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Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Whippany Firehouse referendum

By
Frank Cahill
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Dear Editor:

As many of you know, the Whippany Fire Company and Hanover Fire District No. 2 have endeavored to build a new state-of-the-art firehouse designed to last for the next 100 years.

The Fire Company and Fire District commissioners have worked tirelessly to make this happen and have overcome several unforeseen obstacles which prevented them from completing the project in a timely manner. Our Whippany Fire first responders are at a critical juncture now and need the community’s help. They have an opportunity to replace their current $3 million variable rate construction loan with a low-interest fixed rate loan administered by the Morris County Improvement Authority.

They also hope to borrow additional funds to help finish the remaining work on the new firehouse which is estimated to be $2.8 million. In order to do this, Whippany Fire District No. 2 will need your support in approving their ability to borrow up to $6.1 million in a special election on August 10.

It is important to note that it is not the district’s intent to borrow that much. In fact, once the old firehouse is sold – it is under contract – and the loan specifications are finalized, the actual amount borrowed should drop to about $4.9 million. Interest costs and risks will also be reduced due to the lower, fixed rate. Of the $4.9 million borrowed, $3 million will be used to pay off the existing variable rate loan. The remaining $1.9 million plus proceeds from the sale of the old firehouse will go toward completion of the new firehouse.

The request to borrow up to $6.1 million provides a margin for safety should the old firehouse sale not close in a timely manner. Should that happen, all proceeds from the eventual sale would go straight to paying down the loan. Ultimately, Fire District No. 2 intends to only borrow an additional $1.9 million. So, what does this mean to Whippany Fire District No. 2 taxpayers? The Morris County Improvement Authority has estimated that at $4.9 million in bonding – $1.9 million more than the district’s current debt – the average Fire District No. 2 homeowner would pay about $12 annually in additional fire taxes. In the unlikely event that the full $6.1 million in bonding is utilized, the increase would equate to around $17 per year.

No one likes it when taxes go up, but I hope you will agree this is a relatively small price to get the new firehouse completed. Our support will also send a clear message to our first responders that we are grateful for all they do to keep us safe.

Remember, these are the people that come out when your CO2 detector goes off at 3 a.m. or when your basement floods after a major weather event. Most importantly they are there when we are injured or our home or business is threatened by fire – 24/7/365.

As a Township Committeeman and liaison to public safety, it is my goal to ensure the community is adequately protected. Getting our firefighters and EMT’s into their new facility as soon as possible will go a long way to insure we are.

Accordingly, I urge your support for the Whippany Fire Department referendum by voting “yes” Saturday, August 10.

Brian Cahill
Hanover Township Committeeman

Information Session to be held for Whippany Fire District 2

By
Frank Cahill
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New Hanover Fire House on Troy Hills Road

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — An information session regarding Whippany Fire District 2 will be held on Wednesday, August 7 at the Hanover Community Center, 15 North Jefferson Road to discuss the referendum to seek approval to spend up to $6.1 million for completion of the new firehouse on Troy Hills Road.

The session will start at 7:00 p.m. so members of the fire district can discuss details of the referendum, interest rates and other finances. A representative from the Morris County Improvements Authority, through which the loan would be secured is expected to attend the session.

Registered voters living in Whippany Fire District 2 are eligible to vote on the referendum on Saturday, August 10. Voting will take place at the Commissioner’s Building, 434 Route 10.

Approval of the referendum amounts to a transfer of a loan originally secured by Whippany Fire Company to the Whippany Fire District No. 2, which would become the owner of the new building and be leased to the fire company.

Township Committeeman Brian Cahill is supporting the referendum.

“The Whippany Fire Department decided to build a new fire house on their own initiative,” Kuehner wrote. “They got a construction loan for over $3 million. (They do) not have the money to pay off the loan. (Their) solution is to have the taxpayers approve a $ 6.2 million loan from the state. Interest on the loan would be an additional $2.5 million.”

