Controversial Apartment Developer Clears Trees Without Approval

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By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Earlier this month contractors started cutting down trees at the future site of the Presidential Gardens development on Route 37. They did so without proper permit approval from the township.

Mayor Robert Arace, noting he had campaigned on preservation, put an immediate stop work order on the construction.

The development would be built on a 51.92-acre tract of land diagonal from the township’s Town Hall. It is planned to consist of 519 rental apartments in 26 buildings.

Most of them would be one- and two-bedroom units with the option of some units having three bedrooms to meet affordable housing regulations. The complex would also include amenities such as a clubhouse pool and recreational area.

The mayor said the initial site approval was at a planning board meeting in 2012. The project was granted a site approval extension by the planning board in 2022, ten years later. Due to approvals by previous administrations, the project will likely continue against the mayor’s wishes. Mayor Arace emphasized that proper permits and

Chef’s Night Out: More Than Just The Food

By Stephanie Faughnan

LACEY – Saucy Asian delights, shucked oysters, and specialty desserts were just a few of the options that Ocean County Vo Tech (“OCVTS”) students dished out at the 26th Annual International Chef’s Night held for their benefit.

The annual fundraiser held at the Lacey Elks earlier this month brought in over $70,000 this year that will be used towards student scholarships and grants for OCVTS instructional equipment and technology.

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

Several environmental issues were brought up by residents during a recent Township Council meeting ranging from 5G technology, offshore windmill projects and changes mandated by the Pinelands Commission concerning stormwater runoff. What is the plan for 5G nodes around the township? A resident brought up the issue stating “such equipment is considered to be concealed and can accommodate wireless and electric vehicles