All eyes are on Manchester as Ocean County's next big development rush begins

MANCHESTER, N.J. — Manchester Township is rapidly becoming the center of attention in Ocean County’s latest real estate boom, as developers and investors target the town’s abundant open space and affordable land prices. With neighboring municipalities such as Lakewood, Jackson, and Toms River experiencing surging property values, Manchester remains one of the last large-scale frontiers for growth in the region. Local officials have been pushing to extend utilities and prepare zoning approvals to accommodate the expected wave of residential and commercial projects. At the same time, influential political figures like Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore are playing a significant role in shaping the township’s development agenda. “It's like the Gold Rush out here right now,” one investor told Shore News Network. “Everyone is buying up what they can and hoping Manchester becomes the next Jackson in a few years.” Land prices climb as investors flood in Situated within New Jersey’s Pinelands and just a short distance from major metropolitan centers, Manchester offers both rural charm and strategic location. For many families from neighboring communities, it represents an affordable alternative as land values in nearby towns reach record highs. Real estate estimates show that land prices in Manchester, once ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 per acre, are now rising as speculative interest grows. Manchester’s local government is leveraging this influx of investment to address municipal budget pressures, recently approving an 8.17% budget increase. Officials are promoting “smart planning” to ensure that development remains compatible with the township’s suburban and rural character while bringing in new tax revenue to support services such as EMS and veteran care facilities. The planning and zoning boards are currently reviewing multiple large-scale proposals for high-density housing and commercial developments. The township’s updated zoning regulations, including the adoption of the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code and a new zoning map in March, are designed to guide growth while maintaining quality of life. Political power and real estate deals draw criticism At the center of Manchester’s growth is George Gilmore, a controversial figure who has regained considerable influence in Ocean County politics after receiving a presidential pardon in 2021. Gilmore’s role as a real estate lobbyist and his connections to public contracts have raised questions about transparency and ethics in the township’s development process. One deal drawing particular attention involves the 2024 sale of nearly 90 acres from GOP donor Larry Bathgate to the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust for $20.5 million, well above market estimates. Shortly after the sale, Bathgate made substantial donations to Gilmore-backed political action committees and candidates. Gilmore’s wife, Joanne, is a partner in Morgan Municipal Services, a firm founded by Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi following Gilmore’s 2019 conviction. This relationship has fueled speculation that Gilmore continues to benefit financially from public sector work through indirect channels. It is also rumored that former Manchester Mayor Robert Arace also works for Sadeghi, but these rumors have not yet been confirmed. Manchester’s leaders are tasked with managing both the opportunities and risks of this surge in development. The Manchester GOP has embraced those behind the development boom, hoping new homes will bring new businesses, and new opportunities, both financial and politcal for their candidates in future elections. With Pinelands regulations limiting certain projects, the township must carefully balance expansion with environmental preservation. Recent stormwater management ordinances and zoning updates reflect this cautious approach. As Manchester advances toward becoming a major economic hub, concerns persist that political connections could overshadow the interests of local residents. The township’s planning boards and elected officials will play a crucial role in ensuring that development decisions are made with transparency and public accountability.