PARSIPPANY, NJ - The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council addressed several significant issues during its Tuesday, July 21st meeting, including major changes to the controversial Forest and Woodland Drive improvement project, the removal of two members from the township’s Economic Development Committee, millions of dollars in capital spending and several resident concerns raised during public comment.
One of the most closely watched developments came when Mayor Pulkit Desai announced changes to the Forest Drive and Woodland Drive project following weeks of opposition from neighborhood residents.
Desai said the revised project will include no curbs and no tree removals. Instead, the township will focus on repaving the roadway, making minor straightening improvements where needed, installing traffic-calming signage and upgrading underground water infrastructure. Additional trees are expected to be planted this fall, and new fire hydrants are also planned.
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Some limited widening could still take place for engineering or drainage purposes. Township officials later told residents that any widening would likely amount to inches rather than several feet and said the township would seek additional details from its engineer before work resumes.
Several Forest and Woodland Drive residents spoke during the public session, with some criticizing the administration over what they described as a lack of communication and transparency during the planning process. One longtime resident said a neighborhood petition showed significant opposition to widening, curbs, tree removal and road realignment while supporting routine repaving and necessary utility work.
Other residents thanked the mayor and council for responding to their concerns and preserving the neighborhood’s existing character.
Economic Development Committee Members Removed
The council also voted to remove Frank Neglia and Dr. Bhagirath Maheta from the township’s Economic Development Committee.
Council President Judy Hernandez made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Matthew Kavanagh.
During the roll call vote, Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. voted no and Councilman Matt McGrath abstained. When McGrath asked why the removals were being made, Business Administrator Khaled Madin indicated he did not have an answer to provide on the record.
Kavanagh, Council Vice President Diya Patel and Hernandez voted yes, giving the motion the three votes needed to pass.
Council Approves Major Capital Spending
The council also approved a series of ordinances funding water, sewer, general capital and golf utility improvements.
Among the largest measures was a $4.8 million sewer utility bond ordinance and a water utility capital ordinance totaling approximately $7.15 million. Township officials said portions of the water funding relate to Water Quality Accountability Act projects, although the ordinance was not specifically for the township’s PFAS treatment plant.Another ordinance authorized approximately $10.66 million in various township capital improvements, including $200,000 from the opioid fund.
Additional approvals included $240,000 from the Green Acres Trust Fund, $477,000 from the general capital improvement fund, $125,000 from the sewer capital improvement fund and several purchases for the township’s golf utility.
The council also authorized $100,000 from the emergency preparedness reserve for the purchase of an SUV.
Mayor Warns Residents About Costly Water Line Repairs
During his report, Desai warned residents to verify costly water service line repairs with the township before authorizing work.
Desai said a widowed senior recently paid approximately $11,000 for water service line repairs that raised concerns. He encouraged residents who are told that the service line between the water main and their home needs major work to contact the township Water Department first to confirm that a problem actually exists.
The warning does not apply to ordinary household plumbing problems such as leaking sinks, toilets or indoor pipes.
Lighting and Data Centers Raised During Public Comment
Residents also raised concerns about outdoor lighting and the potential development of data centers.
One resident urged the township to update what he described as an outdated lighting ordinance and adopt a “dark sky” ordinance addressing excessive outdoor lighting and light trespass. Patel said she has a sample ordinance and expects the issue to be discussed.
Resident Richard Suarez also asked council members whether they would support banning data centers in Parsippany because of concerns about electricity and water use, noise and nearby property values. During the discussion, Hernandez confirmed she is strongly opposed to AI data centers being built in Parsippany.
Lake Hiawatha Library Renovations Advance
The council approved a contract for architectural and engineering design services for proposed renovations to the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library.
Other resolutions included authorization to pursue New Jersey Department of Transportation funding for the Dryden Way Improvement Project and final change orders for the Edwards Road Improvement Project and Phase 8 of street reconstruction work in Mount Tabor.
The council also approved a settlement agreement with township workers and a collective negotiations agreement with Parsippany’s blue-collar employees.
An ordinance establishing township salary ranges for 2025 through 2028 was introduced on first reading and is expected to return for a public hearing and final consideration on Aug. 18.
The council’s next agenda meeting is scheduled for August 4th at 7 p.m., with the next regular meeting set for August 18th at 7 p.m.