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Residents Express Outrage At Changes To Manchester Day
By Lauren Puglisi
Residents young and old were outraged during last Monday's council meeting after coming to find that youth-based activities traditionally held during the township's Manchester Day had been eliminated.
For over 12 years, Manchester Day has been an annual all-day town celebration, but this year, as a result to cuts within the Recreation Department and concerns from the town's Police Department, the event has been cut in half.
The portion of the event that has been eliminated includes amusement rides, snacks from outside vendors, games, crafts and the option to swim in the lake.
According to Mayor Michael Fressola, the event was scaled back after the Police Department raised concerns about safety, especially in light of the growing crowds at Manchester Day.
The explanation did little to placate critics. Manchester residents say all of the afternoon events that have been removed from Manchester Day are those that are geared the most towards children.
The discussion began two weeks ago when council candidate James Poss asked Manchester's governing body about the changes to the event.
Councilman Craig Wallis said at the time he was only aware of the fact that outside vendors would no longer be invited to the event.
But one week following Wallis' statement, crowds of parents and children stepped up to the microphone to criticize a list of major changes to Manchester Day, changes they said were made without their approval and consent.
Resident Peter Downing said the event would not be Manchester Day without the rides, games and crafts.
"When we first moved here, Manchester Day was where my kids made their friends. And as a young family in this town, it is easy to notice that there aren't a lot of youth events going on," Downing said. "Not only have the rides and games been eliminated for children, but I've also been told that the concert at the event will now be 40s, 50s and 60s music. I am here to question why this decision was made behind closed doors. We as residents feel beat up over this announcement because we were excited for the event."
Frank Durkin stepped up to the microphone with his son, Anthony, at his side, and together they said that the decision to cut down Manchester Day should be reconsidered.
"Manchester Day was a day for the township to come together as a community; young and old enjoying rides, vendors, concerts and, most importantly, each other. Events that bring us all together allow for the formation of a cohesive community, instead of existing as just a group of people who happen to live under the same zip codes," Durkin said.
Parents of young children were not the only people stepping up to the microphone Monday night. Resident Roxanne Jones expressed her disapproval of the changes to Manchester Day and she said she did not have any children.
"I grew up in this community since 1967 and Manchester Day has always been something that I looked forward to because it gives everyone young and old something to be proud of and to relate to. It is part of our identity. It will be detrimental to everyone if Manchester Day is reduced or cut out," Jones said.
Although critics said the changes to the event seemed to largely appeal towards older residents of town, Manchester's seniors also disagreed with the cutbacks.
Council candidate Don Bates said after attending the prior town meeting, he believed Manchester Day was still on.
"We were told the only difference would be elimination of outside vendors. It is horrendous to hear that several activities have been cut out of the budget and it confirmsour suspicions as to how things are run here. I am a senior and I believe the town deserves an apology and Manchester Day should be put back in the budget," Bates said.
Another concern during the meeting was the absence of Mayor Michael Fressola.
Resident Stewart Doctor said it was a slap in the face to the children of Manchester when the mayor of their township decided not to show up to a public council meeting when he knew that this topic would be discussed.
"I am very disappointed. I believe the mayor should be here to explain why this cutback has happened, and I want to make a note that we as residents would like him to be at the next meeting. Manchester Day allowed for family and child activity together and we are all feeling neglected right now," he said.
Fressola said in a written statement that safety was the key issue in revising the event.
"The decision to curtail the Manchester Day festivities was not one made lightly. It evolved over a period of the past three years. In 2006, at our post Manchester Day meeting, our Police Department expressed very serious safety concerns about the size of the crowd attending," the mayor said. "We discussed the problems at great length. The consensus of opinion was that, in 2008, we would try to go in a different direction with a view to satisfying the safety concerns of our Police Department."
Councilman Wallis said the council would look into fixing what they could towards regaining activities for Manchester Day.
"I agree that Manchester Day is an important event. I've been there every year. My wife and daughter were both unhappy to hear about the changes but the council did not take part in this decision," Wallis said. "This year, I am not promising to fixthings that I don't know if I have control over, but next year, I will make sure this won't be an issue."
Councilman Brendan Weiner said he felt as though he was kept in the dark about what was going on regarding this year's Manchester Day.
"I am a big fan of the day. I support the residents in making the day what it has been in the past," Weiner said.
Councilman Frederick Trutkoff said he appreciated the large number of residents that came out to become active within their township and discuss the issue. He also praised Manchester Day.
"I have attended several Manchester Day events, they are truly wonderful," he said. "If we can, we would love to do it."
Information regarding Manchester Day can be found on the township's Web site (http://manchestertownshipnj.org/recreation/ events.htm) under "Independence Day" special events. Manchester Day is scheduled for July 5 at 6 p.m.
The council promises to research more information regarding the cut backs and discuss the topic further at the next public council meeting on May 12.
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