Manchester council advances sweeping ordinances to master plan and water services to accomodate future growth and development

A wide-ranging slate of measures moved forward with little public debate, signaling major planning and infrastructure decisions ahead.

MANCHESTER, N.J. – The Manchester Township Council approved and introduced a series of ordinances this week covering everything from traffic regulations and employee salaries to water infrastructure upgrades and major land use changes, marking one of the more expansive legislative agendas in recent meetings. Despite the breadth of action, most measures passed with little to no discussion from council members or the public.

Several ordinances received final approval after second reading and public hearing, including updates to township traffic rules, employee salary ranges, and local fees tied to marriages and civil unions. In each case, council members reported no discussion and no public comment before voting unanimously in favor.

Routine approvals mask broader development and infrastructure agenda

While early agenda items focused on administrative updates, the council also introduced a significant number of ordinances tied to long-term planning, infrastructure, and development across the township.

Ordinance #26-15 authorizes $2.14 million in bonds and notes to fund water utility improvements in the western service area, including the replacement of Well No. 10. A companion measure, Ordinance #26-16, allocates more than $2.56 million for similar improvements in the eastern service area, including a Route 70 water main extension project. Both measures were introduced and approved on first reading without comment from council.

This ordinance will clear the way for higher density development and growth in that part of the township.

Key Points

Council advanced multiple ordinances covering zoning, infrastructure, and municipal operations
More than $4.7 million in water utility projects introduced for eastern and western service areas
Land use changes, including a new affordable housing zone, moved forward without public comment

Land use changes and affordable housing measures move forward

A substantial portion of the council’s agenda focused on land use and redevelopment policy, with multiple ordinances aimed at reshaping zoning rules and planning frameworks for the township’s master plan.

Among them, Ordinance #26-23 proposes the creation of a new PAF-2 Pinelands Affordable Housing Zone, a move that could influence how and where future housing development occurs. Additional measures — including Ordinances #26-24 and #26-25 — amend and revise sections of the township’s land use and development code as part of a broader master plan reexamination.

The council also introduced Ordinance #26-26, which would amend the township’s zoning map, signaling potential shifts in how properties are classified and developed moving forward.

In addition to zoning updates, two ordinances — #26-18 and #26-19 — authorize the vacation of multiple streets, including portions of Weston Avenue, Madison Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Manchester Avenue, Blanche Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, and Evelyn Street. These actions can often precede redevelopment or changes in land ownership and use.

Budget flexibility and infrastructure requirements included

Financial and regulatory measures were also part of the council’s agenda. Ordinance #26-20 would allow the township to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits for the 2026 calendar year and establish a cap bank under state law, providing flexibility in future budgeting.

Meanwhile, Ordinance #26-17 proposes updates to water and sewer requirements, including provisions mandating connections and outlining penalties for failure to comply.

Like the other measures introduced during the meeting, both ordinances passed initial approval unanimously and without discussion from council members or the public.

Unanimous votes, minimal debate

Across all ordinances listed on the agenda, council members Drake, Vaccaro, Wallis, Zolezi, and Conniff voted “yes” in each recorded roll call.

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