Manchester residents tell Pinelands Commission proposed 293-unit plan and zoning changes risk local wells

Several Manchester-area residents addressed the Pinelands Commission during the general public comment period on Feb. 13, urging staff and commissioners to scrutinize a proposed ordinance change and a nearby redevelopment proposal that they say could worsen local water shortages.

A resident identified as speaking from Riverpointe described an ordinance that the municipality plans to change from light industrial to residential and said an applicant is proposing roughly 293 dwellings adjacent to their community’s back gate on Ridgeways Boulevard. Speakers raised concerns about traffic, limited potable water and impacts to nearby wetlands, noting their community has faced well restrictions for four years and that repeated requests for tests and studies have been ongoing.

Another commenter said the property sits outside but adjacent to residential neighborhoods and emphasized uncertainty about how water would be provided, whether tie-ins to municipal systems were feasible, and whether groundwater impacts had been adequately evaluated. Speakers said they recently submitted a report to commission staff and requested a staff meeting and site review.

Commission staff responded that the public comment period was for raising concerns and that staff would be available to follow up, provide guidance on the process for ordinance certification and municipal approvals, and meet with residents to review technical requirements and next steps.

No formal action or vote on the project occurred at the meeting; commissioners encouraged staff follow-up and further engagement with the affected residents and municipal officials.