Home Care In Parsippany, NJ

The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is set to receive $167,152, according to officials.

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District will be getting new state funding to address critical facility needs.

The New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) announced recently that $75 million would be appropriated to school districts across the state to assist with emergency construction and other capital needs.

“Every New Jersey student and school staff member deserves a space for learning that is safe, secure, and supportive of the highest educational outcomes,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District will receive $167,152, according to the state's figures.

Districts can use these funds for emergent or capital maintenance projects or to offset eligible project or maintenance costs incurred this fiscal year, state officials said.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Funding may be directed toward projects such as site upgrades, HVAC repairs or replacements, renovations to the building envelope (masonry, roofing, etc.), safety and security needs, as well as building maintenance activities.

“Today’s announcement builds on our work to improve education outcomes for all New Jersey students. Providing our students with a top-notch education means ensuring their classroom environments are safe and conducive to learning,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This funding will go toward critical school infrastructure projects throughout the state, bolstering our school communities and ensuring districts are able to meet the needs of their students.”

Of the total amount, $50 million will be provided for projects in the SDA Districts, which are the 31 districts where the SDA oversees school construction. The remaining $25 million will be available for all other districts, i.e., regular operating districts.

The NJDOE website provides a chart that shows the funds available to local school districts for qualified project costs for the current round of funding.

District officials have not said how the new funds will be used in district schools.

In the last year, the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District began building on a year-long construction plan designed to offset the township's anticipated increasing school enrollment.

Read More: $6.5M Expansion Project Kicks Off At Parsippany Elementary School

The $6.5 million expansion project, which will add six new classrooms and a small group teaching space to Littleton Elementary School, is being funded by the district's capital reserve fund.

Because of the conservative spending criteria of the board of education and the office of the interim school business administrator, Robin Tedesco, the district was able to fund the project without additional taxpayer dollars.

Over the years, the district has purposefully set up reserves to fund initiatives like these, sparing households from escalating costs.

"With all the residential building going on in Parsippany and our elementary schools already at capacity, we worked with our architects to identify the best school to start a much-needed expansion project," Alison Cogan, Board President, said.

The extra classrooms at Littleton will consist of preschool and kindergarten classrooms with self-contained bathrooms, small classrooms for resource room instruction, and a small office for child study team members.

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PARSIPPANY — On the campaign trail seeking a second term as governor in 2013, and looking to support the re-election campaign of his friend, Mayor James Barberio, Chris Christie knew the perfect place to meet up, rally the voters and grab a bite: the Empire Diner.

Should his presidential campaign bus make its way back to Morris County this year, Christie will have to shake hands and kiss babies somewhere else. The Empire will serve its final customers on Saturday, then close forever.

Property records show the 1.5-acre property along Route 46 East was sold in February for $3 million to Shree Estates LLC, the same investor that has bought up several nearby properties on the highway with an eye on redevelopment. Some of those buildings were recently demolished to make way for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant.

Situated next to Smith Field Park, the largest recreation complex in the county's most populated town, the Empire Diner was a centerpiece of the bustling Route 46 commercial corridor for decades.

Formerly known as the Par-Troy Diner, it was a popular destinations for locals and highway travelers alike thanks to its large seating capacity − including three dining rooms − a vast menu, ample parking and a koi pond by the front door.

But in recent years, facing the COVID pandemic and other challenges, the Empire cut its menu and hours as business dropped off. The diner received a $33,258 federal PPP loan for COVID relief in April 2020 and a $15,000 federally funded Small Business Grant from the Morris County Commissioner Board in September.

Parsippany:Memorial plans revealed to preserve monumental history of Greystone Park Hospital

“We are very thankful for this. It is very helpful,” Frank Shizas, son of Empire owner Bobby Shizas, said in the award announcement for the county grant.

Saturday, however, will see the end of the Empire, to the dismay of many residents.

"When it was still Par-Troy, one of my fondest memories was going there for Sunday breakfast when they would bring you a big basket of rolls, Danish, mini-bagels etc when you sat down," Judy Gold Finchler posted in a Parsippany community Facebook page. "My kids and I still discuss how much we loved that. There are numerous rumors about what will be taking its place, but it just won’t be the same."

More:Morris homeowner, fined for allegedly cutting down neighbor's trees, could face huge bill

"I remember late-night dinners while snow plowing for the town," posted another admirer, Robert Hughes.

A manager at the diner confirmed the plans to close this week but messages left for the Shizas family weren't returned.

