127 Acres Targeted For Open Space Protection In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Council passed a resolution Monday night supporting an expected proposal by the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Advisory Committee to purchase 127 acres of land for open space in Manchester.

The properties to be purchased include 89.57 acres at 3500 Ridgeway Road, near Quarry Road, which is across the street from the planned Ocean County Park in Manchester. The three-tract property had been purchased by a developer in early 2023, according to county land records.

The second property, 34.5 acres on Cherry Street, had previously been owned by developer US Homes.

The third property is a 3.43-acre property on Route 547, just south of Ridgeway Road.

How much the county is considering paying for the properties was not immediately available.

The county in late June approved the natural lands trust committee's recommendation to purchase 24.83 acres on Pasadena Road in Manchester for $250,000.