MORRIS COUNTY — The Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation has started mailing applications for the 2023 Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement program. This year’s program has significantly expanded, with the income eligibility limit substantially increasing and residency requirements simplified for new applicants.
The Senior Freeze program aims to reimburse qualifying seniors and disabled residents for rises in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residences.
Legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Phil Murphy as part of the Governor’s FY23 budget proposal has widened the program’s scope. This includes increasing the income limit to $150,000 (previously $99,735 for 2022) and eliminating the 10-year New Jersey residency requirement.
Applications for the 2023 program must be filed by October 31, 2024.
State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio stated, “With Senior Freeze, senior and disabled residents can choose to stay in the communities they call home without worrying about annual property tax increases. This program makes it easier for many seniors living on a fixed income to remain close to their families and friends.”
The Senior Freeze program establishes a base year of eligibility and “freezing” property taxes at that level. The difference is refunded annually by the State.
To qualify, taxpayers must meet specific requirements, including being 65 or older by December 31, 2022, owning and living in their home, and meeting income criteria.
Applications will be mailed to eligible taxpayers’ last known addresses. Those who do not receive a booklet by March 15 should contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Information Line.
Furthermore, residents can apply online through a direct online filing service introduced by the Treasury in 2023.
Treasurer Muoio encourages residents to explore other property tax relief programs available in New Jersey.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, and Morris Plains Police Chief and Morris County Police Chief’s Association President Michael Koroski remind residents always to secure their homes and vehicles.
Coordinated law enforcement efforts have shown great promise, as auto theft in Morris County decreased 27.8% countywide last year compared to the year before, and continued vigilance by our citizens will reduce theft opportunities presented by unsecured homes and vehicles. This contrasts with New Jersey statistics, demonstrating an increased number of stolen vehicles statewide.
The decrease is due in part to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Trends and Analysis Team (MCSTAT), Morris County Auto Theft Task Force, and our municipal departments remaining focused on combating the trend of organized thieves stealing unlocked vehicles or key fobs in unsecured homes. Some municipal departments dedicate officers voluntarily to the Auto Theft Task Force. These agencies work collaboratively with the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force to target organized criminal auto theft activity.
Motor Vehicle Thefts
Morris County
New Jersey
2020
269
11,785
2021
240
14,416
2022
273
15,816
2023
197
16,605
However, it is important to note that criminals are entering unlocked cars or homes or breaking into residences in search of key fobs and other valuables, escalating the danger of confrontation with homeowners.
These criminal enterprises operate in a coordinated fashion utilizing “drop cars,” where multiple members are deployed in a neighborhood simultaneously. They canvas for unlocked doors and target luxury brand models. Over the past year, Morris County has seen thieves strike most frequently on weekdays, often during the overnight hours. Hotspot municipalities in the county include Parsippany, Morris Township, Montville, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, and Randolph.
Residents are asked to be mindful when safeguarding their homes and vehicles:
Ensure all doors, including interior garage doors and windows, are locked.
Do not leave key fobs in cars, especially since they can be used to access homes.
Remove delivered packages from porches and in front of your residence quickly.
Park luxury cars in the garage whenever possible, even during the day.
Lock vehicles when not in use.
Keep the exterior of your residence well-lit.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Steering wheel security devices are recommended.
Review home surveillance recordings regularly and share footage of suspicious activity with local law enforcement.
In recent years, Morris County law enforcement leaders have supported proposed federal and state legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Auto theft is a statewide problem we are approaching with a regional strategy in Morris County through coordination, intelligence-sharing, technology, and public awareness. Law enforcement is seeing networks operating in Morris County that employ the use of juveniles to enter cars and homes, knowing criminal penalties are less strict than those for adult defendants. Our goal is to break the chain of conduct being exhibited by juvenile offenders, leading them away from the path of becoming career criminals as adults. At the same time, the MCPO aims to prosecute adult defendants to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that members of these networks pose a risk of reoffence. One such strategy is to petition the court to grant pretrial detention, when appropriate under the Bail Reform Law, which could disrupt their operation. Our federal law enforcement partners have also conveyed that they are targeting the financial incentives that are the driving force behind these vehicle thefts.
