From The Mayor's Desk: Autumn Has Arrived

From the desk of Manchester Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer:

I am grateful that Hurricane Joaquin is no longer a threat to our area, however, I urge our residents to stay aware of any predicted nor’easters and other storms and to take storm preparedness steps when necessary. It’s always best to be prepared.

The Township’s Working Group continues to meet to discuss, review and consider a redevelopment plan for the Heritage Minerals site.

We are looking into the possibility of a “Shop Manchester” program, encouraging residents to not only shop locally and support our local businesses, but also to receive a small credit toward their property taxes. It’s still in the talking stage, but remains an option.

The township is cracking down on cleaning up unkempt vacant and foreclosed properties in accordance with the Property Maintenance regulations currently in place. Letters were sent to the property owners whose properties are in a dangerous or dilapidated condition, asking that the properties be cleaned up. After attempts to work with the property owners to remediate the situation, when necessary, the township will have the property cleaned up and a lien will be placed on the property. All property owners, including banks and mortgage companies, must maintain their properties. No resident should have to live next to an eyesore because a bank or owner neglects its property.

On a lighter note, be sure to mark your calendars for some autumn events:

Halloween Hayride and Trick-or-Trunk at Manchester Township High School parking lot for $2 per person on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. This event is sponsored by Municipal Alliance and Manchester Township Recreation Department.

“Trick or Treat” in Manchester will be held on Saturday, October 31 from 12 to 9 p.m.

Our Recreation Department is sponsoring a Bonfire and Chili Cook-Off on Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the football complex on Route 571. Visit the ManchesterTwp.com/Recreation website for details.

All are invited to attend our Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at the Municipal Complex. Join us in honoring all our service men and women who have served our country.

School is back in session. Please drive carefully and observe all safety laws.