PARSIPPANY — The Littleton Elementary Winter Concert of 2023 proved to be a truly enchanting and memorable occasion for students, parents, and the entire community. This eagerly awaited event showcased the remarkable musical talents of the school’s students, who had been diligently rehearsing for weeks leading up to the performance.
The program featured a diverse array of musical numbers, from traditional holiday classics to modern compositions, highlighting the students’ versatility and dedication to their craft.
The audience was treated to soul-stirring solos, harmonious choirs, and captivating instrumental performances that left a lasting impression. It was a heartwarming celebration of music and talent, bringing the community together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season.
MORRIS COUNTY — A heartfelt memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, December 19, to bid farewell to Roxbury resident Lara Emanuele, a dedicated third-grade teacher in the Morristown school district. Emanuele, who went missing in early June, was tragically found deceased in a wooded area off Howard Boulevard in November.
At the age of 46, Lara Emanuele had been an educator for 25 years, having previously worked in the Hackettstown School District and the Morris School District before joining Alexander Hamilton Elementary School in Morristown. The memorial mass in her honor will take place at Assumption Church and Community Center, 91 Maple Avenue in Morristown.
The event will begin with a gathering for friends and family from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by the memorial mass.
In lieu of flowers, the Emanuele family requests that memorial donations be directed to New Jersey Search and Rescue, Inc. at 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430.
Lara Emanuele was first reported missing on June 7 when she did not return home from work. Morris School District Superintendent of Schools, Anne Mucci, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Mrs. Emanuele was a cherished member of our school family, known for her dedication, kindness, and passion for education. Her impact on the lives of her students and colleagues was immeasurable, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.”
Emanuele’s remains were discovered on November 19, thanks to the efforts of a K9 tracking team that had been tirelessly searching for her. Although the cause and manner of her death remained undetermined, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll stated that there was no evidence to suggest foul play. He further explained, “I realize her disappearance has also generated rumors on social media that foul play was involved. While a thorough investigation continues into her death, at this time, evidence points to Emanuele having taken her own life. This was a determination that could not have been made before the recovery of her body.”
MORRIS COUNTY — An extraordinary event unfolded within the confines of the Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) facility – Winter Bash 2023, on December 9 and December 10. Despite the storm outside, the weather provided the ideal setting for youngsters aged 6-14 to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of indoor cricket, a pursuit not just for physical activity but a transformative experience fostering character, camaraderie, and lifelong lessons.
Twenty-four players, spanning diverse age groups, were strategically organized into four teams, setting the stage for a two-day extravaganza of competitive cricket. The tournament, consisting of limited-overs league matches, became a showcase of talent, tenacity, and teamwork. Each game, a microcosm of excitement, unfolded with suspense and thrill, keeping participants and spectators alike on the edge of their seats until the final bowl was hurled.
As the league matches concluded, the top two teams emerged to engage in a battle of skills for the Winter Bash 2023 trophy. The most competitive team, undoubtedly, claimed the title, while teams in the 3rd and 4th positions fought spiritedly for their place in the rankings. The captains and players of each team were not merely participants; they were heroes, recognized and awarded for their stellar performances, adding an extra layer of celebration to the tournament.
Cricket, more than just a sport, demonstrated its multifaceted benefits during Winter Bash 2023. With billions of followers globally, the sport has become a powerful catalyst for promoting physical health, enhancing cognitive abilities, and instilling values crucial for character building. The recent announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 further solidifies its standing as one of the fastest-emerging sports in the USA.
At the helm of nurturing cricketing talent is ICUSA, a decades-old cricket organization founded and led by the passionate Coach Lalta Perusad. Far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, Coach Lalta and ICUSA contribute significantly to the holistic development of young individuals aged 6-16. The organization is not merely about winning championships; it’s about equipping the youth with cricket skills that seamlessly translate into life skills, aiding them in overcoming the challenges that life throws their way.
Moreover, ICUSA continues to be a beacon of cricket development, offering ongoing upskilling programs and organizing a myriad of tournaments, both indoor and outdoor. This commitment ensures that the flame ignited by Winter Bash 2023 will continue to burn bright, illuminating the path for aspiring cricketers and contributing to the growth of the sport within the community as well as in the nation.
Winter Bash 2023 became a sanctuary of joy, passion, and triumph. Cricket, the sport of resilience, echoed within the walls of the Indoor Cricket facility, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the young participants. With ICUSA and Coach Lalta leading the charge, the legacy of Winter Bash 2023 extends far beyond the tournament, promising a generation of individuals enriched with the values and skills to conquer the storms of life with the same vigor they displayed on the cricket field.
Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) is located at 9 Whippany Road, Whippany.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to view the magazine.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has been named one of the 150 “Hottest Real Estate Markets” in the nation by Realtor.com for November. Parsippany is among 23 New Jersey towns making the list. This ranking highlights Parsippany’s continued growth, compelling amenities, and increasing demand as an attractive destination for residential homebuyers and investors alike.
