MANCHESTER – Residents have been wanting more variety in the businesses opening in town, particularly in light of yet another dollar store being approved.
Resident Judy Noonan once again brought it up during the public comment period of a recent Township Council meeting. She said the township needs to attract more diverse businesses to the community noting high costs of items at some of the existing grocery stores. She asked if anyone reached out to the Aldi’s grocery food chain.
Mayor Robert Hudak said that he had months ago and at first “they seemed interested and later they said no. We are reaching back out to them again. I can’t force them to do (come to town).”
Noonan said she reached out to them as well to which the mayor said he appreciated the help. She also noted the number of dollar stores that existed in Manchester. “People shop and they like other stores. Stop & Shop is really very expensive.”
She also warned the council and public about a notice that was circulating, soliciting people in need of tech support for their computer. “It is a complete scam to get your personal information.”
Cats And Wildlife Ordinance
Among the ordinances introduced during the meeting included one that amended township regulations concerning the feeding of wild life including feral cats in the township.
“It is an expansion of how we feed non-pets and it also includes a must do and can’t do. We can’t overfeed domestic or wild animals,” Councilman Samuel Fusaro said.
The amendment known as the “Cats and Wild Animal Control Chapter of the Township of Manchester” will make it illegal “to give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing wildlife.” Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game. The ordinance is intended to manage the feeding of wild animals, including, but not limited to feral cats, squirrels and other rodents, as well as the roaming of unneutered cats.
Under the ordinance no person shall own, keep or harbor any wild animal or feral cat within Manchester except in compliance within the provisions of the township code. The same was stated for feeding any wild animal or feral cat.
Those found in violation will receive a written warning by the Animal Control officer with subsequent violations punishable by a $50 to $500 fine for each violation. The ordinance will have a second reading at the Council’s August 9 meeting.
Ordinances And Grants
Other ordinances authorized the sale of four lots. They include 202 Pine Street which has a minimum bid of $475,000, 302 and 304 Central Avenue both with a minimum bid of $142,000, and 316 Central Avenue with a minimum bid of $9,486.
An ordinance recommended by the Township’s Engineer Robert Mullen, concerning drainage and to make construction codes more uniform was also introduced by the governing body.
The Council also accepted the Body-Worn Camera grant funds in the amount of $154,888. This is a state grant to cover the cost of body cameras for the Township Police department which is part of a state mandate for all police departments in New Jersey. It was explained that these funds will be used to pay down a $219,000 bond for that purpose.
Affordable Housing Issues
Three affordability assistance grants were authorized with the owner of affordability housing units at Birchwood at Whiting. Clerk Sabina Martin noted the amount as being $290,713.13.
Fusaro said “everyone knows about affordable housing law. The order we received from the court involves three different parts, housing, assistance in the housing where we are paying for their first month’s rent and there is also repairs. We have caught up on all those requirements.”
The Council also voted on a contract for the Schoolhouse/Wranglebrook Road improvement project. They rejected all bids that were submitted for the leasing of a portion of the township water tank for placement of cellular antennas.