I recognize that discovering an intruder in your home is a frightening situation. For your safety, I ask that residents not confront suspected home intruders. Instead, contact your local police immediately.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Our efforts are working due to partnerships between our residents and the police. Educating our citizens, proactive, diligent police patrols, and good intelligence-driven detective work are making a difference, but more must be done. Criminals are becoming more aggressive and dangerous. The safety of our residents is of paramount importance. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office will continue to take care of our duties and responsibilities while collaborating with our law enforcement partners.”
Chief President Koroski said, “The decrease in auto thefts in Morris County is a testament to the work of our municipal law enforcement patrol officers and detectives. The importance of the partnerships in Morris County, led by Prosecutor Carroll, Sheriff Gannon, and the membership of the Morris County Chiefs Association, cannot be understated. Residents can count themselves among that partnership by locking their vehicles and homes and reporting suspicious activity, without delay, to 911.”
MORRIS COUNTY — U.S. Army veteran Toby Anderson has dropped his bid to challenge Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) in New Jersey’s 11th district, one week after he filed to compete for the organization line at the Morris County Republican convention.
The move leaves Joseph Belnome, a Belleville building inspector, unopposed to run as the organization candidate in Morris County. Morris made up 73.5% of the vote in the 2022 GOP House primary in NJ-11.
“I wish him well and hope to get his support. He’s an America First candidate like I am,” Belnome said. “He was always going to have my support if he won.”
Joseph Belnome pictured with Boonton Township resident Chris Ilic.
Anderson and Belnome were present on Monday, February 11, at a fundraiser held at Rockaway Barn Restaurant by Morris County Republicans.
Belnome may face Raafat Barsoom in the GOP primary to take on Sherrill.
This would be Barsoom’s fourth bid for public office: he won 18% of the vote against State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) in 2013; 11% in the Republican primary for Congress in the 7th district against Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton Township) in 2018; and 11% against Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) in NJ-7 two years ago.
Belnome, a former union bricklayer, was the GOP candidate for State Senate in the 34th district last year; he won 24% against the winner, Democrat Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange).
The Morris County towns serving in the 11th Congressional District include Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Township (part; also 7th), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph Township, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, and Victory Gardens.
The discovery of the illegal chop shop has local residents and authorities on edge as officers continue to investigate the operation.
FAIRFIELD — Fairfield Police have recently apprehended a second Yonkers individual in connection with an alleged Fairfield chop shop enterprise. (Click here to read a related story)
On Tuesday, January 30, law enforcement executed a raid at Veracity Stone Fabricators, located at 23 Daniel Road in Fairfield, prompted by a tip from a cleaning staff member. Substantial evidence of illicit activity, including stolen and dismantled vehicles, was discovered. Stacy Chiarolanza, the public information officer for the Fairfield Police Department, described the scene, noting several car shells in the parking lot covered with tarps and another vehicle inside the building stripped down entirely.
Further investigation by Fairfield police detectives allegedly resulted in the discovery of a second, chopped-up vehicle, which was a 2016 grey Honda CRV, inside of the building.
The seized vehicles, all Honda CRVs, were in the process of being disassembled for illicit sale. Many had their Vehicle Identification Numbers tampered with, indicating efforts to obscure their stolen origins. At least two vehicles had been reported stolen from New York State.
The raid resulted in the immediate arrest of three individuals near the property. Among them was 37-year-old Yonkers resident Edison Cuevas, suspected of playing a significant role, particularly in the vehicle dismantling activities on January 29. Cuevas is currently detained at Essex County jail, facing charges of receiving stolen motor vehicles, operating a facility to sell stolen automobile parts, and conspiracy to operate such a facility, pending his court appearance.
In a separate incident, authorities announced the arrest of another Yonkers resident, Virelsa Guzman, for his alleged involvement in the chop shop operation. Guzman, currently held at Essex County jail awaiting trial, is accused of overseeing the illegal enterprise and car theft, facing similar charges as Cuevas.
The discovery of the illicit chop shop has rattled residents and authorities, with ongoing investigations delving into the extent of the operation and potential links to a broader network. Fairfield Police Officer Chiarolanza expressed concern about the case’s magnitude, suggesting that the investigation only scratches the surface of a potentially larger issue, stating, “This could be big. I don’t know how big it could be, but we’re only at the tip of the iceberg.”
