high-performing, open-air shopping destinations.

What This Means for East Hanover

Real estate analysts note that this level of investment underscores the ongoing strength of well-located, open-air retail centers — especially those anchored by national, credit-worthy tenants.

For East Hanover and nearby communities:
    •    No immediate changes are expected for shoppers or tenants.
    •    The sale may open the door to future improvements or reinvestment in the plaza.
    •    The stability of the tenant base helps ensure continued jobs, local spending, and tax revenue in Morris County.

Industry leaders say the deal reflects renewed confidence in suburban retail, especially in high-income markets like Morris County, where demand for home furnishings and lifestyle brands continues to thrive.

Retailers Currently at East Hanover Plaza

A snapshot of the current tenant lineup includes:
    •    HomeSense
    •    HomeGoods
    •    Sierra
    •    European Wax Center
    •    T-Mobile
    •    Five Guys
    •    Club Pilates
    •    Ideal Image
    •    Chipotle
    •    The Vitamin Shoppe

The potent mix of home, fitness, dining, and personal-care retailers contributes to the plaza’s long-term appeal.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash Under Investigation in Morris Plains

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File Photo

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris Plains Police Department confirms a fatal motor vehicle incident that occurred on West Hanover Avenue yesterday evening, November 26.

​The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Stiles Avenue, involved a motor vehicle striking an adult male. The subject was transported to a local medical facility, but regrettably, succumbed to his injuries.

As a result of the incident, a portion of West Hanover Avenue was temporarily closed for several hours to allow for a thorough investigation.

The incident remains under active and collaborative investigation by the Morris Plains Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Witnesses to the incident, that occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, are being asked to call the Morris Plains Police Department Detective Bureau at: 973-538-4210 or Morris County Crime Stoppers at: 973-COP-CALL.

No further information, including the identity of the deceased, is being released at this time pending notifications to next of kin.

​A follow-up release will be issued once more information is permitted for public distribution.

A Look Inside the Mountain Lakes Library Makerspace

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MOUNTAIN LAKES — When you walk into the Mountain Lakes Public Library’s Makerspace, you can immediately sense the energy of creation with 3D printers humming, prototypes scattered across tables, and shelves lined with colorful projects made by students ranging in ages from kindergarten to high school. At the center of this activity is Ian Matty, the director and co-founder of the Makerspace program, whose vision has transformed a small idea into a thriving community hub for creativity.

Around a decade ago, Mr. Matty’s involvement began with a simple goal: finding a chess program for his sons. When none existed, he partnered with the Mountain Lakes Board of Education to start a chess group at Wildwood, which grew quickly in popularity.

During this time, he met Nish, an engineer who shared several of his robotics creations. The hands-on and approachable nature of these projects inspired Mr. Matty to introduce robotics to the chess group. In December 2016, he invited the students to spend an afternoon experimenting with robotics and craft materials. The results were surprising. Everyone was captivated by building, designing, and problem-solving.

Recognizing the potential, Mr. Matty’s wife, Christina, brought the idea to the Mountain Lakes Public Library. The library supported it, offering a small downstairs closet as the first Makerspace room. What began as a few robotics afternoons soon grew into a dedicated program focused on creativity, exploration, and accessibility for elementary-aged students. Ever since, the Makerspace has expanded into a nationally recognized program, dedicated to promoting creativity and collaboration. One of the defining features of the Makerspace is its philosophy. Instead of competition-focused STEM activities, the program emphasizes more activity-based projects and open-ended learning with no experience needed. 

Today, the Makerspace operates as an official part of the Mountain Lakes Public Library. Its funding is supplemented by the Mountain Lakes Educational Foundation. A significant grant from the University of Colorado, awarded through the National Science Foundation, has supported the development of accessible products for people who are blind or have low vision. Around 50% of the Makerspace budget is dedicated to 3D design, one of the most versatile and accessible tools for creating adaptive and educational projects.

The Makerspace is known for its long-term, purposeful iniatives, many of which address accessibility challenges or community needs. Mr. Matty rarely singles out a single favorite. Instead, he focuses on the constant stream of new ideas students bring. These ideas turn into projects that often evolve over multiple years as new students add their own improvements.

Standout Projects

  • Crayon Caps – originally created by student Andreana Lee and later refined by classmates Meaghan Donnelly and Richard He, these caps are made to assist the visually impaired in identifying crayon colors.
  • 3D-Click™ – a universally designed tactile abacus featuring a rod-and-bead system that clicks into place to provide haptic and auditory feedback, which was developed in collaboration with Chi-Hoon Kim and the Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
  • AltText Project – a team of local students worked with cartoonists Mika Song and Jen de Oliveira to create accessible alt text (a text description that can be read by a screen reader) for weekly webcomics; students produced around ten issues of their own.

