Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS PLAINS — A Morris Plains man has entered a guilty plea to driving while suspended, consuming alcohol in the vehicle, and other charges, according to Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray.
John Lafferty, 68, pled guilty to fourth-degree driving while suspended, no insurance, unregistered vehicle, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle on December 13 before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton.
Lafferty admitted to knowingly operating a motor vehicle during a period of license suspension for a second or subsequent DWI. He also admitted to consuming alcohol in the vehicle, Murray said.
Lafferty is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1.
Lafferty was represented by Matthew W. Young, Esq., and the State was represented by Special Deputy Attorney General and Acting Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse.
Ring Camera Captured the Tense Moments of an Attempted Break-In
MORRIS COUNTY — Two attempted burglaries occurred on Tuesday, December 19 at approximately 4:30 a.m. just off Route 287. The first was on Hillcrest Road, Mountain Lakes, and the second was on Hilltop Terrace, Parsippany.
It appears that three males, one carrying a crowbar, attempted to enter two separate homes, at least one of them occupied.
Both incidents were captured on Ring cameras.
Ring Camera Captured the Tense Moments of an Attempted Break-In
Editors Note: It was previously reported that the one address was Boonton Township when it was Mountain Lakes. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
As Chair of the Parsippany Troy-Hills Transparency Committee, it is my duty to inform the residents that on December 5, 2023, the Council voted 4-1 to agree to give a 42 million dollar tax break to subsidiaries of Avalon Bay Communities (AVB), a publicly traded company with a worth of 26 Billion dollars.
This and other proposed projects are a gross misuse of the PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) program.
They will deprive our schools and our children of hundreds of millions of tax dollars over the next 30 years. The PILOTs offered to the Avalon Bay Communities are not in the best interest of the community nor does it meet the intent or criteria for a PILOT plan to even be considered.
The information presented is available by going to the Parsippany home page and then clicking the transparency tab. 2 Other references are cited below.
I reviewed the financials reported for the 2 and 3 Campus Drive properties. They show that the developer will receive a $42 million tax break and the schools will lose $56 million in tax dollars over 30 years.
The current property pays School District 277, $130 per year and the municipal budget receives $122,771. This is currently warehouse space with NO students in the district. If the 410-unit apartment project is built and the current tax rate is applied, the annual school budget would increase to $1,574,029 per year. The municipal budget would increase to $697,307.
This may seem like a large increase, however, according to the Tax Payers Guide to Education, Parsippany pays $18.7 K per student. The $1.3 M increase would support the cost of 69 new students.
For comparison recent similar Parsippany projects “Modera, Watersedge, and Mountain Way are 200-unit, 30-unit, and 105-unit projects, respectively, and these three developments alone bring in at least 56 children to the district.” Using this real-world example, if 380 units bring 56 students, we can mathematically extrapolate that 410 units should bring in at least 60. The expected tax gains should cover the added students.
However, as you can see in the chart since the project is built with a PILOT, the annual school budget would have a zero increase. Not one penny to support the expected additional students.
The municipal budget, however, would increase to $1,140,006 (increasing $442,699) and the remaining $42 million would go back to the developer.
30 Year
School
Municipal
Open Space
Developer
County
No Polit
69104116
30613653
297863
0
10756148
Pilot
121666747
53091836
52443
42049032
3411722
So in a few flicks of a pen, the two signatories go from sharing 27.6% of the $110 million pie to 85.9% with no other affected parties present, consulted, or even considered. Six additional PILOTs are proposed, which would further cut the School district out of its fair share of taxes. This will devastate the school system for decades to come. Unlike the municipal budget, the school budget increases are capped at 2%. There will be no way for schools to hire more teachers, provide competitive wages, or support all of the current programs.
I was at the last School Board meeting and there have already been talks of holding classes in trailers, cutting programs, and leasing space from St. Christopher’s. Our school district has long been a draw for new residents, but the PILOT program is a poison pill that will erode what we have taken so long to build. This is without a doubt unethical, but is it right?
According to the town’s own website 4 “The redeveloper must evidence that but for the tax abatement, the project would not proceed as designed. Without the use of this tool, the project would not be economically feasible in its current form, yielding an inadequate rate of return. The redeveloper also benefits by having predictable, stable payments over a long-term period. This stability is often necessary for the redeveloper to be able to obtain bank financing for the project.”
The developers argued that inflation is up and interest and labor costs are high. Is that enough to claim that the project would not be financially feasible without the PILOT? In short, NO.
