Manchester Township, NJ — Two of Manchester’s most prominent local officials have exited the community within days of each other, just as township leaders approved a key infrastructure deal that could unlock large-scale development in one of Ocean County’s most rural areas. The mass exodus of public officials who laid the groundwork for future expansion in the community has begun.
Former Mayor Robert Arace, now serving as an Ocean County commissioner, has put his Manchester home up for sale, while Council President Roxanne Coniff resigned effective immediately during a recent township council meeting after selling her home and relocating to Tuckerton.
Arace has listed his Huckleberry Road home for $615,000 through O’Brien Realty. Arace is reportedly looking to move south to the Lacey Township area. Coniff has purchased a home in Tuckerton, according to township records.
Their departures follow the township’s approval of a joint services agreement with the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority—an action that will bring water lines into previously undeveloped sections of Manchester and make higher-density housing projects possible.
Water expansion sets stage for growth
The agreement with Jackson MUA targets rural land along the Jackson-Manchester border, where limited infrastructure has historically restricted development.
By extending water service, the township has cleared a major barrier for builders. In similar cases across Ocean County, including Jackson over the past decade, utility expansion preceded rapid residential growth and large-scale housing construction.
Residents and observers say the move could position Manchester as the next destination for expansion as land and home prices continue to climb in nearby towns.
Officials exit as changes take shape
Arace’s decision to list his home comes after years in township leadership, including his tenure as mayor before moving to a county-level role.
Coniff’s resignation was announced publicly during a council meeting and took effect immediately. According to the information provided, both officials have secured new employment connected to Ocean County political networks. She works in the rapidly expanding Ocean County Department of Public Information, seen as many as a patronage pit to reward politicians, friends, and family with low-key and high paying county positions. In 2026, the budget for this department increased from $500,000 per year to over $1.5 million.
Their departures mirror a pattern seen in neighboring Jackson, where multiple elected officials—including at least six council members and a mayor—left office or moved out during a period of rapid development.
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Key Points
• Former Mayor Robert Arace lists home as Manchester advances development groundwork
• Council President Roxanne Coniff resigns immediately after selling home and moving
• New water agreement with Jackson MUA opens rural land to future housing projects
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Residents warn of rapid transformation
As the township begins laying the groundwork for growth, residents are increasingly vocal about what comes next. One resident, commenting online about development trends in Ocean County, said:
“Manchester is the next step… Land is still cheaper than Jackson and Lakewood and homes sell for much lower, but investing today, there is money to be made in the future after the needed infrastructure is in place—stores, restaurants, and houses of worship needed to support the growing community.”
Another resident expressed concern about leadership and the pace of change:
“We need somebody who is strong enough to say enough is enough and somebody who is not afraid to fight for Manchester’s future… There’s a lot of money behind this and speaking out can get you blacklisted… but somebody has to do it or we’re done.”
Development pressure shifting across Ocean County
Manchester’s situation reflects broader regional trends. As housing demand intensifies in Lakewood, Toms River, and Jackson, developers and homebuyers have increasingly looked toward less-developed municipalities with lower land costs and fewer infrastructure constraints.
The newly approved water access could accelerate that shift, making large-scale residential projects more viable in areas that previously could not support them.
What comes next
An important election awaits residents in Manchester this November and residents will have the choice to stay the course with current leadership or fight against the changes in their community before its too late. The depature of Arace and Coniff are a huge loss to GOP Chairman Gilmore, who celebrated their victory, along with then-councilman Joseph Hankins. Now Mayor, Hankins and Business Administrator Carl Block remain two of pardoned convicted tax cheat Gilmore’s most steadfast loyalists in Manchester.
At this time, it is unknown whether or not they will be challenged in November’s election, but residents in town all agree with one thing. Manchester’s next leadership team needs to break away from the current path of Gilmore-led expansion in the community.
One Jackson resident in the private chat gave residents of Manchester words of advice from their own experience: “Fight now, before it’s too late. Don’t wait.”
