County Leaders Denounce Cuts In State Aid

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY

–Members of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners took aim at Governor Phil Murphy and his administration for the increased deep cuts in state aid funding sustained by many school districts in the county.

While districts throughout the state have taken some deep cuts since the S-2 State Aid Funding formula started in 2018, districts such as Toms River, Jackson, Brick, Lakewood and Manchester have seen millions of dollars cut over the last five years. This year, Toms River and Jackson saw deeper cuts that (Leaders - See Page 4)

The Village Zone encourages mixed use development by combining commercial and residential use on one parcel, which protects the township from high-density residential development while providing a means to improve businesses.

Recently, applicant

Joann Marie LaConti plans to develop 305 and 307 Drum Point Road, and a corner lot on Sky Manor Boulevard into eight retail stores on the first floor with eight apartments on the second floor, ranging from 1,100 to 1,264 square feet. One apartment would be dedicated for affordable housing.

This was the second Board of Adjustment meeting for the application, which has gone through significant revisions since the first meeting that was held in mid-February.

The major change is (Stores - See Page 5)

Alleged Animal Hoarders Denied Their “Personal Dogs”

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – The two women allegedly responsible for hoarding 180 dogs and cats in a Brick Township home will not have ownership of their “personal dogs.”

Aimee J. Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58, were charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment in December after authorities discovered nearly 180 animals in cages in a home and vehicle on

Arrowhead Park Drive in Brick Township. Cats and dogs were found in cages, standing in their own feces and urine. Officials deemed these living conditions uninhabitable and the home was condemned by Brick Township code enforcement.

In addition, Lonczak’s 16-year-old daughter was living in the home with the 180 animals. Previously, the women filed motions to have (Dogs - See Page 8)