Happy Friday, Morristown. We’re introducing a new weekly podcast to let you know what has happened this week and summarize all the news you need to know. Below you’ll find the podcast and a written rundown of what is covered in the podcast. Enjoy!
We start with a developing story on Sussex Avenue, where authorities are searching for a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run. Patch reported that a pedestrian was pinned under a truck near the intersection of Sussex Avenue and Mills Street around 7 a.m. Friday morning. The victim was rushed to Morristown Medical Center but unfortunately did not survive their injuries. The driver reportedly fled the scene on foot, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Crime Scene Units are actively investigating.
In local government news, the political landscape in Morris Township has seen a major shakeup following a marathon six-hour meeting regarding affordable housing redevelopment. The local Democratic Committee has decided to back a new slate of candidates for the upcoming election, bypassing two incumbents. In response, veteran Committeeman Bud Ravitz announced he will run for re-election as an Independent, stating that his years of experience were not being appreciated by the local party organization. This follows intense resident backlash over proposed housing units at sites like 60 Columbia Road and 227 Sussex Avenue, where neighbors raised concerns about traffic and potential flooding.
Local taxpayers should also prepare for potential changes to their bills, as the Morris School District has presented a tentative budget for the 2026-27 year. The plan includes a 3.5 percent tax increase, which is the maximum allowed by the state. For the average Morristown homeowner, this could mean an additional $331 in school taxes. District officials noted that while enrollment has dropped by about 225 students, leading to the proposed cut of 15 teaching positions, the tax hike is necessary to cover rising health benefit and pension costs.
On the development front, the path has been cleared for a new project called “M Lofts” at 35 Spring Street. This $78 million development will bring 150 new apartments to the downtown area, including 30 designated as affordable units. As part of the project, a historically significant schoolhouse site from 1877 will be preserved, and a new pocket park will be created along the Whippany River.
If you are traveling through town on Monday, March 23, please be aware that Schuyler Place will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Crews will be performing excavation work and utility connections for the ongoing Morris County Courthouse project. While businesses like Kirshenbaum Baking Co. will remain open, motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
Despite these local challenges, there is reason for civic pride, as a new study has officially named Morristown the #1 most desirable suburb in New Jersey for 2026. The ranking highlighted our “in-to-out ratio” of 1.65, meaning significantly more people are trying to move into our town than leave it. While the average home value has risen to approximately $856,000, the study notes that people are drawn to our walkable downtown and thriving restaurant scene.
Looking ahead to the next decade, the 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan has identified several priorities for our region, specifically focusing on mental health, food insecurity, and access to care. Local health officials aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and increase the number of crisis counselors available in the county.
Finally, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Greater Morristown has a full lineup. Highlights include:
- A Pop Art retrospective on Roy Lichtenstein at the Morristown & Township Library tonight at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
- The New Jersey Ballet performing “Icons of American Ballet” at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday.
- The annual Whippany River cleanup starting Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the 59 Spring Street parking lot.
- The Grow It Green Winter Market at Convent Station on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m..