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

The motion to introduce three PILOT projects in the township was passed 4-1, with Justin Musella being the lone vote against it.

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently voted to approve the introduction of three new PILOT projects in the township, a decision that some residents are not happy with.

Prior to the Nov. 9 town council meeting, several residents had already spoken out on social media against the idea of the town entering into other PILOT agreements, with some even creating a flyer for the public, a move that the mayor disagreed with.

"You received misinformation, telling all of you to show up, attempting to demagogue issues of importance here in town," Mayor James Barberio said.

PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements, are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.

Some municipal officials have called them useful tools to attract development to distressed or blighted areas of town. But their use has drawn criticism from opponents, some of whom caution that the deals can enable a big developer to skip out on paying their fair portion of property taxes.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Parsippany, the council was voting on three specific PILOT programs for redevelopment projects at 2 and 3 Campus Drive and 249 Pomeroy Road.

Barberio said that a more informative presentation about the projects will be presented to the public in December.

Prior to the council vote on the matter, Barberio discussed the reasons behind supporting the introduction of the ordinances and described what a potential "no" vote meant.

"A no vote tonight is a vote in favor of keeping vacant blighted buildings, which is bad for Parsippany, but it also sends a message to the real estate community that Parsippany is not open to economic development. That's wrong. You can't say you are for economic development and then vote against the measures that are necessary to create economic development. If we don't do this, I urge all Parsippany residents to hold onto your wallets, because taxes will go through the roof," Barberio said.

Councilman Justin Musella, who was the sole no-vote on the introductions, said that he had a different opinion on the matter.

"I recognize that our significant amount of office property that is vacant is a serious problem; that is definitely a problem that we all need to be proactive about. However, what I object to is using a program that has documented, in many cases, to have negative effects for taxpayers, negative effects for our first responders and then obviously, the large one, is the impact on our schools," Musella said.

A key aspect of PILOTs is that, unlike traditional property taxes, which are split between the town, school system and county, in a PILOT, the city or town keeps nearly all the money.

"Because state laws do not require that the local school districts receive a direct portion of the PILOT, local officials should take the opportunity during the negotiating process to ensure that if the new property directly affects the school district, accommodations should be made to include the school district with compensation or appropriate credit," an article by Robbi Acampora on the New Jersey School Boards Association website said.

Musella also objected to the idea of approving the introduction of an ordinance given the lack of information offered to the council about the projects.

The mayor stated that the council and the public were going to be provided with more information in the near future.

"It's a difficult environment right now and we need to be in front of it because it's not going to get any better; in fact, it's going to get worse and if we don't retrofit these buildings and we don't do what we need to do, it's going to be tough to recover. I can only tell you that from experience, from being mayor. I'm willing to work with you, and I'm willing to work with the entire council. You will get those financials," Barberio said.

Former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino also spoke, explaining what PILOT programs are and why they might help the town. One major point that Inglesino repeatedly brought up to the council was the statement that the three PILOT projects would not have an effect on the school district.

"The school gets every dime. If the school board approves a budget, they are guaranteed every nickel that's been approved in their budget, whether there is a PILOT, whether there's not a PILOT...The school gets paid," Inglesino said.

The motion to introduce the PILOT projects on the agenda was ultimately passed 4-1.

The decision to approve the three PILOT projects in the township was passed 4-1, with Justin Musella being the lone vote against it.

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District has once again made a public statement regarding the town council's recent decision to approve three new PILOT projects in the township.

The last three town council sessions have seen a number of disagreements after Mayor James Barberio's and the majority of council members' support of the township's financial arrangements known as PILOTs, or Payments In Lieu of Taxes.

In Parsippany, the council was voting on three specific PILOT programs for redevelopment projects at 2 and 3 Campus Drive and 249 Pomeroy Road.

Read More: Parsippany Approves PILOT Projects Despite Public Backlash

Mayor James Barberio and other council members have argued that PILOTs are required to attract developers who can turn the township's oversupply of vacant office buildings into revenue-generating properties.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Four council members, Michael dePierro, Loretta Gragnani, Frank Neglia, and Paul Carifi, support the mayor's stance on the planned PILOT programs. Justin Musella, the sole council member to vote no, has spoken out against the use of PILOTs in the township.

During the Dec. 5 town council meeting, Barberio criticized the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District School Board for comments made concerning the PILOT projects. The school district previously released a statement expressing their disapproval of PILOTs and asking for members of the public to attend the next council meeting to speak out against the projects.

