New Trick-or-Treat Date to be Announced Tuesday

In his latest press statement, Mayor James Barberio referenced a number of items pertaining to Sandy recovery, including one of particular interest to parents and kids.

Barberio said he will announce a new date for the township's rescheduled Halloween celebration on Tuesday.

In his release, he reminded residents of the state of emergency that still exists.

"Many of the traffic signals are still not operational, wires are down and while these wires might not be visible, they can often lie beneath the leaves on the street," the statement said. "The danger is very real."

As an example, the release mentioned that trucks are not allowed on South Beverwyck Road, which is open to cars, because of a low-hanging wire at the now-open Interstate 80 East exit ramp. 

The mayor's statement urged families to keep their children off the streets and to refrain from driving at night if at all possible.

"Please do not allow [kids] to go trick-or-treating just yet—the consequences are not worth it. The last thing Mayor Barberio wants to see is any injuries that might occur as a result of people not heeding this warning."

Barberio also addressed the storm expected to arrive this week.

"There is also a strong nor'easter that will be coming up the coast and is forecast to impact us on Wednesday," the statement said. "This storm is predicted to have strong winds and heavy rain (1-3 inches). State, county and local Offices of Emergency Management are keeping a close eye on the storm that is still currently forming. More information will be available in the next coming 24 hours. We urge all of our citizens and business owners to begin preparing for this storm now."

In other recovery-related news, the mayor said that garbage pickup will take place Tuesday. The recycling center will be open from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays.

He reminded residents of the importance of conserving water. The Water Department remains on generator power and is being stretched to the limit. He said there may be times where water pressure is lower than usual.

The release added that freezing temperatures are expected Monday night. To give residents a safe place to sleep, the town's shelter and warming/charging station at the Parsippany Community Center remains open. The Parsippany Police Athletic League building will be open until 9 p.m. Monday as a warming/charging station as well. Additional warming centers are being offered at the Mt. Tabor and Lake Hiawatha library branches; they will be open again Tuesday.