However, not all projects are technology-based. One high school student, Conrad, created “Conrad’s Garden,” a long-term botany initiative that demonstrates the program’s openness to all areas of interest.

As the Makerspace continues to expand, its programs evolve along with the students who shape them. Whether developing new adaptive tools, experimenting with emerging technology, or designing entirely new types of projects, the Makerspace thrives on the steady flow of fresh ideas from students and the community.

Montville Township Man Admits to Defrauding Medicare of $2.5 Million

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County pharmacy owner has admitted to orchestrating a multimillion-dollar health care fraud scheme that swindled Medicare out of at least $2.5 million, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Nestor E. Jaime, 37, of Pine Brook in Montville Township, pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to one count of health care fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in federal court, Jaime owned and operated a pharmacy in Paterson and, between December 2019 and December 2021, submitted hundreds of fraudulent claims to Medicare for the antibiotic Dificid. Each prescription carried a reimbursement of more than $4,000.

Prosecutors said the pharmacy never purchased or dispensed the medication.

Stolen Identities and False Provider Numbers

Investigators determined that Jaime used the identities of dozens of Medicare beneficiaries who had never been prescribed the drug. He also misused the unique provider identification numbers of health care professionals to make the fraudulent claims appear legitimate.

Medicare ultimately paid approximately $2.5 million based on the false submissions. Prosecutors said Jaime then spent the illicit funds on luxury vehicles and personal expenses.

Potential Penalties

The charge to which Jaime pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the financial gain or loss linked to the offense.

Investigation

Habba credited the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, led by Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and the FBI’s Newark Field Office, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, for their roles in bringing the scheme to light.

Boonton Township Residents Urged to Speak Out on Proposed Solar Restrictions

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BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Residents are encouraged to attend an important public hearing on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., where officials will review Ordinance 953, a proposed alternative energy regulation that would severely restrict the installation and operation of new and existing residential solar energy systems.

If enacted, Ordinance 953 would impose significant limitations on rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays, affecting homeowners who currently use solar power as well as those planning future installations. Township residents are strongly urged to participate, ask questions, and share their opinions before the governing body moves toward a final decision.

The hearing will serve as the community’s opportunity to be heard on an ordinance with long-term impacts on local energy choice and property rights.

Blue Foundry Bank to Merge Into Fulton Bank in 2026 All-Stock Transaction

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Blue Foundry Bank is located at 209 Ridgedale Avenue Florham Park

PARSIPPANY — Fulton Financial Corporation and Blue Foundry Bancorp announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Fulton will acquire Blue Foundry in an all-stock transaction. The boards of directors of both Fulton and Blue Foundry have unanimously approved the definitive merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by Blue Foundry’s stockholders.

Blue Foundry Bank’s corporate headquarters is located at 7 Sylvan Way, Suite 200, Parsippany. This is the site of the administrative office, although the bank’s holding company is a Delaware corporation with a New Jersey charter. 

Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, each share of Blue Foundry common stock will be exchanged for 0.6500 shares of Fulton common stock. Based on Fulton’s share price of $17.96 as of November 21, 2025, the transaction is valued at approximately $243 million, or $11.67 per share of Blue Foundry common stock.

This transaction accelerates Fulton’s growth efforts in the attractive northern New Jersey market. The transaction is expected to be accretive to first full-year earnings by over 5%, immediately accretive to tangible book value per share and neutral to regulatory capital ratios at close.

The boards of directors of both Fulton and Blue Foundry have unanimously approved the definitive merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by Blue Foundry’s stockholders. Following the closing, Blue Foundry Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Foundry, will merge into Fulton Bank, N.A., the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Fulton, with Fulton Bank as the surviving bank.

“We’re bringing together two community-focused banks with shared values and a strong commitment to making banking personal for each and every customer,” said Curtis J. Myers, Fulton Chairman and CEO. “The combination of our companies creates an opportunity to leverage Fulton’s robust banking services and provide greater convenience and innovative solutions to an expanded customer base, with a continued focus on supporting our local communities. The expansion in northern New Jersey aligns with our strategy of growing in our local markets and positions us well to drive organic growth across our commercial, consumer, wealth advisory and mortgage businesses.”

“Joining forces with Fulton is an exciting step forward for our employees, customers and communities,” said James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Foundry. “This partnership allows us to preserve the local relationships and personalized service our customers value, while gaining access to greater resources and providing more solutions and convenience to customers. Together, we’re building a stronger future for everyone we serve.”

As part of the transaction, Fulton will make a $1.5 million contribution to the Fulton Forward® Foundation, designated to be used to provide impact grants in support of nonprofit community organizations in New Jersey.