Barberio stated that several of the comments made by the school board were both "irresponsible and incorrect."

Since then, the local school board has released a second statement.

Once again, the statement is asking for members of the public to attend the next council meeting, planned for Dec. 19, and speak out against the projects.

"It is imperative that all those interested in the well-being of our school district also attend the Town Planning Board meetings as there are more PILOT agreements in development," the school board said.

According to the district, the impact of residential construction has historically brought more students than the developer projected. Modera, Watersedge, and Mountain Way are 200-unit, 30-unit, and 105-unit projects, respectively, and these three developments alone bring in at least 56 kids to the district.

A key aspect of PILOTs is that, unlike traditional property taxes, which are split between the town, school system and county, in a PILOT, the city or town keeps nearly all the money, typically called an Annual Service Charge (ASC).

"Because state laws do not require that the local school districts receive a direct portion of the PILOT, local officials should take the opportunity during the negotiating process to ensure that if the new property directly affects the school district, accommodations should be made to include the school district with compensation or appropriate credit," an article by Robbi Acampora on the New Jersey School Boards Association website said.

"Without additional taxes from improvements, a share of the ASCs, or other types of direct or indirect financial contributions from the developer or town council, tough decisions will need to be made to address the expected increase in the number of students that our schools will be asked to accommodate," the school board said.

Here is a list of potentially affected areas, according to the district:

"The School Board considered and sought legal advice regarding its options to pause or reverse the implementation of the recently approved PILOT programs. However, in consideration of the statutory authority allowing the Township to enter these agreements, it is highly improbable that such litigation would be successful with respect to the current PILOT agreements," the board's statement said.

Rather than pursue what would inevitably be "futile legal intervention," the board said that they have decided to save funds to retain programming and education.

The board said that they will continue to attempt to partner with township officials in order to:

Several new establishments opened in Parsippany this year, ranging from clothing boutiques to Italian eateries and sports-themed franchises.

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

PARSIPPANY, NJ — As the Parsippany-Troy Hills community continues to evolve, several businesses have opened their doors in the past year, bringing new food, clothing and healthcare options to the area.

Patch is reflecting on 2023 and all that it brought to Parsippany, as it was a great year for business in the township.

Here are eight new businesses that opened in the last year.

Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food Restaurant, 77 New Road, Parsippany

Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food Restaurant, managed by Josephina and Sergio Spinosa and their son Leo, provides an authentic and comforting approach to Italian food.

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Located at 77 New Road, the eatery pays homage to Josephina's family, who immigrated to Pennsylvania and opened a chain of Italian restaurants and pizzerias outside of Philadelphia.

Lo Sifizo and its staff have stated that they are committed to providing a warm environment, a friendly face and delicious food.

Lo Sfizio will honor the authentic cuisine found in Southern Italian street food, according to Josephina, who immigrated to the United States from Naples, Italy, when she was eight years old.

One of their popular menu staples is Pizzetta Montenara.

"Pizzetta Montenara is a delicious Neapolitan street food that consists of fried pizza dough topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s a popular dish in Naples, Italy, and has gained popularity worldwide. It was one of the first dishes to be put on the menu and it is my mother’s recipe," Josephina said.

You can find out more about the restaurant on its website.

Sud City Laundromat, 83B N. Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha

Sud City Laundromat, which is operated by the Puzino and Holland families, is a full-service laundromat offering a variety of services.

The laundromat has 24 washers that accept both coin and mobile payments and 16 dryers that you can use at your convenience. They also have vending machines where patrons can purchase detergent, soap, snacks and drinks while they wait for their clothes.

“I’m very happy to welcome these families as they open this new location,” Mayor James Barberio said. “I’ve known the Puzino family for years and I wish them and their partner continued success!”

Sud City is open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Monday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.sudcitylaundry.com or call (973) 404-0898.

Social Hub by Dhaba, 1735 US-46, Parsippany

Social Hub by Dhaba, the new restaurant that replaced the previously closed Houlihan's, is a premium Indian-inspired multi-cuisine restaurant with a bar, restaurant and lounge.

Houlihan's filed for bankruptcy in November 2019 but was then bought up by Landry's Inc. for $40 million, according to Bloomberg.

The restaurant provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience with exciting food, fantastic cocktails, spirits and wines, as well as mocktails.