Parsippany is situated in Northern New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of Manhattan, making it a popular destination for commuters. It offers convenient access to major highways and various public transportation options. With a vast array of housing available, from single-family homes to apartments along with an active Senior Center, Parsippany accommodates various lifestyles as well. The education provided by the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is well-regarded and students and residents alike can enjoy the many outdoor spaces and recreational areas. The events and festivals that Parsippany hosts throughout the year further cement its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and fostering a strong sense of community for its diverse population.
“We are thrilled to see Parsippany gaining recognition on a national level for its real estate market,” said Mayor James R. Barberio. “Our community has worked diligently to create an environment that fosters growth and prosperity, and this acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our residents, businesses, and local government.”
PARSIPPANY — With a unanimous 7-0 vote (with 2 members absent), the Parsippany Board of Education has officially voiced its opposition to Mayor James Barberio’s PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) incentive program for residential developments.
The Resolution outlines several key objections, chief among them being the failure of PILOT agreements to consider their impact on the school district. Additionally, it highlights the Board’s contention that they are not entitled to receive any portion of the PILOT funds or any additional tax revenue resulting from the program.
The latest PILOT agreements approved by the Township Council include developments known as 2 and 3 Campus Drive and were passed in a manner that does not account for the impact of the PILOT agreements upon the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District.
The Board also directed the Communications Committee to develop and publish a statement relative to the impact of the expected increase in students from continued residential development on the Board’s policy. on class size, a decrease in funding for sports and extracurricular activities and the District’s music program, and the historical data from prior residential developments.
Plato's Closet is located in the Ledgewood Plaza, 1029 Route 46, Ledgewood.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Investigations Robert McNally, and Chief Dean Adone of the Roxbury Township Police Department confirmed that Nicholas Zirpoli, 35, Lincoln Park, has been charged with nine counts of Invasion of Privacy, a crime of the third degree, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9b(1), and one count of Tampering with Evidence, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-6(a)(1).
Zirpoli is the owner and operator of Plato’s Closet, a clothing retail store in Roxbury Township. On or about February 26, 2023, Zirpoli is alleged to have used a device to video record several male and female employees utilizing the restroom at Plato’s Closet and then destroying evidence related to these acts.
The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility upon his arrest pending a first appearance. He was subsequently released on pre-trial monitoring conditions on December 13, in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Members of the Roxbury Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit participated in the investigation leading to Zirpoli’s arrest.
Anyone with information relating to this or any related incident is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Roxbury Township Police Department at (973) 448-2100.
Plato’s Closet® is a franchise and the owner is not affiliated with other franchised locations. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On Wednesday, December 13, an estimated 150 Parsippany residents gathered at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library to learn more about the inevitable disastrous impact the recently passed PILOTs are going to have on the town, its citizens, and most importantly its future.
Conspicuous by their failure to also attend and share the reasons why they plan to support the passage of even more PILOTs at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, December 19th was Mayor Barberio and his four rubber stamp Council members (DePierro, Gragnatti, Carifi, and Neglia).
Why a total disconnect between Parsippany residents and Mayor Barberio and the four Council members and why won’t the above-noted elected Parsippany officials listen to the pleas of their constituents for more information and for more time to review that information?
The answer is obvious. The Mayor must believe that Parsippany residents are dumb and docile and as such would never summon the energy to challenge him and John Inglesino in their year-end push to befriend and reward the deep-pocketed and self-serving developers frothing at the bit to build and profit from being located in Parsippany.
Well, Mayor, you are as wrong as can be as the articulate, intelligent, informed, and very angry Parsippany residents so clearly demonstrated. You were wrong to underestimate them and you were wrong to put your friendship with Mr. Inglesino and the developers he represents ahead of your responsibility to serve Parsippany. Shame on you and shame on the four Council members who, like you, also doubted and then betrayed the residents of Parsippany.
I am writing to urge my fellow residents to attend Tuesday’s December 19th, 7:00 p.m. meeting at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Mayor Barberio and 4 of the 5 Council Members have been pushing to quickly provide generous 30-year tax breaks for the redevelopment of 6 Sylvan Way and 7 Campus Drive. Plans are for a 240 luxury unit apartment building, a Lifetime Fitness gym, and a warehouse. These proposals will have the township lose tens of millions of dollars critical to funding essential township services (fire and ambulance) our schools, and infrastructure needs (water and sewer). Three such sites were already voted on at the December 5th Council Meeting – these are an additional three sites.
