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Boonton Man Charged with DWI After Crash on Brooklawn Drive

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

PARSIPPANY — A Boonton man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after a crash on Brooklawn Drive on Saturday, June 20 in which he registered a blood alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit.

Cory D. Herbert, 34, was taken into custody at approximately 10:33 p.m. after officers responded to a motor vehicle crash on Brooklawn Drive.

According to police, Daniel Beisswenger was backing into his driveway on Brooklawn Drive when Herbert’s vehicle struck the rear right bumper and taillight of Beisswenger’s car. Investigators determined that Herbert had been driving in the oncoming lane of travel at the time of the collision. While speaking with the parties involved, an officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Herbert and requested a fellow officer respond to conduct standardized field sobriety tests.

Herbert was placed under arrest and transported to the Denville Township Police Department to use its breath testing equipment, as the equipment at Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department headquarters was out of service. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Herbert told officers he had his last drink between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and had consumed three to four shots of vodka over the course of the night. He submitted to a breath test, which registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.221 percent.

Herbert was returned to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department headquarters to be processed and was cited with the following offenses:

  • Driving while intoxicated (39:4-50)
  • Reckless driving (39:4-96)

Herbert was later transported to Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital. His vehicle, a silver 2017 Buick station wagon, was impounded by Ron and Sons Towing.

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Boonton Businesses Rally for “A Quest for Ellie” First Friday Fundraiser

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — More than a dozen downtown businesses will come together this Friday for “A Quest for Ellie,” a First Friday fundraiser aimed at helping local child Ellie Cooper and her family purchase a wheelchair-accessible van.

The event, organized by Boonton Underground, runs from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Main Street. Participating retail stores, restaurants, tattoo shops, coffee shops and other businesses will host promotions, giveaways and donation opportunities throughout the evening.

Ellie was born at 26 weeks weighing less than two pounds and spent months in the neonatal intensive care unit. She now lives with complex medical conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, chronic lung disease, dysautonomia, cortical visual impairment and Kleefstra Syndrome 2, an ultra-rare genetic disorder. She relies on a wheelchair, feeding tube, oxygen, medications and specialized equipment every day, and receives care from a team of specialists, including frequent trips to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and other regional medical centers.

Every medical appointment requires careful planning for Ellie’s family, since her wheelchair, feeding pump, oxygen, emergency medications and other equipment must all travel with her. The family is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible Ford Transit van that will allow Ellie to travel safely while accommodating the equipment she depends on. Because insurance does not cover accessible vehicles or the modifications they require, the cost falls largely on the family.

Participating businesses include Artsy, Boneyard Boutique, Boonton Coffee, Catfight Coffee, Chili Willie’s Restaurant, Gemtuitive, Hollywould Studios, Imperfect Perfections, Java Smugglers, Life Center Stage, Melis Sweethouse, Rose and Ruth’s, Sinofilia Tea Shop, Speakeasy Art, Stokedville and The Tattoo Guild.

Proceeds from raffles, promotions and other fundraising activities will support Ellie’s campaign through Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit that helps families raise money for uninsured medical expenses.

“Boonton has always been a town that shows up for its neighbors,” organizers with Boonton Underground said. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate our incredible small businesses while helping one local family meet a critical need. We hope people come downtown, enjoy everything Boonton has to offer, and be part of something that can truly change Ellie’s life.”

Residents unable to attend can still support Ellie’s family through a tax-deductible donation to her Help Hope Live campaign.

Boonton Underground is a grassroots initiative that celebrates and supports Boonton’s downtown through creative events, collaboration among local businesses and experiences that strengthen the community while showcasing the unique character of Main Street.

Mosquito control treatments scheduled in Jefferson Township, Florham Park

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control has scheduled truck-mounted mosquito spraying Wednesday night in Jefferson Township and Florham Park due to an increase in adult mosquito populations.

The treatments are scheduled from 9 p.m. Wednesday to midnight, weather permitting, at the following locations:

  • Jefferson Township: Weldon Road (Camp Jefferson)
  • Florham Park: Schindler Drive, Sterling Drive, Sun Valley Way, Darling Drive and Passaic Avenue

Crews will use either Anvil 2+2, which contains the active ingredient Sumithrin, or Zenivex E4, which contains the active ingredient Etofenprox, depending on conditions.

Residents with questions may contact the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-285-6450. Additional information, including product labels, is available at morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Mosquito-Control.

Jefferson Township Council to Consider Three Republican Nominees to Fill Vacant Seat Wednesday

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township Councilman Dan Schultz

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Township Council is expected to fill the seat vacated by Councilman Dan Schultz when it meets Wednesday, August 5, choosing from three nominees put forward by the Jefferson Township Republican Committee: Bob Vander Ploeg, Sheila Brown, and Yvonne Ioffredo.

Schultz, a Republican, resigned July 23. He was serving a term set to expire December 31, 2028. His departure leaves the governing body with four members: Council President Josh Kalish, Vice President Barbie Garruto, Robert Birmingham, and Melissa Senatore.