MORRIS COUNTY — IHOP, also known as the International House of Pancakes, has revealed that it will provide three free buttermilk pancakes per guest on Tuesday, February 13, at select locations from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for patrons who choose to dine in.
IHOP is launching this promotion alongside its new Stacking Up Joy program, a month-long initiative to aid individuals facing food insecurity. As part of this program, IHOP has teamed up with Feeding America for a “Month of Giving,” allowing guests to contribute additional funds to their checks while dining in or placing online orders.
“Millions of people are striving every day to provide for themselves and their families, yet nearly 1 in 7 individuals in the U.S. struggle to access the food they need to thrive,” stated Lauren Biedron, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “Addressing food insecurity requires collaborative efforts, and we are delighted to have partners like IHOP join us in the fight to end hunger—to directly support our communities and nourish futures.”
While no purchase is necessary for the free pancakes, a $1 donation is encouraged at IHOP locations in New York and New Jersey, according to the IHOP website.
This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6. Notice of the meeting was sent to the Daily Record and Star-Ledger on January 2, 2024, and published in the Record and Ledger on January 5, 2024. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building.” These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting and were sent in sufficient time for the publications to publish them.
The Town of Dover highly values the input of residents in making important decisions that affect the residents of our community. We also believe in the rights of residents to observe Governing Body Meetings. To ensure that all of our residents have the opportunity to offer comments, each statement/comment shall be held to a time of five minutes.
Mayor James Dodd (December 31, 2027)
Claudia P. Toro Council Member – First Ward (December 31, 2025)
Sandra Wittner Council Member – First Ward (December 31, 2024)
Sergio Rodriguez Council Member – Second Ward (December 31, 2025)
Geovani Estacio Council Member – Second Ward (December 31, 2024)
Michael Scarneo Council Member – Third Ward (December 31, 2025)
Karol Ruiz Council Member – Third Ward (December 31, 2024)
Arturo Santana Council Member – Fourth Ward (December 31, 2025)
Marcos Tapia Council Member – Fourth Ward (December 31, 2024)
Marching Band Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Dover High School!
DOVER — The Marching Band Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, hosted at Dover High School on Saturday, February 10, garnered significant praise.
Numerous local residents gathered to support the Dover Band Boosters and enjoy an evening of entertainment, featuring a delicious spread prepared by our skilled band students. Attendees were treated to a delectable spaghetti dinner with meatballs, salad, bread, and a delightful dessert.
The event occurred at Dover Public High School, 100 Grace Street. Tickets were available for $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Hope One van will visit multiple locations throughout Morris County in February.
Tuesday, February 13 – Morris County Police Academy 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 13 – Parsippany High School 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 14 – Pleasant View Village in Rockaway 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 15 – Pequannock Library; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 16 – Betsy Ross Diner in Jefferson; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 20 – Homeless Outreach Mission
Wednesday, February 21 – Mount Arlington Library; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 22 – County College of Morris; 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 23 – Church of Nazarene in Butler; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, February 26 – Trinity Soup Kitchen in Dover; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 27 – Calais School in Whippany; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 28 – Morristown Green in Morristown; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 29 – Broadway in Denville; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The HOPE ONE mobile recovery access vehicle offers vital support to individuals grappling with addiction, striving to prevent drug overdoses and fatalities and deliver essential mental health services.
Operating four times weekly, HOPE ONE navigates diverse locations across Morris County, reaching out to those in need. Staffed by a Sheriff’s officer, licensed mental health professional, and certified peer recovery specialist, each equipped with profound insights into addiction challenges, the vehicle streamlines access to services and provides Narcan training.
Previously employed in police tactical operations, the HOPE ONE vehicle is now a mobile recovery access unit. With trained personnel onboard, it furnishes individuals with resources on rehabilitation, detoxification, mental health assistance, and recovery services. Clad in protective masks and gear, the team also offers complimentary Narcan training, bolstering overdose prevention efforts.
Emblazoned with a purple ribbon symbolizing recovery, the van epitomizes a distinctive collaboration between law enforcement and social services, uniting to combat drug-related overdoses and fatalities effectively.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — On February 10, 2024, at approximately 3:12 a.m., the Mountain Lakes Police Department was notified that the Boonton Police Department was involved in a motor vehicle pursuit.
