Downtown:

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However, officials said that if this change was blocked, it would likely default to the 10-story plan.

This issue was a major argument during the primary election this year. Mayor Maurice Hill was challenged by Rodrick and Geri Ambrosio, former president of the Toms River Regular Republican Club. Ultimately, Rodrick won the election and will represent the Republicans on the ballot in November.

“The election was a referendum on this project,” Rodrick said. People voted against Hill because they don’t want these apartments. He questioned why the town would allow changes to be made if the residents don’t want it at all.

Council President Matthew Lotano said that the developer already has approval for 10 stories. Now, there’s a proposal for six. McManimon said that this new amendment only impacts the agreement between the town and the redeveloper for the overall scheme of things, not the details. These would need to be approved by the Planning Board.

Ambrosio also commented during the meeting. She said that the first time anyone had heard of the change from 10 stories to six was when Hill held up the new plan during a

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Continued From Page 1 member Terrance Turnbach said. campaign debate, or perhaps at a fundraiser for him that night.

During these Summer in the Streets nights, Washington Street is closed off to car traffic from Route 9 to Robbins Street to make way for foot traffic. Live music charms the crowd. Tables are set up for people to enjoy food and drink from the local establishments.

In the face of the state cutting funding to the district, the schools have been cutting staff.

Resident Irene Watson talked about how there should be more public input.

“Let’s get this room filled...and see what residents want,” she said.

Resident Dana Tormollen asked what would happen legally if the town didn’t accept the new, six-story plan.

McManimon said the already approved plan of 10 stories would go through. It could also open the town up to litigation.

Councilman David Ciccozzi, who is a planning board member who works in property management, said over the decades, “I’ve seen everything leave.” Downtown Toms River is dying a very slow death.

The downtown area needs an influx of new residents to visit the businesses there. Not to mention the developer will be investing $5 million in public improvements such as a boardwalk (without rides or games) and amphitheater.

Philip Garfinkle, who gave his address as North Beach, NJ owns commercial property on Water Street and said that the apartment complex would be advantageous to the downtown area.

Ultimately, Rodrick and Lamb’s motion to delay didn’t get any support. The rest of the council approved the amendment to allow six stories.

Toms River is one of many local districts that were hit hard by a new funding formula named “S-2,” because that’s the Senate bill that created it. In a nutshell, funding moved from districts that were losing enrollment to those that were gaining students.

The S-2 funding formula came into effect in 2018 and every year has cut more and more money. It is supposed to taper off over the course of seven years. The problem is that at the end of those seven years, the district’s aid will be set at that much lower number.

Silver Ridge Westerly Seeking Vendors For Craft Fair

TOMS RIVER – Silver Ridge Westerly is currently seeking crafters, vendors, flea marketers, and food trucks for their Vendor/Craft Fair on October 14 (rain date October 15) at Silver Ridge Westerly Parking Lot, 39 Millbrook Drive, Toms River. For more information call: Cookie at 201-394-3583.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Surf City resident Elizabeth Laird was at the beach on Long Beach Island and captured this amazing shot of a fisherman as the sun rose over the Jersey Shore. Stunning! Want to share your pix in this space? What if we were to offer you a prize? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline. com and you may hear from us!!

Weekly Yoga

TOMS RIVER – Join at Hope Sheds Light for Weekly Yoga Find balance and center yourself. Build a healthy routine with Yoga, a gentle form of stretching and deep breathing.

Weekly Yoga is held every Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at 253 Chestnut Street. Open to all levels of experience. Don’t forget - move a muscle, change a thought! Mats will be provided.

Toms River Harvest Arts Festival

TOMS RIVER – Join Toms River Fire Dept., Company #1 as they host the Toms River Harvest Arts Festival on October 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Washington Street will be filled with food trucks, merchandise & handcraft vendors, a beer & wine garden and local artists selling and displaying their works as part of a juried art show. There will be free pumpkin painting for the kids and other kid activities. Live entertainment from local bands throughout the day. Local businesses, restaurants, brewery and distillery will be open on the street as well.

Free admission and free parking in downtown during the event. Meet your Toms River Vol. Fire Co. No. 1 firefighters while they are at their BBQ Tent and beverage garden.