According to the SEC, Avalon Parsippany 3 Urban Renewal is one of hundreds of subsidiaries 5 across the country of AvalonBay communities.
According to the AVB 2022 financial statement 6: “At year-end 2022, these proceeds remained entirely available to us. In addition, we upsized our unsecured revolving credit facility to $2.25 billion from $1.75 billion and extended its term to 2026. At year-end, we had over $600 million in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet and had no amounts outstanding under our unsecured credit facility.”
The Mayor claimed that we have to give PILOTS or risk losing ratables 8 to surrounding towns the same time he is touting how we are one of the hottest housing markets in the nation 7. New developments fill quickly. With the rental prices of Avalon properties, there is no concern they will profit greatly with or without a PILOT.
He also claims we need to give PILOTS because it is a bad economy. With $600 M in cash and no outstanding debt, AVB can complete both 2 and 3 Campus Drive without even touching the $2.25 B of revolving credit already established and a hot housing market, there is no way they can pretend that the project could not proceed unless they received a tax abatement. The PILOT does impact the project in the least but does pad their sizable bottom line.
It perplexes me why the Mayor and 4 out of 5 council members, knowingly and willingly are sacrificing our children’s education over the next 30 years to line a developer’s pocket. Please shed light on this issue.
Share with your friends and family attend the upcoming Council meetings and have your voice heard.
Sincerely Nicholas Kumburis, MBA, CQA Transparency Committee Chair, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
1 “Parsippany In Lots of Trouble” quoted from Casey Parikh
Rauchberg Dental Group Celebrates Thanksgiving with Annual 'Give Back Day,' Providing Free Dental Services to the Community
PARSIPPANY — Two generations of Rauchberg dentists have celebrated Thanksgiving in their unique way by “giving back” with a day of free dental services.
Dr. Joel Rauchberg, retired founder of the practice, and son, Dr. Alan Rauchberg, started the tradition 12 years ago, out of gratitude for their patients and interest in helping their community. Last month, the dentists of Rauchberg Dental Group helped over 60 patients who lined up at 8:00 a.m. to receive free services at their Give Back Day, on the first Saturday in November: a choice of free cleaning, filling, or extraction. Dr. Alan knows that dental insurance is not always easy to come by, and works with his patients to make sure they get care. But on this particular day, he opens the doors to those who have no coverage and provides needed services, at no cost at all.
The day has become increasingly popular with locals and community groups and always brings a smile to the patients and staff alike. Rauchberg Dental offers many different services under one roof, including dentistry, periodontics, and orthodontics, and multiple doctors work in concert for the best patient care available. Their excellent staff looks forward to serving the public regularly, but especially at the next opportunity to GIVE BACK. Please contact them for more information, or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
To reach Rauchberg Dental Group call (973) 524-7048.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tim Abline Toy Drive has achieved remarkable success in collecting numerous toys and monetary contributions to assist families and children in need during this holiday season. Generous donations of over $5,000 were made by PBA 298, PBA 151, PBA SOA 298, and FOP 137 to support a family sponsored by Halos for Angels. These toys will be distributed to various organizations, including Table of Hope, Hope One clients, JBWS, and Deirdre’s House.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this year’s toy drive a tremendous success, as your generosity helps us support and strengthen our community!
Recently I received a letter in the mail from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Fire Commissioners District 1 stating in the next budget year they are seeking tax-payer approval to hire a full-time fire chief and several per-diem firefighters and officers to staff the district from the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In this letter, they stated that they need to urgently implement this plan due to an ever-increasing call volume as well as low volunteer turnout which is increasing response time. While I understand that both manpower and response time is critical to the protection of life and property in the district, I do not believe the commissioners have done a thorough job of explaining why this is needed now, and in such haste. In their letter they have provided no evidence to back the claims made, nor have they done a satisfactory job of explaining why this is needed so urgently. This letter does not even break down the number of calls the department receives during the Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. window nor what the current average volunteer manpower is per call or their response time.
Also, this letter does not say anything about any of the measures that the commissioners have taken to try and avoid this outcome. The Mount Tabor Fire Department is one of six fire districts in the town of Parsippany, with each district operating independently. In the past, other districts have relied on neighboring districts to help fulfill staffing when needed. Has the district looked into having another district assist them with calls? Additionally, what has the district done to try to increase recruitment? The website tells of an incentive program but does not go into any more detail than that.
