BJs, Sinkholes, Free Parking - Oh My!

Hello Morristown! This is Morristown Scoop, your local newsletter helping connect everyone in our surrounding community!

Who knew that drones wouldn’t be featured in this edition of the Scoop. We’ve got much larger fish to fry like grocery battles and New Year’s Eve scaries. Onwards and upwards!

Today’s Scoop 🍦:

• The Roundup (big grocery, sinkholes, free parking)

• The Spotlight (photo of the week)

• Event Highlights (countdowns!)

The Weather Report

Friday 12/27: 🙂 🌤️ — Hi 44, Lo 30

Saturday 12/28: 😭 🌧️ — Hi 45, Lo 37

Sunday 12/29: 😭 🌧️🍃 — Hi 57, 49

The Roundup

BJ’s coming to battle Costco! 🛒 

In case you haven’t driven down Route 10 eastbound in East Hanover lately, you’ve missed a massive building being erected that is finally taking the shape of a BJ’s Wholesale Club in the space where former businesses such as Pathmark, The Original Pancake House, and The Melting Pot used to reign. It’s been years since the closure of the old strip mall, mainly due to a failed housing project which led the way to BJ’s planting their flag. This location may end up being a more convenient option for Morristown residents as they get to avoid a lot of the shopping traffic which builds up just another 2 miles down the road by Costco and Target. Last we’ve heard, BJ’s is scheduled to open in March 2025 and they are running a promotion on membership if you sign up before then that includes a discount on gas prices.

Sinkhole 🕳️ on Route 80 in Wharton

A scary situation happened this week in Wharton on Route 80 East where a massive sinkhole ripped open a hole on the shoulder of the highway. The eastbound highway was shut down for most of the day, and partial closures are still occurring as of December 27th. Westbound traffic is unaffected at this time. Surprisingly, a simple Google search reveals that sinkholes in the Garden State seem to be somewhat frequent! I remember vividly a major sinkhole opening up on the northbound side of 287 maybe 10 years ago in Boonton. That was caused by massive rain volume and erosion of the river bed. The cause for this one in Wharton is still TBD. Stay safe out there!

Free Parking: Morristown 🅿️ 

A tradition unlike any other: free parking in Morristown for the holidays. While the free on-street metered parking ended on 12/25, there are still free parking options in the Ann/Bank street garage on the following days: December 28, 29, & 31. Take advantage of downtown Morristown without having to worry about finding a perfect spot. This garage is centrally located to the Green and is easy to enter and exit. Free parking runs from 12:00AM - 11:59PM on the days listed.

The Spotlight

Photo of the Week 🖼️ 🎅 

Want to be featured? Send your photos to [email protected]

What to do, What to do 😮 

Upcoming Local Events

Live Music 🎸 - FriendZone Band - Saturday 12/28 @ 7:30PM 📍 Laundromat Speakeasy, Morristown, NJ

Winter Farmer’s Market - Sunday 12/29 @ 9:30AM 📍Convent Train Station

Menorah Lighting - Sunday 12/29 @ 5:00PM 📍 Madison Train Station

First Night Morris County - Tuesday 12/31 @ 4:45PM 📍Downtown Morristown, NJ

• Alcohol-free celebration of arts and culture - 70 performances, midnight countdown, fireworks! Fun for the whole family

Used Book Sale - Saturday 1/4 @ 10:00AM 📍 Morristown Public Library

Event Countdowns

• 🍀 Morristown St. Patty’s Day Parade: 70 Days

• 🌅 Daylight Savings Time Begins: 71 Days

• 🐣 First day of Spring: 82 Days

• 🍽️ Restaurant Week: 100 Days

• ⛳️ The Masters: 103 Days