Cahill said the fire company would only only used the $ 6.1 million if the sale of the old Whippany firehouse – which is under contract to be sold – falls through. “The actual amount borrowed should drop to about $4.9 million, Cahill wrote.

“Our Whippany Fire first responders are at a critical juncture now and need the community’s help,” Cahill wrote. “They have an opportunity to replace their current $3 million variable rate construction loan with a low-interest fixed rate loan administered by the Morris County Improvement Authority.”

He added the average taxpayer in Whippany would likely see a fire district tax increase of about $12 per year or $1.00 per month.

“No one likes it when taxes go up, but I hope you will agree this is a relatively small price to get the new firehouse completed. Our support will also send a clear message to our first responders that we are grateful for all they do to keep us safe,” Cahill wrote.

The fire company owns the current Route 10 firehouse, but uses the trucks and equipment provided by the fire district.

The current firehouse is under contract for sale with a proposed Starbucks to be built on the site. Route 10 Whippany, LLC. is the application that submitted proposals to the Hanover Township Planning Board. The are planning on constructing a new 2,250 square foot restaurant with a drive-through with 24 parking spots.

If the building is sold, the money would go toward repayment of the loan.

Money from the new loan would pay off the current firehouse construction loan from Provident Back which remains around $3 million.

Hanover Police arrests trio at Americas Best Value Inn

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Tuesday, July 16, Hanover Township Police Officers Josh Williams, Megan Pritchard and Eric Prach arrested Mr. Glenn Hornecker, 34, Parsippany, Ms. Leah Klotzke, 30, currently residing at the Americas Best Value Inn and Mr. Chad Hayes, 46, Morris Plains for multiple drug offenses and warrants.

The officers were conducting foot patrol of the hotel property when they overheard a conversation about possible prostitution coming from one of the rooms.

A check of the room registry provided them with the name of the occupant, Mr. Hornecker.

A check of Mr. Hornecker resulted in locating an active $2500.00 warrant. The officers responded to the room and made contact with Mr. Hornecker and two other quests, Ms. Klotzke and Mr. Hayes.

Mr. Hornecker was advised of the active warrant and was arrested. While speaking with the occupants of the room drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view.

An investigation followed resulting in both Ms. Klotzke and Mr. Hayes being arrested.

The three individuals were transported to Hanover Police Headquarters for processing. Mr. Hornecker was released after posting bail on his warrant.

Mr. Hayes was charged with Possession of CDS, Possession of prescription legend drugs, Possession of hypodermic needles and Possession of drug paraphernalia. He was then released pending his court date.

Ms. Klotzke was charged with Defrauding a drug test, Hindering apprehension, Failure to give CDS to law enforcement ands Possession of drug paraphernalia. She had several active warrants totaling $1450.00. She was transported to Morris County Correctional Facility pending her court date.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Hanover Police arrest Brooklyn Man for Possession inside Hanover Court

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Monday, July 15, Hanover Township Police Officer Eric Prach arrested Mr. Rodley Ostane, 19, Brooklyn, New York for Possession of CDS.

Officer Prach was detailed as the court security officer when he detected the odor of marijuana while speaking with Mr. Ostane who was there to attend court.

After a brief investigation, Mr. Ostane was arrested and charged with Possession of CDS, Under the influence, Failure to turn over CDS to law enforcement and Drug paraphernalia.

He was released pending his court date.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Sherrill Visits Zufall Health Center for National Health Center Week

By
Frank Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) visited Zufall Health Center in Morristown to mark National Health Center Week. Zufall is part of a nationwide network of locally-run health centers that serve more than 28 million people nationwide. Health centers are on the front lines of national public health challenges – whether caring for veterans, providing opioid addiction treatment, addressing mental illness, or responding to natural disasters.

“Health Centers are critical resources for families in our community and across the country,” Representative Sherrill said. “Zufall Health Center in Morristown provides a wide range of medical, dental, and wellness services regardless of ability to pay, including pediatrics, HIV testing, cancer screenings, sexual assault support services, and so much more. Their mobile services reach directly into the community with vital medical and dental screenings that many would never access otherwise. The theme of this year’s National Health Center Week is ‘Rooted in Community,’ and Zufall lives that example every day.”

