MANCHESTER – The Township Council chose a new member at a special meeting to fill an empty seat at the table.
Sandy Drake was appointed to serve on the council during a special meeting held on the evening of January 28. During this meeting, five applicants were interviewed.
Among the other contenders were Nina L. Charlton, Tim Poss, Felicia Finn and Eugenia Lawson. They were interviewed separately between 6 and 7 p.m. in a closed session and then discussion began prior to a vote taken in open session.
Council Vice President James Vaccaro nominated Drake for the position to which Council President Roxy Conniff seconded. Councilwoman Michele Zolezi abstained while Vaccaro, Conniff and Councilman Craig Wallis voted yes via phone.
Drake replaces Joseph Hankins who was appointed as mayor in January causing him to vacate his seat on the council. Hankins replaced Robert Arace after he stepped down after being elected to the Ocean County Board of Commissioners in November.
There are two years left on Hankins’ term. By law, Drake will serve through December 31, 2025 and will have to win election in November to serve in 2026.
According to the council request for applicants, the person chosen is required to run for the remaining year of the term.
Open Space Purchase Complete
Mayor Hankins recently announced the completion of Ocean County’s purchase of land within the township. He noted that the county “has successfully completed the purchase of 87.93 acres of land, which includes three parcels of land along Route 571 in the Ridgeway area of Manchester Township. This preserves valuable open space for future generations.”
The purchase price for the property was $20,500,000. The acquisition was made possible through the County Open Space tax, a voter approved program that funds land preservation efforts across Ocean County.
“This land was previously slated for development, with plans for a mix of 500 townhouses and apartments. However, the County’s purchase ensures that these acres will be protected and maintained as open space for the enjoyment of residents and wildlife alike,” the mayor added.
In addition to the purchase, Manchester Township has agreed to donate two additional parcels to the County, further expanding the area’s open space. These parcels add an additional 24.67 acres to the preserved area along Route 571. These lands were originally purchased by the township for the purpose of preserving land and enhancing the community’s environmental resources.
Mayor Hankins added, “the County’s preservation of these properties, in addition to our Township’s donated land, is a significant step in safeguarding the region’s natural resources and ensuring that open space is available for recreational, environmental, and aesthetic purposes.”
