PARKS OF MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP
HARRY WRIGHT LAKE & PARK
Located on Lake Road in the Whiting area is the Township’s only
recreational swimming facility. Harry Wright Lake was constructed
approximately 60 years ago by its namesake and other Township
workers. Set within a heavily wooded area are facilities and amenities
that make this park an ideal place to spend a summer day. There are
bathing beaches and restrooms on each side of the lake. On the low
side there is a playground area for children, exercise and senior wellness
station, horseshoe pits, concession stand, band shell and stage where the
Township’s “Summer Concert Series” is held. On the high side of the
lake, which hosts the Summer Camp Program, there is a floating dock in
the water, sand volleyball courts and a large covered pavilion. There are
several parking lots on both sides of the lake.
WORLD WAR II VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
On the site of what once was the Lake Road ball field, is the crown jewel of Manchester’s
park system—World War II Veterans Memorial Park. The original park, which was
10 acres, was expanded and reconstructed in 2006 and now encompasses 30 acres.
The centerpiece of the park is a monument to the Veterans of the Second World War
consisting of a bronze statue of a WWII infantryman and seven granite walls dedicated
to each branch of the service. A circular, stamped concrete area adorned with flagpoles
provides benches for people to sit. There are walking trails and playgrounds with pieces
resembling WWII military equipment. Restored vehicles and equipment from the war
are on display along the pathways. Between the paths is the “Garden of Honor” with an
impressive steel gazebo at its center. The park also includes a softball field, soccer field,
tennis, basketball courts, and picnic area. There is plenty of on-site parking. An “All
American” Memorial is currently under construction.
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From Inspection, Land Use & Planning Department
As our Township continues to experience an influx of re-sales,
especially within our adult communities, please be reminded
that no dwelling unit may be occupied until a Certificate of Reoccupancy
approval has been issued. Prior to the Re-occupancy
inspection, there must be an effort made on your part to make
certain that the previous owner did not be neglectful from
obtaining the required permits or fail to close out an open
permit.
Although you may not have known that a permit was
needed, were misled by contractors or inherited illegal home
improvements, we sympathize with you. However, one thing
is clear—once you know that unpermitted construction was
done on your home, you must, by law, disclose these issues to
all potential buyers. You’ll most likely do this on your disclosure
statement, as the seller, to report any known legal issues or
unpermitted construction on the property. When you purchase
a property, you unfortunately also purchase the open permits
and complications that go along with it.
We have to be somewhat over-zealous about making sure that
unpermitted work is disclosed and any open permits have been
successfully closed out. Home buyers want to move into a safe
home. A lack of permits implies several problems to potential
buyers, including safety and quality issues. Our permit process is
intended to verify that any improvements to the home were done
properly and to code regulations as it
pertains to the Uniform Construction
Code Act.
In Manchester Township, as in
so many other townships across the
state, unauthorized work often comes
to light with a reassessment, property
sale or a most unfortunate and
worst-case scenario, an accident or fire. Furthermore, insurance
companies will often, if not always, deny a claim after finding out
that no permits had been taken out for the improvements.
Not only should you check the permit history on a home before
you buy, but as a seller, you will be wise to check the history on
your home as well before listing it on the market. As a result any
permit issues that arise can be corrected before the listing goes
public. This can avoid incurring unquantifiable charges as well as
unpleasant consequences. Should a property have outstanding
open permits involved, the accelerated fee inspection schedule is
not an option and cannot be utilized until the associated permits
have been closed out.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. Should you have
any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate
to call the Inspection, Land Use & Planning Department at (732)
657-8121 x3900.
To Homeowners, Residents, Buyers Sellers, Realtors & Builders: