A New Vision for Collinsville Playground and Tucker Field 

This month, the Township Committee approved the hiring of a professional park planning firm to lead the revisioning and redesign of Collinsville Playground and Tucker Field. Planners will work directly with residents, community leaders, and Township officials to create a new vision for Collinsville which neighbors can enjoy for decades to come.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, federal funds allocated in this year’s budget will cover the initial construction costs for this project. As we plan for future phases of this project, the Township is working closely with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to secure additional federal funding. We are grateful for the support of Congresswoman Sherrill and her staff for their continued support to Morris Township.

High School Art & Design Show, Class of ' 22 Graduation 

I was excited to see an initiative I had started with Morristown High School (my alma mater) come to fruition earlier this month at the High School’s Art & Design Show. As someone who grew up in the Township, I understand how important it is for our community to create lasting bonds with our young people.

This year, we’ll be displaying student artwork from the Art & Design Show in our Municipal Building, not only in support of the arts, but also to spur students’ interest in their community, and local government.

Special thanks to Brian Young, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Morris School District, for collaborating with us on this initiative. I’d also like to thank longtime Morris Township volunteer and Morris Arts Board Member Joen Ferrari, longtime volunteer Mary Ellen Murray, and Committee members Tara Olivo-Moore and Bud Ravitz for representing the Township at this month’s show.

Last week, I had the pleasure of returning to Mennen Arena on graduation night twelve years after I walked the same arena floor as a graduate. It was a privilege to join the students, their families, and the dedicated Morristown High School staff to celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2022 and wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Recognizing Local Members of Moms Demand Action 

At our June Township Committee meeting, the Township Committee passed a proclamation designating June as Gun Violence Prevention Month. The horrifying events that have unfolded recently in Uvalde and Buffalo are an unfortunate reality that our country has had to face far too often. As Mayor, one of the first official actions I took was joining Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a coalition of mayors fighting to end gun violence in America. We are fortunate to have common sense gun safety laws here in New Jersey, but federal action must be taken to provide consistency, clarity, and safety.

I am grateful that our community has active volunteers who have made it their mission to stop gun violence. This month, we honored Theresa Piliero, a Township resident who lived close to Newton, CT during the Sandy Hook Massacre. Since that tragedy, Theresa has held a deep passion for ending gun violence, which has been strengthened through a grassroots group of concerned moms who want to make our communities safer for our children and grandchildren. Theresa, an active member of Moms Demand Action was joined by fellow volunteer, Fern Wolkin at our June meeting. We are grateful for all their hard work.

Municipal Building IT Upgrades

Earlier this year, I announced that the Township will be investing in IT upgrades to adequately prepare for the eventual return of the Township Committee, along with our volunteer boards and committees, to in-person and/or hybrid meetings. This month, we approved the use of American Rescue Plan funding to make significant livestreaming, videoconferencing, and recording equipment investments for Township business. This equipment will allow us to more effectively have both the public and members of our boards participate in meetings, and provide our employees better options to conduct their work in the Municipal Building during the day. This equipment is anticipated to be installed in the coming months.

Proposed Route 24 Project

At our June meeting, the Township Committee held a public comment session and Committee deliberation of the County’s proposed Route 24/Columbia Turnpike/Park Avenue Interchange Project. Those interested in learning more can review the recording here.

The Township Committee continues to evaluate this proposal and appreciates receiving feedback from our residents. Since the beginning of the month, the governing bodies of Hanover, Madison, and Florham Park have passed resolutions in support of the project. The Committee will provide additional information to the public prior to the July 20th Township Committee meeting.

Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter. Please be sure to follow Morris Township by signing up for our Municipal Messenger as well as by liking our Facebook page and following us on Instagram.

Wishing all of you a Happy Independence Day!

Best,

Mark