MANCHESTER – Residents and officials discussed a forthcoming development project in the community during a recent Township Council meeting.
The development will be 210 residential units within separate buildings located on 2065 Route 37 and East Commonwealth, Councilman James Vaccaro said. He made this report as part of his role as liaison to the planning board.
It is a mixed use development, which means that it is more than just homes.
The development would include a club house, a 6,300-square-foot convenience store food market, and an 1,800-square-foot commercial pad site. A pad site is a standalone building within the development. Most importantly the developer has agreed to install the infrastructure necessary to construct charging stations throughout the residential parking areas.
“The developer will also provide a secondary emergency access road for residents,” Vaccaro added.
Congratulations To Business Administrator
Also during the meeting, the mayor and council congratulated Brandon Umba on his full status as the community’s newest business administrator. Umba has been serving as acting business administrator since mid-June shortly after Robert Hudak took over as mayor following the resignation of Kenneth Palmer.
Concerns Over COVID-19
Vaccaro also spoke about the ongoing coronavirus health crisis involving the Delta variants “that have caused cases to spike and have caused hospitalizations nationwide and in Ocean County.”
He reminded residents to wear masks and gloves when and where appropriate and frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. “Use hand sanitizers as needed and most importantly, consider social distancing. Once vaccinated please do not let your guard down.”
Councilwoman Michelle Zolezi had a similar message for residents in her report. She said she recently attended the opening of the local Pop Warner football league recently “so it does look like things are getting back to normal with events happening outside but I want to remind folks to stay vigilant. You may wish to stay up to date on what is going on.”
Energy Renewable Plan
Councilman Vaccaro brough up the township’s 10-year energy renewable plan “that consists of the use of renewable energy of wind, geothermal and more extensive use of solar energy.” He said the plan includes and the expiration of electric charging stations.
Affordable Housing Policies
“I don’t support the way the state has been doing affordable housing I think it has been ridiculous. The way they are forcing towns to develop like this is insane,” Mayor Hudak said. He added that the state should have more of a say into these matters.