Sherrill has been a champion of health centers in Congress. Last week, her bipartisan family health information center legislation, the Family-to-Family Health Information Center Reauthorization Act of 2019, passed the House and Senate and has been sent to the president’s desk for a five-year reauthorization.

Sherrill said last week: “I am proud that both the House and Senate unanimously agreed to support Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, and I urge the President to swiftly sign this bill into law. Family-to-Family Health Information Centers provide families of children with special healthcare needs with the tools and assistance necessary to effectively navigate our nation’s complex health care system. The continuity of funding provided through this bill will enable F2F HICs to retain experienced staff, engage in future planning, and continue to empower and support children and families in New Jersey and across the country.”

New Co-Working Space and Upgraded Amenities At Jefferson Exchange

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Bergman Real Estate Group, in partnership with Time Equities Inc. is announcing $2 million of renovations which will bring new amenities and co-working offices to Jefferson Exchange, a 172,000-square-foot, two-building, three-story office complex located at 100-110 South Jefferson Road, Whippany.

“Employers and employees expect more out of their office environments,” said Michael Bergman, President & CEO of Bergman Real Estate Group. “By introducing many new amenities and services to Jefferson Exchange, we’re building comfortable and energetic spaces to conduct business that actually works for companies and employees alike. Employees can take advantage of the many opportunities to boost their productivity and morale, while tenants can attract top talent who want to be in this game-changing working environment.”

Leading the pack of amenities currently under construction is a cutting-edge business lounge which features open seating areas, game tables, a barista coffee bar, an art studio, a message room, and a newly remodeled cafe featuring all-new decor and furniture.

“We’ve made it easy for teams who want to collaborate in a new and stimulating environment — all they need to do is come to the business lounge for an energizing new workspace,” Bergman said. “Employees who want to take a break have plenty of options to relax and recharge. Tenants can head to the game room for ping pong and billiards, or they can book an appointment with a masseuse in the massage room. For those with a creative edge, an art studio will hold weekly workshops.”

Adjacent to Jefferson Exchange’s business lounge will be a collaborative co-working office space and conference/training center with 13 private offices ranging from 225 to 750 square feet with accommodations for two, four, or six desks. Select co-working areas offer fully furnished offices, unlimited access to the business lounge and conference center, free WiFi  and beautiful views of the Jefferson Exchange courtyard.

“The modern worker wants flexibility, and the co-working space at Jefferson Exchange offers exactly that,” says Bergman. “The co-working space at Jefferson Exchange is ideal for freelancers, consultants, start-ups or small businesses who want to access our best-in-class amenities without committing to more space than they need, and who want the flexibility of shorter lease term commitments.”

A large, state-of-the-art conference/training center can host up to 64 people. The large space will be able to accommodate multiple setup configurations for meetings, trainings, and more. Tenants can choose from a 64-chair capacity auditorium setup, to classroom-style seating or an open table configuration for 40 people, or a standard conference table that seats 28.

Also coming to Jefferson Exchange is a new state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with brand-new equipment, locker room and shower facilities.

“More tenants than ever are seeking out improved work/life balance and ways to incorporate self-care into their daily routines, which are important for improved productivity and employee satisfaction,” explains Bergman.“By offering so many ways to unwind, relax, and seek inspiration, tenants at Jefferson Exchange can better develop and stick to those healthier routines.”

According to John Osborne, Executive Director of Leasing at Bergman, there are numerous exterior improvements also being planned for Jefferson Exchange, including landscaping improvements, a new courtyard patio with seating, new monument signage and new decorative awnings to the entrances of both 100 and 110 South Jefferson Road, which are slated to begin later in 2019.

Jefferson Exchange is an Energy Star-rated complex located immediately off I-287. Jefferson Exchange is easily accessible to Routes 24, 10, 46, 202, I-78 and I-80. The property is close to hotels, banking, shopping, and minutes from trendy downtown Morristown. Newark Liberty International Airport is only 20 minutes from Jefferson Exchange, and midtown Manhattan is less than 30 miles away.