Fulton Financial Corporation is headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., and is a premier community banking organization and a $32 billion asset financial holding company providing a variety of financial services through its subsidiary bank, Fulton Bank, N.A. (“Fulton Bank”), in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. Fulton Bank also provides investment management and planning services for individuals and corporations through Fulton Financial Advisors and Fulton Private Bank. In addition, Fulton Bank offers residential mortgage services through Fulton Mortgage Company. At Fulton Financial Corporation, we seek to change lives for the better by building strong customer relationships, providing significant community support and empowering more than 3,300 employees to do the same. Through the Fulton Forward® initiative, we’re helping build vibrant communities.

Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Parsippany, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank, visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE.

Chabad Center for Jewish Life Shines a Beacon of Light: Annual Menorah Lighting Demonstrates Jewish Pride and Unity

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RANDOLPH — Amid rising incidents of antisemitism across the region and country, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life will once again illuminate Veterans Park with its Annual Public Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 21, at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s celebration features the lighting of a striking 8-foot menorah, standing as a powerful symbol of Jewish pride, unity, and resilience. Far more than a festive gathering, the event is intended as a public declaration of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Rabbi Avraham Bekhor, who directs the Chabad Center for Jewish Life with his wife Chava, underscored the importance of coming together during challenging times.

“Our response to hatred of any kind must never be to cower or hide our faith,” Rabbi Bekhor said. “The story of Chanukah is the tremendous power of light to overcome darkness. We can have no better response to the negativity we encounter than to gather together in even greater numbers and celebrate the light of the menorah in public.”

Back by popular demand, the Randolph Fire Department will help bring extra excitement to the evening with the Grand Gelt Drop, sending chocolate coins and dreidel parachutes raining from above—an irresistible highlight for children and adults alike.

The public is invited to join local dignitaries and community members for a night filled with warmth, celebration, and solidarity. Guests can enjoy lively music, traditional Chanukah treats including latkes and donuts, hot beverages, and a variety of holiday-themed merchandise.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, December 21
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Veterans Park, 100 Calais Road, Randolph, NJ 07869

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life welcomes everyone to join this uplifting community celebration. As the menorah’s lights shine across Randolph, they serve not only as a tribute to the miracle of Chanukah but as a beacon of hope, love, and unity for all.

Dover to Consider New Redevelopment Designations and Contract Increases at Upcoming Council Session

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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — The Mayor and Town Council will hold their regular meeting Tuesday, November 25, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Mayor James P. Dodd will open the session with the Sunshine Statement. An interpreter will be available, and attendees are asked to silence electronic devices.

Zoom
Meeting ID 813 0602 2784, Passcode 529541

Click here to download the agenda.

Key actions include:

Ordinances

  • First Reading: Ordinance 47-2025, adopting a redevelopment plan for Block 1804, Lot 13 on the Tax Map of Dover.

Resolutions

  • Bills List: Approval of $328,189.87 in municipal expenses.
  • Billiard Hall License Renewal: Celebrity Bar, 7 Perry Street.
  • Social Affair Permit: Casa Puerto Rico, Inc. for an event on December 31, 2025.
  • Contract Amendment: Increasing the Crossroads Paving Company contract for the Small Cities Roadway Improvement Project by $28,710.85.
  • Mortgage Discharge: Removing a rehabilitation loan mortgage for Dorothy J. McElwaine after full repayment.
  • Redeveloper Designations:
    • Designating West Morris OZF Property Development Company II, LLC as redeveloper for multiple parcels and authorizing the redevelopment agreement.
    • Designating JR Asset Builders, LLC as redeveloper for properties owned by Catherine & Curtis McAvall and Frank Varela, and authorizing the redevelopment agreement.

Video: Township of Hanover Committee Meeting – November 13, 2025

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Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER — Township of Hanover Committee Meeting – November 13, 2025.

Click here to download the agenda.

  • Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Mayor
  • Michael A. Mihalko, Deputy Mayor
  • Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman
  • John L. Ferramosca, Committeeman
  • Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman

Hanover Township to Host Festive “Hanukkah Hoopla” Celebration

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HANOVER — Families are invited to celebrate the joy and traditions of Hanukkah at the annual Hanukkah Hoopla, hosted by Hanover Township Recreation on Sunday, December 21, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center, 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.

This family-friendly program brings the community together for an afternoon filled with holiday spirit, cultural traditions, and hands-on activities for all ages.

One highlight of the event will be a community menorah lighting, and participants are encouraged to bring their own menorah. A limited number of extra menorahs will be available for those who need one.

Attendees can also look forward to a variety of festive activities, including:

Dancing
Latkes and donuts
Hanukkah gelt
Arts and crafts
Dreidel play

The event is free, but families must register in advance through Community Pass. Registration closes Friday, December 19, 2025.

To register, click here.

For more information, call 973-428-2463.

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