By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Michael Lynch, a Boy Scout from Troop 180 was has attained the rank of Eagle Scout, has been recognized by Mayor Maryann Musich and the Township Committee.
For his Eagle Scout community project, Michael landscaped a large area in front of the Manalapan Community Center on Route 33.
During the March 9 meeting of the governing body, Michael presented a slide show which highlighted the work that was done at the community center by a group of volunteers under his leadership. Michael built and installed benches, and the volunteers planted trees, hedges and flowers, and landscaped the previously bare area in front of the community center.
Committeeman Jordan Maskowitz called the newly landscaped area “a great addition” to the community center and said many township groups are now using the building on Route 33 near Millhurst Road. The building served as a Manalapan firehouse years ago.
In another matter, during the public comment portion of the March 9 meeting, attorney Kevin Uniglicht, who serves on the Manalapan Planning Board, discussed what he said is a problem in the community – vacant homes. He said in some cases residents have abandoned their home and left the area. That can lead to a situation in which no one maintains the home and property, creating an eyesore in a neighborhood.
Uniglicht mentioned ordinances that have been adopted in some municipalities. One ordinance requires the owner of a vacant home to register the home with the municipality and to pay an annual fee as long as the home remains vacant.
“The fee can be an incentive to maintain the property and to act,” Uniglicht said, adding that in some cases a bank becomes the owner of a vacant property and does not take the action necessary to properly maintain the home and the lot.
A second type of ordinance requires the owner or creditor to maintain and secure abandoned properties. Those who violate the ordinance can be subject to a fine.
Committeeman Jack McNaboe said some homes remain vacant for years and said banks with billions of dollars in assets do not do their part to maintain properties.
“We want these properties cleaned up,” McNaboe said.
Township Attorney Roger McLaughlin said Manalapan officials have enacted an ordinance that requires the owner or creditor to maintain a vacant property. He said the committee has not proposed an ordinance that would require a registration fee to be paid by the owner of a vacant home.
The committee members thanked Uniglicht for the research he has conducted on the issue of vacant homes and indicated that action in this area could be considered at some point in the future.