Rockaway sees new Aldi store, industrial sale and DWI arrest

Aldi is set to open its second location in Rockaway on Mount Hope Avenue with a grand opening scheduled for June 25. The new store will launch with giveaways as part of the official celebration events for shoppers in the township. This expansion marks a significant addition to local retail options available to residents who rely on grocery stores within their immediate community.

New Retail and Business Growth

The arrival of the second Aldi location follows other business activity involving Rockaway-based companies expanding across the state. JLL recently completed five retail leases that support Purity Water, a franchise based in Rockaway, as it expands its presence throughout New Jersey shopping centers. These transactions target high-visibility locations to increase brand exposure for local businesses looking to grow their footprint beyond Morris County.

In addition to retail expansion, the industrial sector saw movement with the sale of an 81,000 square foot facility in Rockaway. JLL Capital Markets announced on July 10 that NorthBridge Partners acquired the shallow bay industrial property from LM Real Estate Partners. Nicholas Stefans and Jason Lundy served as managing directors for the team representing the seller during this transaction.

Luke Ceccoli acted as a senior analyst alongside the managing directors to lead the JLL Capital Markets effort in finalizing the deal. The sale represents continued interest in Rockaway industrial assets despite broader economic fluctuations affecting commercial real estate markets nationwide. Local property owners and investors may view such transactions as indicators of ongoing demand for warehouse space in the district.

Recent Legal Issues and Safety

Law enforcement activity has also drawn attention recently after a 72-year-old man from Rockaway was arrested on driving while intoxicated charges. Garry Della-Calce was stopped by Denville police around 4:20 p.m. on July 18 following an observation of his vehicle on Bloomfield Avenue in Denville. The arrest occurred during a routine traffic stop that escalated after officers identified signs of impairment.

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by local departments to monitor road safety across the region, even when stops occur outside Rockaway township limits. Residents often travel through neighboring towns like Denville for work or errands, making such enforcement actions relevant to anyone driving in Morris County during summer months. The case remains under review as legal proceedings move forward against the accused driver.

Another serious legal matter involving a fatal crash on Route 80 resulted in convictions handed down by a Morris County jury last month. A man from Parsippany-Troy Hills was found guilty of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and second-degree Vehicular Homicide following a wrong-way collision that killed a Pennsylvania resident in February 2025. The five-day trial concluded with verdicts delivered on July 22 before the Honorable Ralph.

This case underscores the dangers posed by impaired or distracted driving on major thoroughfares used daily by commuters from Rockaway and surrounding areas. Families of victims often seek closure through these court outcomes while community members reflect on road safety practices they can adopt to prevent similar tragedies in their own neighborhoods.

Community Events and School Updates

Looking ahead, the Rockaway Township Police Department is organizing a National Night Out event designed to strengthen partnerships between officers and residents. The gathering will take place at Peterson Field on Fleetwood Drive from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on August 4, with free hot dogs and ice cream provided for attendees.

A GOAT Movie is scheduled to be shown on the turf starting at dusk as part of the evening entertainment lineup. If weather conditions do not permit outdoor activities, organizers have set a rain date for August 6 to ensure families can still participate in this annual tradition. Such events offer opportunities for neighbors to meet local police officers in an informal setting.

Nearby educational matters are also moving forward with a special meeting of the Boonton Township Board of Education scheduled for Wednesday evening on July 29. The session will convene at Rockaway Valley School located at 11 Valley Road, where board members including President Lauren Bardach plan to discuss issues affecting every resident in that district.

While this specific meeting concerns Boonton Township schools, the use of a facility within Rockaway demonstrates how local institutions serve multiple communities across county lines. Parents and taxpayers from both towns may attend to hear updates on curriculum changes or budget decisions impacting student services at shared locations like Valley Road.