Furthermore, this letter does a terrible job of explaining how they came to the $640,000 estimate that would be required for payroll and expenses. A quick Google search shows the average pay for a firefighter in New Jersey is $30 per hour. So, for 3 firefighters at 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year would be $280,800. Nearly half of the estimated budget and you still haven’t considered the officers and chief’s salary (which would undoubtedly be higher) as well as pension, benefits, insurance, training, PPE, and any other costs associated with having a paid staff. I believe this estimate to be deceptively low. Also, the commissioners do not explain in the letter how having a paid crew in a volunteer town would work. Would a paid crew respond to an area of the town covered by volunteers? Would a neighboring volunteer chief call for District 1 more because they know of the staffing? Or what about out-of-town calls? I don’t believe that would be fair to the residents who would pay for this staffing and have them not be available because they are covering for a volunteer crew.
Another thing is I don’t believe the current residents should have to shoulder the cost of this, at least the initial implementation if it is essential. I’m sure one of the arguments for hiring a paid crew is the amount of building happening in town right now. There have been more than a few articles about how Parsippany is using the PILOT program to develop new housing projects. Have the fire commissions been in contact with the Parsippany town council about collecting some sort of payment from those developers?
However, what this letter did attempt to do in my opinion is try to scare the residents into thinking that the volunteer members of the Mount Tabor Fire Department do not adequately protect them. Per the department’s website, they have 40+ active members, yet the commissions specifically chose to bold and italic the sentence telling you how a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. While that statement is true, it only truly pertains to a fire in perfect conditions, i.e. NOT in a home or building with the doors and windows shut. Including that line was nothing but a fear tactic. If the commissions were truly worried about the lives and property of the tax-paying residents of the district they would be explaining with supporting facts and figures about how they have tried other options and this is the only feasible solution, instead of trying to scare you.
The Board of Fire Commissioners is holding a meeting on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tarn Drive Fire House located at 909 Tabor Road. I would encourage the tax-paying residents of District 1 to attend that meeting and ask these questions of your elected officials to make sure you agree with what they plan to increase your taxes for.
Dover Middle School is located at 302 East McFarlan Street
DOVER — Dover Middle School has achieved an outstanding milestone, earning the prestigious title of a U.S. News Best Middle School by securing a position in the top 40% nationally.
With great joy and pride, we are excited to share the remarkable news of Dover Middle School’s recognition on both a national and metro area level in the U.S. News 2023-2024 Best Middle Schools rankings.
This honor is a testament to the unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment of our exceptional students, teachers, and the entire Dover community. Together, we continue to strive for educational excellence, ensuring that Dover Middle School remains a beacon of academic achievement.
To delve deeper into our rankings and explore our updated U.S. News profile, click here to visit the Dover Middle School U.S. News Profile.
A Memorable Family Affair: Sakshey, Mannat, Krish, Veena, and Charu Vij Visit Santa at Caffe Delhi on Sunday, December 17
MORRIS COUNTY — Once upon a time, on a chilly rainy Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere at Caffe Delhi was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Families and friends gathered in the cozy café, sipping on beverages and enjoying a delightful lunch. Little did they know that this Sunday, December 17th, would turn into a magical day they would remember for years to come.
Neeta and her grandkids Ryan and Shanaya sat with Santa.
As the clock ticked closer to noon time, whispers of a special guest began to circulate. It was no ordinary guest; it was none other than Santa Claus himself. The children’s faces lit up with joy as they eagerly awaited his arrival. Santa’s visit was always a highly anticipated event, and this year was no exception.
Children, their faces filled with excitement and wonder, lined up with their Christmas wishes in hand. Santa Claus sat in a grand chair, his rosy cheeks and hearty laugh captivating the hearts of all who approached him. He listened attentively as each child shared their dreams and desires, promising to make their wishes come true.
As a token of appreciation for sharing their Christmas spirit, Santa offered each child a precious gift—a candy cane and a free photo with the man of the season. The little ones beamed with joy as they posed with Santa, capturing a moment that would forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen with Veena Vij
As the parents savored the flavors of Indian cuisine at Caffe Delhi, the children were in for an extra treat. Casa D Pizza, a local pizzeria known for its mouthwatering pies, generously offered complimentary pizza to the young ones. The delicious aroma of hot, juicy pizza slices filled the air, making the kids’ taste buds dance with delight.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Lucia C Salon had something extra special in store for the children. As they left Santa’s magical corner, each child was treated to a touch of glamour—a free hair tinsel that sparkled in the sunlight, adding an extra sprinkle of enchantment to their day.
