MANCHESTER – The current mayor and the former mayor fired back against a website that alleged a large property in town is going to be used for the homeless.
Commissioner Robert Arace, who was mayor of the town last year, stated “I want to respond directly and unequivocally to clear up the misinformation being spread.” The commissioner referenced a recent article posted on the Shore News Network that was written by that media agency.
“The article is entirely false. The land referenced, on Route 571 in Manchester, is preserved through the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund. That means it cannot be developed for any purpose, at any time – now or in the future – including housing or temporary shelters,” the commissioner remarked.
Arace continued, “the idea that it could be used for a homeless encampment is completely unfounded and legally impossible. At no point in my time as commissioner has there been any discussion at the County level about establishing a homeless shelter or encampment in Manchester Township.”
“Manchester is not considered for any such facility, and any claims to the contrary are a fabrication. I am proud of our work to preserve open space in Manchester and throughout Ocean County. As a former Mayor and now as Commissioner, I have made it a priority to protect our land and the quality of life for our residents.”
“That commitment has not changed,” the Commissioner added. “I understand how upsetting it is to read false headlines like this. Please rest assured that I will continue to speak out against misinformation and ensure our residents have the facts.”
Commissioner Arace also stated that the property in question was set to have 450 homes built on it. “I ran on a platform to stop overdevelopment in Manchester Township. This purchase was recommended to the Commissioner Board, previous to my time on the board, by the Ocean County Natural Land Trust Fund, and the board of commissioners voted to preserve the property in perpetuity and to stop 450 homes from being built.”
“The value of the property was assessed by two independent appraisal companies,” he added.
“As Mayor, I believe it’s crucial to set the record straight for our residents,” current Mayor Joseph Hankins said, noting that “Commissioner Arace has released a clear and honest statement that directly addresses the misinformation being circulated, and I am sharing it with our community to ensure transparency and clarity.”
Mayor Hankins stated his full support for Commissioner Arace’s remarks and reaffirmed his own commitment to honesty and transparency in government.
“Commissioner Arace has set the record straight. Manchester Township has not been considered for any type of shelter or encampment, and the land in question is legally protected open space,” Hankins said.
Mayor Hankins stressed, “our residents deserve the truth and I will always advocate for clarity and facts in the face of misinformation.”
The article’s title “Manchester Township Property Eyed as a Possible Answer to Ocean County’s Homeless Crisis” led people to believe there was a plan in the works. The main photo for the post was Arace edited next to homeless tents.
When reached for comment, Shore News Network owner Phil Stilton responded “our article was an investigation into rumors we have been receiving from our readers. Our article clearly states that we contacted Commissioner (Frank) Sadeghi and he said he had not heard the rumors and clearly stated that the county, in his words, “Did not hear that.”
Stilton said he wrote the article. “I take full responsibility for every article we publish.” He also noted that he was unaware of Mayor Hankins’ comments in support of Commissioner Arace’s response to his article. “I don’t know his name and have never spoken to him.”