Jefferson Exchange offers flexible floor plates of 40,000 square feet and 17,000 square feet. For more information and for current availability, visit www.BergmanRealty.com.

Founded in 1988, Bergman Real Estate Group is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment and management company, with more than 30 years of operating history in New Jersey and other select markets. The company’s fully integrated platform includes acquisition, ownership, asset and property management, leasing and construction supervision. Bergman, which has built its success on acquiring and successfully repositioning underperforming properties, currently owns and manages 18 office buildings comprising 2.1 million square feet.

Unique Boonton Home Has Theatrical Past

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — Built in 1926 and originally home to a traveling theater company, this distinctive residence is located in the exclusive Park Section of Boonton. The over 3,100-square foot home located at 528 Morris Avenue is listed with Margaret “Peggy” Lefsky, a broker sales associate affiliated with the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Mountain Lakes office. The listing price is $650,000.

The structure was originally built as a playhouse for High Sea Company Theatre, as a location to build and store props and sets for the traveling troupe. Upon the departure of the theatre company, the building was transitioned to a single-story home in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Throughout the decades, the interior of the home was redesigned and rebuilt.

The present layout of the home was established by the current owners, who purchased the property in 1997. The now 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home was designed to entertain large parties in the expansive great room or host more intimate affairs in the downstairs family room with custom wet bar. Details include ornate moldings, arched doorways and hardwood floors throughout the home. The first floor includes cathedral ceilings in the spacious great room, which also features a gas fireplace and French doors exiting to the deck for indoor/outdoor entertaining. The chef’s kitchen, formal dining room with chandelier, library/office, pantry and full bathroom round out the first floor.

The second floor features a large master suite with full bathroom, shower and a walk-in closet. There are three additional bedrooms; a full bathroom with shower, jacuzzi tub and laundry facilities; and a balcony overlooking the great room below. The walk-out lower level of the home is partially finished and features a family/game room with custom wet bar, an office/bedroom and a half bathroom. There is also a large storage/utility area.

Set on just over half an acre, the home is surrounded by mature trees and established gardens, highlighted by a stone wall and pillars. The property is conveniently located close to major highways and nearby New Jersey Transits Boonton and Mountain Lakes stations, with service to Newark and Penn Station.

To view this home, contact Peggy Lefsky at (973) 727-0795 or at [email protected]. The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Mountain Lakes office is located at Route 46 and Crane Road. Lefsky’s listings can be viewed by clicking here.

Morris Habitat Receives Grant from Provident Bank

By
Frank Cahill
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Provident Bank Foundation presents donation to Blair Schleicher Bravo, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris Habitat for Humanity recently received a grant of $10,000 from Provident Bank Foundation to help fund its Neighborhood Revitalization/Aging in Place program. This important program helps low income home owner families maintain their homes. Projects have included home repairs and weatherization, construction projects, and community park renovations.

Funding from The Provident Bank Foundation will support repairs to improve the accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency of low income seniors’ homes. Living in unsafe and unhealthy homes can mean emotional and financial devastation, and a simple modification like a smoke detector or hand rail can enable seniors to maintain their financial stability and independence while living safely in the home and community of their choice.

“This generous gift from the Provident Bank Foundation will help families stay in their homes by supporting our Neighborhood Revitalization and Aging in Place programs,” said Morris Habitat for Humanity CEO, Blair Schleicher Bravo. “Provident Bank Foundation’s long time support of Morris Habitat for Humanity helps us further our commitment to providing decent, safe and affordable housing for people in the community.”

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $24 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities.

For more information click here or call (862) 260-3990.

Alleged Armed Robbery in Rockaway Township

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — On Friday, August 2, at 1:08 a.m., a resident on Mt. Hope Road reported that three actors, who were armed, entered the residence through an unlocked rear door while the residents were in their kitchen.