A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town.
Shanaya, with her eyes sparkling like stars, approached Lucia and Caroline from Lucia C Salon with a sense of excitement that only a child can exude. The salon, known for its warmth and generosity, had a special treat in store for all the little ones that day—free hair tinsel for a touch of holiday magic.
MORRIS COUNTY — On a fateful day in July 2023, the life of Jim Schicke and his family took an unexpected turn. Jim, a loving father, husband, and beloved figure in his community, had been enduring excruciating headaches, leading him to check himself into the ER. Little did he know that this visit would be the start of a challenging journey.
After undergoing numerous tests and a harrowing MRI scan, the medical team revealed devastating news – Jim had five tumors in his brain, one of them as large as a lemon. The battle was about to begin.
Just two days after the shocking diagnosis, Jim faced his first brain surgery, aimed at removing the largest tumor. The skilled surgeon managed to eliminate most of the mass, providing a glimmer of hope to Jim and his family. A sample of the remaining tumors was sent to a pathology lab, revealing a heart-wrenching truth: Jim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and formidable brain cancer.
Glioblastoma, often referred to as GBM is notorious for its poor prognosis. It is a relentless adversary, testing the strength and resilience of those who confront it. Jim’s family, however, was determined to view this diagnosis as a detour, not the end of the road. They rallied behind him, standing strong in the face of adversity.
Jim, described by those who know him as funny, outgoing, caring, passionate, and honest, possesses a radiant soul that lights up every room. He is a pillar of strength for his family and a cherished friend to all. Even in this battle, Jim’s positivity, courage, and determination remained unshaken.
After his first surgery, Jim faced a new reality – the loss of his left peripheral vision and the inability to drive. For many, this would have been a major setback, but not for Jim. His unwavering spirit continued to shine brightly. Just before commencing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, his debilitating headaches returned, and he lost his ability to walk.
A second brain surgery became imperative, and on August 9th, 2023, Jim underwent another challenging operation. This time, the surgery left him with limited sensation on the left side of his body. Determined to regain his independence, Jim embarked on a journey of recovery at Kessler Rehabilitation, where he learned to perform essential daily tasks once again.
Six weeks of grueling chemotherapy and radiation followed, but through it all, Jim’s smile persisted. He was enveloped by a sea of love, support, and positivity from family and friends, providing much-needed strength.
Despite their efforts and the clinical trial, the tumors continued to grow, leading to a decline in Jim’s condition. Mobility became a challenge, and he could no longer sit up, walk, eat, or speak. In the quest for a better outcome, the family sought alternative treatments.
Currently, Jim is undergoing new treatments, Avastin and Optune, at a CareOne Rehab facility. The family maintains optimism that these treatments will offer Jim more precious time.
Jim’s family, including his wife Nancy and children Jimmy, Jake, and Jessica, has been his primary source of care and support. They are now preparing to bring Jim home, where he can be surrounded by love as he continues his battle.
Jim, a retired Police Officer with over 20 years of service, dedicated his life to helping others without seeking recognition. Now, his family is seeking help to give him the best fighting chance. The financial burdens of Jim’s treatment and at-home care are overwhelming.
They are reaching out to the community, asking for support to cover the costs of Jim’s care, therapy, and daily needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a significant step toward helping Jim in his fight against Glioblastoma.
This is a battle that no one should face alone. Jim’s family remains steadfast in their support, ready to face the challenges ahead with love and determination. They humbly request your assistance in this fight, knowing that together, they can make a profound difference.
As Jim’s journey continues, your positive energy, thoughts, well-wishes, and prayers are cherished and appreciated. The Schicke family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.
Thank you for standing with them as they strive to bring Jim home, where they can be together as a family while he continues his courageous fight.
DOVER — The Dover Board of Education Meeting will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, December 19, at Dover High School Cafeteria, 100 Grace Street, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Part of the agenda will include continued discussion of 7 North Sussex Street (Newberry/Richards Bldg) for possible lease for educational use.
There will be two public comment portions of the meeting, one for agenda items only and one unrestricted portion. For this meeting, the second public comment portion of the meeting will be for participation by those attending in-person as well as those watching remotely on the live stream.
For those who wish to provide public comment remotely, a Google Form will be posted on the Board of Education website when the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
Remote comments will be read by a member of the Board of Education during the second public comment portion of the agenda. The Board of Education will alternate between in-person and online comments.
