MANALAPAN — Property maintenance chores at vacant homes throughout the community are continuing to keep Manalapan Department of Public Works employees busy.
Municipal officials took action on June 10 to place tax liens on 11 properties that recently required attention from DPW crews.
All 11 properties had overgrown grass that was not being mowed by the property owner — primarily banks, according to Township Committee members.
A resolution passed by the committee stated that the grass was growing dangerously high and creating an unsightly situation at each property. The code enforcement officer was unable to get any responsible party to perform the needed work.
The township administrator determined it was necessary for municipal employees to perform the work, according to the resolution.
Mayor Jack McNaboe said there are 37 homes in Manalapan that residents have walked away from and for which banks are now responsible. He said the banks are not doing a good job of maintaining the homes they own.
“I am not asking the banks to make the properties fit for Better Homes and Gardens. I am just asking for them to be maintained,” McNaboe said.
The committee authorized liens to be placed on 11 properties for the following amounts: 202 Jerry Court, $287.48; 36 Heather Drive, $203.11; 25 Terence Drive, $208.11; 21 Clinton Drive, $95.62; 18 Forest Drive, $181.24; 3 Castleton Court, $253.32; 55 Knox Lane, $355.30; 18 Manor Court, $332.27; 148 Freehold Road, $302.17; 35 Birmingham Drive, $243.32; and 24 Sutton Drive, $85.62.
In other business, the committee passed a resolution to purchase a 2016 Ford Explorer Base All-Wheel Drive vehicle for the Construction Department at a cost of $26,288. The Explorer will be purchased from Winner Ford of Cherry Hill under a state contract.