Because Schultz was elected as the nominee of a political party, New Jersey’s Municipal Vacancy Law (New Jersey Statutes Annotated 40A:16-11) governs the process for replacing him. Under the statute, the municipal committee of the departing member’s party had fifteen days from the vacancy to present three names to the governing body. The council then has thirty days from the date of the vacancy — in this case until approximately August 22 — to appoint one of the three nominees.

The council cannot reject the slate or select someone outside it. A 1990 amendment to the law removed a governing body’s discretion to leave a party-nominated seat vacant.

If the council fails to act within the thirty-day window — whether through inaction or a deadlocked vote — the choice reverts to the Republican Committee itself, which would then have fifteen days to appoint one of the same three nominees. The New Jersey Supreme Court confirmed that process in its 2022 decision in Linden Democratic Committee v. City of Linden, ruling that a deadlocked council forfeits the appointment to the party committee.

Wednesday’s meeting is the council’s only regularly scheduled session before the thirty-day deadline; the next regular meeting is not until September 2. As of the agenda posted August 3, the appointment had not yet been listed as an agenda item.

Whoever is appointed will serve only until the November general election, when voters will elect a council member to serve the remainder of the unexpired term, which runs through December 31, 2028.

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Jefferson Township Gets NJ Funding for Moosepac Wells PFAS Treatment Project

By
Rohan Mruthik
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0

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township has received authorization from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to move forward with financing for a permanent PFAS filtration system at the Moosepac Wells.

The project is intended to ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to residents served by the Oak Ridge Water System while preparing the township to meet increasingly stringent state and federal water-quality requirements.

The township began testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in January 2022 after New Jersey implemented new monitoring requirements. The first sample measured .0021 parts per trillion, exceeding the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s maximum contaminant level of .0014 parts per trillion.

All tests conducted after January 2022 were below the state standard in effect at the time. However, NJDEP determines compliance through a running annual average rather than an individual sample. The elevated initial result caused the annual average to remain above the permitted level, requiring the township to begin issuing Tier 2 public notices in 2022.

The exceedance affected only one of the two Moosepac Wells located off Chamberlain Road. Jefferson Township operates several additional wells throughout the Milton section.

Township officials said every test performed at the affected well following the January 2022 sample has met the applicable NJDEP standard. Public notices must continue until the required treatment system is installed and operational.

Since the original exceedance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has adopted more stringent federal PFAS drinking-water standards. Public water systems and private well owners throughout New Jersey and across the country may require advanced filtration systems to comply with the new requirements.

Jefferson Township retained H2M Engineering to design a permanent PFAS treatment system for the Moosepac Wells. On June 10, the Township Council awarded DeMaio Electrical Company, Inc. a $3.04 million contract to construct the filtration system.

Authorization from the NJ I-Bank allows the township to execute the contract and advance the project. A pre-construction meeting was anticipated for the final week of July, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026.

Substantial completion of the filtration system is anticipated by December 31, 2027.

The township has also received $356,758.28 in PFAS settlement funding, which will be applied toward the project. Officials said the township will continue pursuing available funding opportunities to reduce the financial impact on Oak Ridge Water System customers.

The project will be financed through the Municipal Utility Budget rather than the township’s municipal operating budget. Water utility infrastructure improvements are funded through utility revenues and not through municipal property taxes.

Jefferson Township Council to Meet Wednesday

By
Frank Cahill
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0

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township Council will hold a meeting on Wednesday, August 5, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Click here to download the agenda.

  • Eric F. Wilsusen (R) – Mayor
  • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
  1. Robert “Bob” Birmingham (R) – Councilman
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
  2. Josh Kalish (R) – Council President
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
  3. Melissa Senatore (R) – Councilwoman
    • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
  4. Barbie Garruto (R) – Council Vice President

Diversified, Gottesman Lease Up 32-Unit First Phase of New Jefferson Rental Property

By
Christine Mercado
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Jefferson Place is located on Hellers Lane Jefferson Township, Morris County

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Diversified Properties announced that Jefferson Place, its luxury apartment community in the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson Township, has achieved full lease-up of its thirty-two-unit first phase, a milestone the developer says reflects strong demand for high-quality rental housing in Morris County.

The community, located at 9 Hellers Lane, was developed through a joint venture between Diversified Properties and Gottesman Real Estate Partners. Diversified Properties manages and leases the property.

“Achieving full occupancy for Phase I is an exciting milestone and a reflection of the tremendous effort that went into bringing this community to life, and the demand for high-quality rentals in Jefferson,” said Nicholas Minoia, managing member of Diversified Properties. “From planning and design through construction and leasing, our goal was to create an exceptional living experience that residents would be proud to call home. We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm the community has shown and for the confidence our residents have placed in us.”

Jefferson Place features spacious apartment homes with contemporary finishes and a variety of resort-inspired amenities, including a fitness center, resident lounge, outdoor gathering spaces, private garages and on-site storage units. The community offers access to Route 15, area shopping and dining, Lake Hopatcong, Morris County parks, golf courses and regional transportation.

With Phase I fully leased, Phase II is now under construction and will add seventy-five additional units along with new floor plans, expanded amenities and covered parking.