I attended Councilman Musella’s town hall this week and the panel of experts there clearly made the case that these PILOT programs are not necessary. It is absurd for the Mayor and attorney John Inglesino to undersell the value of redeveloping in Parsippany. These programs will have us taxpayers footing the bill and lining the pockets of multi-million dollar developers. The residents must have their voices heard on matters that impact us directly. I have been a resident in Parsippany since 1968 and I believe the proposed tax breaks for developers will significantly diminish the quality of education our children receive along with our home values.
You have an opportunity this Tuesday to make a difference. You can let the Mayor and Council know that this town is not for sale to John Inglesino and his developer friends. I encourage you to prepare a brief statement expressing your thoughts on the proposed tax breaks. Your input is valuable to stopping these catastrophic policies.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library meeting room was packed with over 150 residents, on Wednesday, December 13, eager to learn more about the Parsippany's current PILOT
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library meeting room was packed with over 150 residents, on Wednesday, December 13, eager to learn more about the Parsippany’s current PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) projects.
The Town Hall meeting was organized by Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella and included Ken Kaplan from KenKap Realty, Parsippany Board of Ed member-elect Andy Choffo, and Park Ridge Council President William Fenwick.
The Town Hall meeting was organized by Musella and included Ken Kaplan from KenKap Realty, Musella, Parsippany Board of Ed member-elect Andy Choffo, and Park Ridge Council President William Fenwick (not pictured)
Councilman Justin Musella announced three additional PILOT projects would be voted on during the Township Council meeting on Tuesday, December 19. He encouraged everyone present at the Town Hall meeting to attend and voice their concerns. The PILOT projects include 7 Campus Drive and 6 Sylvan Way. 7 Campus Drive is a vacant office building to be demolished to make room for a warehouse; 6 Sylvan Way, the former corporate headquarters of Avis Rent-A-Car, will be demolished to make room for a Lifetime Fitness and 240 multi-family housing units.
It’s worth noting that at the December 5 Council meeting, Musella was the sole dissenting vote against three PILOT incentive projects.
•The first PILOT plan approved was for 249 Pomery Road. The property consists of an outdated former printing plant to be demolished to make room for a warehouse. On October 17, 2023, the Township Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023:21 as an area in need of redevelopment; Click here to download the PILOT financial agreement. •The second PILOT plan approved was for 2 Campus Drive. On September 26, 2023, the Township Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023:23 and a redevelopment plan for a portion of the Property entitled “2 & 3 Campus Redevelopment Plan;” Click here to download the PILOT financial agreement. •The third PILOT plan approved was for 3 Campus Drive. Avalon Bay will build multi-family houses. Click here to download the PILOT financial agreement.
Avalon Bay will build approximately 430 multi-family apartments with an Affordable Housing Component at 2 and 3 Campus Drive.
Choffo spoke on the impact of PILOTs on the school district. Under the PILOT program, the fees are divided, with 95% allocated to the municipality, 5% to the county, and none directed toward the school district.
Kaplan presented a contrasting view, holding up a picture of a dilapidated, graffiti-covered building that was boarded up.
Kaplan presented a contrasting view, holding up a picture of a dilapidated, graffiti-covered building that was boarded up. He argued that this is what PILOT projects were designed for, and the buildings in Parsippany do not resemble such conditions. He emphasized that the warehouse market was thriving with high rents, and Parsippany’s proximity to major highways (Routes 287, 80, 10, 46, 202, 280) already made it an attractive location without the need for additional incentives. Kaplan dismissed the Mayor’s claims that developers would walk away as baseless.
Park Ridge Council President William Fenwick. He was elected to office because of a PILOT
Fenwick shared Park Ridge’s experience with PILOTs, highlighting the lack of public understanding and unmet revenue promises. In Park Ridge, a mixed-use PILOT project initially promised $700K in revenue but eventually delivered only $400K, with vacant spaces due to high rental prices. Fenwick also stated, “I was elected because of PILOTS.”
Musella voiced his opposition to PILOTs and their impact on residents, offering financial documents related to recent PILOTs for 2 and 3 Campus Drive for attendees to review.
Following the initial presentations, members of the audience were invited to the microphone to ask questions and express their views. Some residents expressed concerns about John Inglesino’s role as an attorney for the developers while also serving as one of the town’s attorneys, questioning whether this posed a conflict of interest.
Parsippany Resident Thomas Williams asked “Why is the Mayor and other Council members in favor of the PILOT? What do they see to justify these approvals?”
Dennis Letts
Dennis Letts directed his statement directly to the Mayor. “You have time to go on 101.5 every day this week slamming Councilman Musella but you don’t take time to listen to residents or host a meeting to explain your position.”
Ines Proust, another resident, inquired about the process of recalling Mayor Barberio.
Ines Proust, another resident, inquired about the process of recalling Mayor Barberio. Park Ridge Council President Fenwick explained that it wouldn’t be an easy process and mentioned that the Park Ridge Mayor had resigned amid a recall attempt.
You can watch the meeting on Facebook by clicking here.
