Height Of Downtown Apartments Debated

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – A change in a proposed apartment complex that would drop the height of the building to six stories was agreed upon by the Township Council. changes what was already there. Capodagli had plans for two 10-story apartment towers, with ground level retail and a parking garage that would also serve other areas of downtown.

Amidst an area nestled near high tension wires, rows of tents and people moving about revealed a hidden world of a homeless encampment.

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER –

A clandestine homeless encampment has managed to defy discovery since last October, catching local authorities completely off guard.

The revelation came to light during a recent weekend summer sunset patrol by diligent members of the Ocean County Air Support Squadron (OASS).

From the vantage point of their small aircraft, volunteers took a double take as they gazed down upon the landscape below.

Amidst an area nestled near high tension wires, rows of tents and people moving about revealed a hidden world that had successfully eluded scrutiny for eight months.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy oversees OASS, which serves as the county law enforcement agency’s air wing. Utilizing their own aircraft, skilled pilots conduct surveillance over waterways, roads, and wooded regions. Through the submission of photographs, any unusual discoveries are diligently documented.

Mastronardy credited the sharp-eyed team with discovering the hidden encampment, which had been alluded to in a social media post that same day. Upon identifying the setup, Toms River Police were notified of the situation.

Local authorities dispatched a targeted group to the camp to engage with them and evaluate their situations. While some expressed resistance to what they perceived as outsider intervention, others hoped to find alternatives to their current living conditions.

In the wake of county officials taking proactive steps to create a homelessness trust fund and task force, the urgency for support became all the more evident.

Homelessness Advocacy

Setting up a community of tents to address shelter isn’t exactly a novel concept for Minister Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge. At the start of the millennium, Brigham began by providing for the needy by offering food and essentials. However, an

According to the town’s redevelopment attorney, Frances Ciesla McManimon, a partner at McManimon, Scotland and Baumann, there were several changes to reduce the impact of the apartment complex. This included making it no more than six stories and removing the pool.

This property is where the Red Carpet Inn used to be. The township bought it, knocked it down, and assigned Capodagli Associates to be the redeveloper. A redeveloper is a company that

During a recent Township Council meeting, the redevelopment agreement was going to be changed to reflect the new, shortened plan. Two councilmen, Daniel Rodrick and Jeffrey Lamb, tried to have the new agreement tabled until it could be discussed further. Tabling means that the vote is held off until a later date.

Rodrick noted that there were deadlines looming that could block the plan entirely.

Summer In The Streets Raising Money For Schools

By Chris Lundy

as it is a fundraiser for local schools.

ities and other needs.

TOMS

RIVER

– On weekend evenings, downtown Toms River comes alive with a street fair atmosphere, as vendors and restaurants cater to people strolling through. An upcoming night will

On August 11, after 5 p.m., various restaurants will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Toms River Education Foundation, a nonprofit formed to help pay for extracurricular activ-

Capone’s Gourmet Pizza and Pasta House, Battle River Brewing, Sáfu Sushi DTR, A Thyme for All Seasons, and Garden State Distillery Company will all be participating.

Their support will help make sure students in need are returning to school in September with proper school supplies.

“All of these businesses deserve our support as they step up year in and year out to help our students,” Foundation

- See Page 15) encounter with a man who asked Brigham for rent money resulted in a more comprehensive approach.

After providing the man with a tent and camping gear, Brigham settled him in Jackson. Two weeks later, the man expressed difficulties finding work and a lack of nearby food pantries. Responding to the man’s concerns, Brigham agreed to relocate him and later extended assistance to other homeless individuals he learned were in need.

So began the story of Lakewood’s Tent City, which was ultimately dismantled by authorities. Its occupants received some compensation as others moved on to Howell to another homeless community. Township officials in Howell promised to help them, and then sold that property to a developer, who kicked them off.

The most recently discovered homeless encampment set up by Brigham stands out due to the ages and health of many of its residents, who are living without the comfort of conventional support systems.

In a social media post earlier this month, Brigham gave the first names of nineteen individuals ranging from ages 28-78 with requests for clothing donations. He also told the story of someone who advocated for a homeless shelter within Ocean County a decade ago for others. Lynn fell upon hard times and came to the encampment as she had nowhere else to live.

Tragically, just two weeks after settling in the camp, Lynn called one of her newfound friends to say she wasn’t feeling well. The next call was from one of Lynn’s family members, informing them that she had passed away in the hospital due to a heart attack.

Brigham easily admits he has little faith in the government. He expressed his concerns regarding the risk of removing people from the tent community in a more recent social media post.

“This treatment of homeless seniors by local and county government is utterly inhumane and honestly, downright shameful,” Brigham said. “While resources are scarce, affordable housing is unavailable, and the wealthy are more concerned about their property values than human lives, the very least government officials ought to do is allow community organizations like ours to assist the poor without interference, in

whatever way we are able.”

“It’s like putting a Band-Aid on the whole thing,” Brigham said when interviewed. “Sure, people will get put up in a hotel for a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. But families don’t always get to stay together. And they can’t bring their animals with them. They’re back on the streets in no time.”

Among the team assembled for the first visit by Toms River Police were plain clothes officers, the Board of Social Services, social workers, and volunteer representatives from organizations such as Just Believe, Inc. Paul Hulse, is CEO of Just Believe, which runs a Code Blue shelter in Toms River when temperatures drop below freezing points. Hulse said he thought there was a need for his group’s services after reading Brigham’s first post.

“We are also privately funded through private grants from the state, county, and Toms River,” shared Hulse. “We also receive support from a number of private businesses.”

Hulse said his organization works with various non-profits to secure assistance. The list of affiliates includes mental health professionals, veteran groups, and affordable housing entities.

Who Are They?

Homeless: Continued From Page 1 (Homeless - See Page 5)

Before word got out that authorities knew of the camp’s existence, Brigham had already agreed to allow this reporter to visit the camp. However, the scheduled appointment was moved up by a few days in a matter of minutes.

“I just got a call from people over at the camp,” Brigham shared. “The police were there with a bunch of people. They’re planning on coming back tomorrow.”

Brigham’s tone made it difficult to discern whether he was aggravated by the perceived invasion or even a bit worried - or perhaps a mix of both emotions. Nevertheless, the decision was an easy one and the appointment was scheduled for early the next morning.

Along the unpaved and twisty road through untamed nature, a sense of secrecy enveloped the surroundings. It was early morning and as the camp came into view, the only living creatures around were a playful flock of different colored chickens. Everyone else was tucked away in the tents lining two sides, creating a pathway wind-