Manasquan Says Community Center Is Part Of $1 Million Land Deal

MANASQUAN – Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan defended a plan Wednesday to spend more than $1 million on a land deal that involves a borough employee, saying the town hopes to locate a community center there.

Donovan said the Manasquan Council thoroughly vetted a plan to spend more than $1 million on the land deal. The property is located at 27 Osborn Ave. and it's owned by Kevin Thompson, the Manasquan superintendent of Public Works.

The council has introduced an ordinance that would authorize the issuance of $1.022 million in bonds to finance the purchase. The ordinance was introduced during Manasquan's meeting last week and could be approved this month.

Donovan said the town is in dire need of a community center since it's been using the gym at the closed St. Denis school and some other sites. He said the town has its eyes on that land for that usee.

"That's getting a little pricey," he said. "We would rather invest in our own building."

Donovan said the appraisals show that the land is worth what Manasquan is offering.

He also said Manasquan followed the right procedures to make sure that engaging in a real estate transaction with a town employee is legal. The town consulted with the borough's attorney and the state Department of Community Affairs.

Donovan said the deal makes sense since it's located next to borough property and there may be an existing structure that could be usable.

"We'd rather not spend money on rent," he said. "We followed the right procedures."