The MANCHESTER Times Vol. 27 - No. 49
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
School Parking “Chaos” To Be Addressed
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Page 9-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 21
Classifieds Page 24
─Photo By Bob Vosseller The Lakehurst Presbyterian Church parking lot is closed off to parents dropping off and picking up their children and fines are being issued by the police according to parents. The issue has become a point of contention between the church, school officials and parents in the last few weeks. By Bob Vosseller LAKEHURST – A pa r e nt’s c ompla i nt about “chaos” when dropping off and picking up kids at the elementary school will lead to a meeting between the Police, school superintendent and the Ocean County Engineering Department. The situation began when use of the Lake-
hu r st P r e sby t e r ia n Church parking lot next to the school on Union Avenue was no longer allowed. Parents voiced safety concerns and the prospect of receiving tickets by police over the change of what was a long-established courtesy. “This morning (March 9) alone was chaos. Cars in the street. Cars
turning all directions. Kids stepping off the sidewalk before they should have, nearly hit by cars. It is not safe,” resident Lauryn Boxx said in a social media post. She added, “the district has been clear: we are a walking district, this statement though does not keep our children safe. When I in-
quired about closing roads, moving pick up/ drop off etc. I was told that the roads are county roads and that their hands are tied.” “I have made several calls to the board of education, transportation etc. and have finally found a contact (at the county) who heard our concerns,” Boxx said. (Roads - See Page 4)
Chef’s Night Out Serves Up A Delicious Fundraiser By Bob Vosseller LACEY – It was one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Foundation and if you went home hungry, it was your own fault. After a year’s absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual
OCVTS Chef’s Night Out fundraiser returned recently and to a whole new venue, the Lacey Elks Lodge which allowed for more space and different rooms to accommodate the many participating restaurants and organizations as well as the varied culinary programs provided for
OCVTS students. “It was a spectacular event for our district. We are blessed with a foundation that supports our mission of preparing students for today’s demanding high-tech job market. The monies from Chef’s Night Out will not only allow for financial scholarships for our
students but also supply tools, equipment and other necessary gear needed for our programs,” OCVTS Superintendent Karen Homiek said. She added, “all of the Foundation members are volunteers and are members of the local Ocean County community. Everyone seems
to like the restaurants that are here. The restaurant owners and staff are having a good time. Everyone is just enjoying themselves.” Harold “Skip” Peterson of Lacey is a member of the Foundation and was instrumental in bringing the big event that featured (Chef - See Page 13)
March 19, 2022
Town Selling 7 Liquor Licenses By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – During the most recent Township Council meeting the mayor spoke about the seven liquor licenses that were up for sale which he said he hoped would draw some new restaurants into the community. “We have some interested par ties. Hopefully we can bring some businesses into the town in the form of some restaurants. Hopefully we have some interest in the very near future,” Mayor Robert Hudak said. (Liquor - See Page 7)
Residents Have Questions About Reassessment By Bob Vosseller LAKEHURST – Borough residents are fearing a potential tax increase will be brought about by a county-mandated reassessment of their properties. A reassessment is when every property in a town is looked at to make sure the owner is paying the right amount of taxes. The tax bill is based on the value of the property, not necessarily what it was purchased for. If the average value of homes in a town is more than 15% away from where they should be, a town is ordered to do a reassessment or a revaluation. The difference between these two terms is that a reassessment is done in-house, usually by smaller towns, and a revaluation is done by an outside contractor. Resident Bruce Morrison asked about the situation during a recent Borough Council meeting and Mayor Harry Robbins explained the situation. “Unfortunately, we are ordered to do that. We have no choice in the matter. The county ordered it. We have to do it. The end result (Residents - See Page 5)
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