Ocean Township residents who have seen the “Save 32 Acres” and “Expand Joe Palaia Park” signs have already been introduced to Jacqui Wenzel, who is one of the candidates running for council in this Tuesday’s May 14th election.  Her brand is “Preservation vs. Contamination” as she has been fully invested on saving 32 acres of mature trees and wildlife from a potential commercial development project on the corner of Highway 35 and Deal Road, which includes a Wawa gas station/convenience store, Marriott Hotel, 40,000 square feet of retail space, Chick-fil-A restaurant and approximately 70 townhomes.  She has voiced her concerns regarding traffic congestion, flooding and other environmentally related issues, including the reduction of valuable mature tree canopy.  Jacqui has expressed interest in green acres funding in her pursuit to preserve history and protect wetlands.   In an exclusive interview Taking a Stand for Preservation: One Woman's Story  from the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Jacqui discusses her genuine affinity for the township she calls home.  She shares her vision of expanding Joe Palaia Park, which would create an atmosphere of passive recreation for those who enjoy the surroundings of the natural environment and wildlife.  Click Save 32 Acres to access information from Rutgers University’s Environmental Study that was conducted in 2017 regarding environmental impact of over-development.

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