The victims further reported that cash was stolen from one of the victims’ wallets. The victims further reported that the actors then fled through the rear door and left the scene. No injuries were reported and it is not believed that there exists any danger to the public at this time.

Assisting with the investigation is the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is requested to contact Det. Brock at the Rockaway Twp. Police Department at (973) 625-4000 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 973-COP-CALL (973) 267-2255.

Lincoln Equities Group Announces Five New Tenants at Morristown Office Properties

By
Frank Cahill
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1200 Mount Kemble Avenue

MORRIS COUNTY —  Lincoln Equities Group (LEG) announced five lease signings at 60 Columbia Road, 100 Southgate Parkway and 1200 Mount Kemble Avenue in Morristown The office complexes consist of four, three-story buildings totaling 412,000 square feet of space.

Companies signing leases include:

  • Morgan Stanley: 37,000-square-foot renewal at 1200 Mount Kemble Avenue
    • Tenant broker: Bob Ryan, JLL
  • RegentAtlantic Capital LLC: 22,000 square feet at 60 Columbia Road; 10-year lease
    • Tenant broker: Eric Ladden, Cornerstone
  • National Exchange Carriers Association: 27,000 square feet (entire second floor) at 60 Columbia Road
    • Tenant broker: James Fraser, DP Real Estate
  • ANS Continuum Holdco, LLC: 10,200 square feet at 60 Columbia Road
    • Tenant broker: Tom Reilly, JLL
  • AHS Hospital Corp: 4,200 square feet at 100 Southgate Parkway.
    • Tenant broker: Bryn Cinque, Colliers

Morristown, the county seat for the business-friendly Morris County, remains one of the state’s top commercial centers, recruiting reputable companies citywide. LEG’s commercial success at each complex follows a multi-million-dollar capital improvement project and ongoing, dynamic marketing efforts.

“Our Morristown properties have become a prime destination for corporations and medical offices,” says LEG President Joel Bergstein. “That’s thanks in part to our wide-ranging improvements, which allow companies to offer more modern amenities that appeal to a younger workforce.”

The extensive transformation at 60 Columbia Road, a two-building, 156,000-square-foot site, includes a redesigned lobby entrance, upgrades to the HVAC system, a new roof, a patio area with furniture and enhanced landscape design. The upgraded lobby space is complemented with granite and new artwork. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and a full-service cafeteria with abundant indoor and outdoor seating.

60 Columbia Road

After acquiring Building A vacant, LEG has brought the facility to 77 percent leased. Building B at 60 Columbia Road offers limited options to join anchor tenants Simon Premium Outlets, the McKesson Corporation and Assistance in Marketing (AIM).

Renovations at 100 Southgate Parkway, a 151,400-square-foot building, include door and entry enhancements, a revamped exterior aesthetic and new landscaping lining the site. Tenants include Verizon Wireless and Porzio, Bromberg & Newman P.C.

1200 Mount Kemble Avenue features ample parking, an atrium lobby, outdoor patio and café.

“These properties offer companies the ability to conduct business in a suburban environment with easy access to Morristown’s thriving downtown, highways and transit centers,” says LEG’s Senior Director of Leasing, Ken Flynn.

The properties are located just off Interstate 287 and Route 24 in Morristown, convenient to urban amenities and multiple train stations. Just minutes from downtown Morristown, the Green and historic attractions like the Morris Museum, the buildings serve as a central location for client meetings and recreational breaks.

They can be used for corporate offices as well as medical facility functions, with potential for both office and laboratory use. Currently, 100 Southgate offers 35,000 square feet of available space, while 60 Columbia Road offers 40,000 square feet. 1200 Mount Kemble features 28,000 square feet. All spaces are divisible.

Lincoln Equities Group LLC (LEG), established in 1980, is one of the Northeast’s leading full‐service real estate companies. The company owns, operates, develops and manages commercial, industrial and residential properties throughout the tri‐state area and Europe, for its own account and for third‐party owners. For more information click here.

 

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