Social Hub By Dhaba is owned by Fine Indian Group, which owns restaurants around New York City and New Jersey. Social Hub By Dhaba is the company's tenth restaurant.

The menu at Social Hub features a wide variety of Indian dishes, from traditional favorites to modern fusion cuisine.

For example, Indian classics such as Malai butter chicken, a variety of curries, and naan, are available, as are a mix of American classics such as chicken sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and plates of pasta.

Kalaaz Indian Ethnic Wear Boutique, 1246 Rt. 46W, Parsippany

Early last spring, Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon to officially open Kalaaz Indian Ethnic Wear Boutique at 1246 Rt. 46W in Parsippany.

According to officials, the new shopping and retail store is a one-stop shop for all your Indian clothing needs, whether for weddings, festivals, or everyday wear.

"Welcome to our township," Barberio said. "I wish you much success with your beautiful shop. Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy."

VSA Future Learning Center, 2561 Rt. 10E, Parsippany

VSA Future is a one-of-a-kind enrichment learning center in New Jersey that has been serving students since 2015. VSA Future has virtually expanded its footprint since its inception, teaching students in 30 states and internationally.

Year-round offerings at the academic center aim to challenge students beyond their classroom experiences and prepare them to be confident global citizens.

"This is such a vibrant, interactive space," Barberio said. "I wish you much success, as educating our youth is the key to our future."

The VSA Future Learning Center aims to improve students' English, math, reading and writing, vocabulary, and public speaking skills through "active learning," which includes discussion groups, practice by doing, and teaching newly acquired skills to others.

Eli’s Eatery, 2569 Rt. 10 E., Parsippany

Eli's Eatery provides customers with a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, combining the heritage of Korean cuisine with the sophistication of French cuisine.

According to the restaurant's owners, the story of Eli's Eatery began more than a quarter-century ago, when Chef Eleazar Martinez, affectionately known as Eli, and Proprietor David Oh embarked on their culinary journey together.

Their long-standing collaboration began at the acclaimed Woo Lae Oak in Soho and has since flourished. This duo has left their imprint at Bann in midtown Manhattan and Woodam in Morris Plains.

"Eli and David’s latest venture is the much-loved Eli’s Eatery in Parsippany, NJ. This restaurant has become a testament to their gastronomic prowess and their commitment to bringing joy through food," Eli's Eatery's website says.

The menu includes some Korean classics, such as the rice dish Bibimbap and Kalbijjim, which is made with braised beef short ribs. Their menu also includes some non-traditional items like hamburgers, chicken penne pasta, and a BLT.

The new restaurant is located in the Galleria Mall shopping complex at 2569 NJ-10, Morris Plains.

View the full menu.

Step Up Family Services, 239 New Road, Parsippany

Step Up Family Services offers a variety of services to the community, including in-home therapy, ABA services, outpatient counseling, social skills and other groups for families and children.

"We believe that we can help raise the bar for each child and family we work with by working together and empowering each of them to accomplish the goals they set out to reach. Whether it is social-emotional learning in the classroom or behavioral health and therapeutic services, our belief is we can step up and do it together," Step Up Family Services said.

“I welcome Dr. David Timpanaro and his team to Parsippany and wish them much success,” Barberio said “There is such a need for facilities like this one, and I believe they will be a good resource for families in need of mental health support.”

Miller's Ale House, 1721 NJ-10, Parsippany

A brand-new Miller's Ale House officially opened its doors on Dec. 26.

The new Miller's is the first in Parsippany and the second in Morris County, following the nearby Rockaway Miller's, which debuted in 2019.

According to store owners, the Parsippany restaurant brings over 100 jobs to the local community.

Miller's newest design includes indoor and outdoor seating, more than 60 TVs, a Florida Room with garage-style external walls that can be raised weather permitting, and all of the outstanding cuisine and drinks that have helped Miller's become a favorite New Jersey dining destination since 2012.

“We already have a lot of Raving Fans here in Morris County and wanted to offer a convenient second area location in Parsippany for our local fans to enjoy our famous Zingers, Mountain Melts, Captain Jack’s Buried Treasure and much more,” said Miller’s Ale House Chief Development Officer Byron Chandler.

Miller's Ale House is a sports-themed casual dining establishment with an extensive menu that includes their signature dish, Zingers & Wings, as well as house favorites like Barbeque Baby Back Ribs, Dad's Homemade Meatloaf, English Pub Fish & Chips and many more.

Click here to see the rest of their menu.