After Police terminated the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Route 80 in Parsippany.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene following the accident. Mountain Lakes Officers soon found the driver on Parsippany Boulevard in Parsippany, where he was taken into custody shortly after.
The driver was later identified as an 18-year-old male from Bloomfield. A subsequent investigation revealed that the vehicle had recently been taken without the owner’s consent, and a handgun was found inside. Three suspects were placed under arrest and transported to the hospital for injuries.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the MCCC and Economic Development Committee.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers gave a “State of the County” address at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s 103rd Annual Meeting yesterday, which drew about 500 attendees.
Director Myers recapped some of Morris County’s 2023 highlights, including the county earning a Triple-A bond rating for the 48th year, before shifting focus to the main subject of her message: the growing need for volunteerism in Morris County.
“Over the last few years, we have seen a significant loss in the number of volunteers, which continues to decline. At some point, it won’t matter that we have a strong county government, because we are only the infrastructure, you are the heart. We need your help to turn this around,” said Commissioner Director Myers.
“This isn’t about companies doing a day of service. That is wonderful, but then you wait until next year. This is about adopting a mindset of service to others,” Myers added, noting that as a former telecommunications executive, she knows how busy work and life can be for us all.
The Chamber luncheon was held at the Hanover Marriot Hotel in Whippany to celebrate the success of individuals and businesses throughout the county.
Highlights of the Morris County Chamber 103rd Annual Meeting
The keynote speaker was Dr. Thierry Klein, president of Bell Labs Solutions Research, Nokia Bell Labs, who focused on some of the groundbreaking work Nokia Bell Labs is doing to build connectivity, security, and efficiency in an ever-evolving digital world. Klein leads a global multi-disciplinary team researching advanced sensing technologies, AI-based knowledge systems and machine learning, autonomous software, physical-digital fusion, and dynamic digital twins.
In 2010, he was voted “Technologist of the Year” at the Total Telecom World Vendor Awards and received the 2016 Industrial Innovation award from the IEEE Communications Society.
Carole Rogers, founder of nonprofit Impact 100’s Garden State chapter, was honored with the Saint Clare’s Health William P. Huber Award for Outstanding Community Leadership. The award recognizes a person who displayed outstanding leadership to benefit the community during the previous year.
Founded in 2013, Impact 100 Garden State was inspired by a growing national trend in women’s collective giving, a model that enables the nonprofit to combine the donations of many women to award grants to local nonprofits. Rogers’s other recently launched nonprofit, SparkNJ, raises funds to provide financial support for Black-led charitable, community, and civic organizations in northern New Jersey.
Volunteerism a Major Focus at Chamber Luncheon
In her remarks, Director Myers emphasized that volunteerism does not need to be a major investment of one’s time and resources but instead inherent in the little acts we can do daily. Service-oriented people make better leaders, better team players, and better business partners who are happier, healthier, and more productive.
Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers presents the State of the County address.
Myers said 2026 will offer an important opportunity for people to volunteer as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. She invited the community to participate in planning the events and activities that will make Morris County’s celebrations special. According to Myers, it’s an opportunity to coalesce around our shared American heritage.
For more information on how you can participate in Morris County’s 250th Anniversary, contact [email protected]. A planning committee is currently being organized through the Morris County Economic Development Alliance.
State of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce
Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the MCCC and Economic Development Committee, delivered a “State of the Chamber” address, thanking all the sponsors, local businesses, and community leaders who impact Morris County.
“In 2023, we had 792 members, 156 new members, and we kept our pace of holding 250 events, meetings, seminars, dinners, masterminds and roundtables, committee meetings, and networking events in person, virtual, and hybrid. The Morris Chamber is truly a regional chamber. We are proud to include businesses within the north-central region of New Jersey and beyond,” said Hunscher, encouraging guests to spread the word to anyone who can benefit from a membership.
She invited MCCC Board Advisory Chair Deirdre Wheatley-Liss, a principal of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, who spoke on the significance of the three pillars of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan for the Chamber: Innovation, Growth, and Community.