For Gottesman Real Estate Partners, an affiliate of Edison Investment Advisors known primarily for a portfolio of more than two million square feet of Class A office and retail properties across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and North Carolina, Jefferson Place represents the firm’s first investment in the multifamily sector.

Unity Bank Named New Jersey Economic Development Authority Premier Lender

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MADISON — Unity Bancorp, Incorporated, the parent company of Unity Bank, which operates a branch on Main Street in Madison, announced it has been approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board as a participant in the authority’s Premier Lender Program, joining a select group of financial institutions committed to advancing small business growth throughout the state.

The Premier Lender Program is a partnership between the Economic Development Authority and more than two dozen banks across New Jersey, designed to help small businesses overcome financial barriers that can impede growth, expansion and job creation. Through the program, the authority can guarantee or participate in a portion of a Premier Lender’s commercial loans or lines of credit, providing qualifying businesses with greater access to affordable financing for fixed assets and term working capital.

“We are proud to be recognized as an New Jersey Economic Development Authority Premier Lender,” said James A. Hughes, chief executive officer of Unity Bank. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support the growth and success of New Jersey’s small businesses by providing greater access to capital and flexible financing solutions. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we share the authority’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs and business owners invest in their future, create jobs, and achieve their goals.”

Authority participation in qualifying loans can help businesses secure financing while providing lenders with greater flexibility by reducing their overall lending exposure. The partnership will enable Unity Bank to expand financing opportunities for businesses across its service area, which includes Morris County, and support continued economic development throughout the region.

Unity Bank is headquartered in Clinton and operates twenty-two branches across New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, offering community-focused commercial banking services including deposit accounts, loans and digital services. More information about the Premier Lender Program is available at njeda.com/premierlender.

Pennacchio Reacts to Congressional Investigation Into New Jersey Voter Registration Error

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Senator Joe Pennacchio

TRENTON — State Senator Joe Pennacchio, a Republican representing the twenty-sixth legislative district, which includes Parsippany-Troy Hills, issued a statement following news that Congress is opening an investigation into how 6,600 noncitizens were added to New Jersey’s voter rolls.

“I welcome Congress’ investigation into New Jersey’s voter rolls. This is exactly why I called on the Department of Justice and United States Attorney to launch their own investigation,” Pennacchio said in a statement. “The Governor wants everyone to simply believe this was just a software glitch involving 6,600 registrations, but there are serious questions that go well beyond that, like how that number pales in comparison to the 35,000 non-citizens on New Jersey voter rolls suggested by the Department of Justice. The people of New Jersey deserve the full truth, and I hope this investigation finally gets us closer to the answers the Murphy and Sherrill administrations are refusing to provide.”

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced last month that about 6,600 noncitizens were added to New Jersey’s voter rolls between June 2023 and June 2024, which she attributed to a software error at the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Sherrill said the affected individuals had answered that they were not United States citizens when applying for a driver’s license or identification card, but were registered to vote anyway, and that roughly 400 of them cast ballots in past elections. The 35,000 figure Pennacchio cited has been attributed to the Department of Justice but has not been independently confirmed by state election officials.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil sent a letter to New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Dale Caldwell requesting documents and communications related to the registrations, with a response requested by August 17.

Pennacchio’s statement also cited a New Jersey Globe report that about 75,000 noncitizens are summoned for jury duty in New Jersey each year.

On July 22, Pennacchio sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting that the Department of Justice launch its own investigation of the Motor Vehicle Commission’s automatic voter registration system. On July 27, he called on Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to expand the federal investigation into the registration and voting of noncitizens in New Jersey.

Oktoberfest Fundraiser to Support Single Mother Battling Glioblastoma

By
Rohan Mruthik
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0

JERSEY CITY — Family and friends of Ryann Kathleen Tierney are organizing an Oktoberfest fundraiser to help cover her medical and living expenses as she battles glioblastoma.

Tierney, the daughter of the late Ray Tierney, is a single mother raising two teenagers. After recently losing her job and health insurance during a company downsizing, she has been left facing the combined financial strain of daily household expenses and critical medical treatment. She is also a relative of a Project Help Inc. board member.

Glioblastoma, also known as GBM, is a fast-growing tumor of the central nervous system that most commonly affects the brain in adults.

The fundraiser, presented by AOH H.C. Division 1 and the Astor Bar, will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Astor Bar, located at 725 Montgomery Avenue in Jersey City.

The event will feature a tricky tray and raffles. Admission is $50.00 when purchased in advance through September 20 and $60.00 from September 21 through the day of the event. Discounted tickets are also available.

A separate 50/50 raffle drawing will take place at the Astor Bar on Saturday, September 19, at 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost $10.00 each or $20.00 for a book of three. The winner will receive half of the proceeds collected.

Community members may also support Tierney by contributing an item for the tricky tray or making a direct monetary donation. Donations can be sent through Zelle at [email protected] or through Venmo at @RyannsGBMFight.

For additional information or tickets, contact Jennifer at (201) 936-6529 or Debbie at (201) 978-1279. All proceeds will go directly toward helping Tierney with her medical expenses.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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