Week in Review: BOE Gives Relief to Par-Troy Taxpapers

: The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education voted this week to use $1.25 million dollars in just-announced state aid for schools for immediate tax relief for area property owners. Ratepayers with homes valued at about $306,000—the area average—will see a decrease of approximately $26 on their fourth quarter tax bills. The plan passed almost unanimously: One board member . She said she accepts and respects the board decision, but fears the money may have been better used to keep taxes lower next year.

Fatal Accidents on Route 46: Two are dead after two serious vehicle accidents in Parsippany. On Friday, police said after crashing his motorcycle into a car on Route 46 West near Arlington Plaza. No other injuries were reported. And on Sunday, a after police said he drove the wrong way on Route 46 West and collided head-on with another vehicle near the Dunkin' Donuts strip mall. The other driver, a 47-year-old man, was hospitalized. At press time, the police had not released either victim's identity or the condition of the injured driver.

: Parsippany suffered a dangerous heat wave through much of last week. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning Thursday that stayed in effect through Saturday night. Citizens kept out of the heat by visiting the municipality's cooling centers—the Community Center and the three branches of the Parsippany Free Public Library—and by making use of pools, Lake Parsippany and area frozen-treat shops. New Jersey Central Power and Light reported that increased air conditioner use did not create severe power problems for the area, which reported only scattered outages.

: The Christie Administration announced Friday that Parsippany's Mount Tabor Elementary School will receive $264,116 to replace aging windows and doors. The money comes from the Schools Development Authority’s Regular Operating District Grant Program. The state grant will cover only part of the $660,290 estimated construction cost. With the grant, the school district will handle the remaining $396,174.

: A recent Parsippany Police Department investigation cracked an alleged prostitution operation in the township. Ptlm. Earl Kinsey reported that after receiving numerous complaints regarding sex for sale in Parsippany hotels, PPD's Special Enforcement Unit conducted a probe July 5 at the Red Roof Inn on Route 46 West. Two New York residents were arrested and charged with soliciting prostitution to an undercover police officer. Both women were released pending a court appearance.