MANCHESTER – If you plan to solicit door to door, don’t come a knocking at certain 55+ communities in the township.
During a recent Township Council meeting, resident Thomas Ferrell called for officials to promote better awareness of the no knock ordinance that controls solicitation.
Council President Roxy Conniff commented “I do think it would be a good idea to do an awareness campaign of our no-knock policy and to register if you are not registered for it with the township.”
Township Clerk Teri Giercyk said “we do call them (companies) and tell them they are not allowed to do that. A few of the addresses of the communities have a Toms River zip code so there is confusion sometimes.”
Further details about the township’s no-knock regulations can be accessed from Manchester’s website at https://manchestertwp.com/no-knock-registry/
Land Sales
In other news, ordinances 25-28 and 25-29 which were on second reading and final action were tabled. Those ordinances involved the sale of 1814 Roosevelt Boulevard for $11,900 and 1810 Roosevelt Boulevard for $3,000 to Stephen and Jessica Brosnan.
The council president called for the tabling saying that “the township needs to review their applications.” The ordinances will be carried to the council’s November 10 meeting.
Ordinance 25-35 authorizing the sale of 941 Englemere Avenue to Gelb for $10,000 was approved. Resident Gail Apgar asked if this lot was to build on.
Business Administrator Carl Block responded that it was to consolidate the neighboring lot.
Ordinances Introduced
Several ordinances were introduced including a five-year tax exemption for a project to be constructed by Manchester Storage LLC which Block explained was a condition established through a prior township contract agreement made in 2021.
Conniff remarked that the council would be taking a closer look at Ordinance #25-39 which would amend township code, consistent with public law concerning rent leveling boards. Ordinance #25-40 would authorize the exchange of lands between Manchester Township and Manchester 4 LLC at Wilbur Avenue and Holly Hill Road.
Childhood Cancer Awareness
The month of September was recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Mayor Joseph Hankins presented a proclamation to Ashley Lauren Foundation founder and CEO Monica Vermeulen. The foundation was created in honor of Vermeulen’s daughter, Ashley, who was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor (kidney cancer) in 1991.
“Thank you, Mayor Hankins and Council. This is so appreciated. This organization has made such a profound difference in my life and all of those suffering from pediatric cancer. Our mission is to help those children suffering from cancer. We help families throughout the state of New Jersey and we do everything we possibly can financially, provide emotional support and anything needed,” Vermeulen said.
She added, “my daughter Ashley Lauren suffered from cancer at the age of 3 and it was a very difficult time in our lives…and yet a passion grew inside of me during that horrific journey that I wanted to do something to make a difference in the lives of families who were going through what we were going through. That was the beginning of the Ashley Lauren Foundation in 2005.”
She noted a Manchester family was among those assisted by the Foundation. The child sadly died two years ago but her mother works with Vermeulen as part of the Foundation.
“She took that horrible, horrible time and is now doing wonderful things for these children, who do not deserve to suffer,” Vermeulen said.
Zoning Board Cancels Meeting
During a prior council meeting, the subject of a development plan filed by the Congregation Mikvah of Pine Lake Park for property at 1209 9th Avenue was brought up by residents.
The application was expected to have a public hearing during a September 29 Township Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. However, that meeting was canceled after a legal notice was mistakenly published in the wrong newspaper.
The hearing will instead be heard on October 30 and Township officials said a new date in November may also be considered if scheduling conflicts arise.
Health Care Village/Community Center
Council Vice President James Vaccaro repeated his call for the establishment of “a much-needed medical health care village” that would provide services and jobs for residents and “constructing a senior citizens and youth recreation center located in Manchester which is very much needed since we’d like to expand the senior services program and seek additional services in Manchester Township.”
Council President Conniff stated the idea of the center is being discussed and a proper property site within the township would have to be determined among other considerations.
