Toms River Township Council advances affordable housing ordinance
The 4-2 first-reading vote advances two fully affordable developments, zoning changes and a revised spending plan despite objections over land and financing.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — council debates and approves fourth-round affordable, approval of bills, with abstentions and, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
A councilmember who voted no objected to the use of township property and the cemetery provision in the housing package.
A housing vote put township land and public money together. The Toms River Township Council approved the first reading of an ordinance on fourth-round affordable housing measures, 4-2, after an attempt to table it failed. The measure includes agreements for two developments that would be entirely affordable housing, along with land arrangements and zoning changes for one of those projects. It would amend the township’s affordable housing spending plan as well.
The Council President sought to delay the vote until the next week because a councilmember was absent and wanted all members present. The motion to table ended in a 3-3 tie. A motion to recess failed by the same margin, and councilmembers disagreed about whether the ordinance could proceed. The Toms River Township Council ultimately took up the measure, with four members voting yes and two voting no.
The proposal would change zoning for another development and grant municipal consent for a cemetery. Critics questioned trust fund projections, land value, financing and the proposed purchase of township-owned land. One councilmember voting no objected to the property arrangement and the cemetery provision. The mayor urged a first-reading vote, while the Council President had sought more time. The vote advanced the ordinance on first reading; it was not final adoption.
Approval of bills, with abstentions and a noted PO exception
The Toms River Township Council approved its bills, with abstentions noted for two purchase orders. A councilmember voted yes on the bill list but abstained from purchase order 26-05086. The other votes recorded during that roll call were yes, with no vote against the bills.
A councilmember made the motion to approve the bills, and the Council Vice President seconded it. The 26-05086 abstention came during the roll call, alongside that member’s yes vote on the rest of the list. No amount or purpose for that purchase order was given in the summary of the vote.
Afterward, a councilmember asked to add another exception: purchase order 26048112, for behavioral health, in the amount of $4,992.12. A motion to approve the remaining bills with an abstention on that order followed, and the clerk noted the change. The Toms River Township Council did not record a clearly restated full roll call for that clarification.
Residents question shelter services and event spending
Public speakers told the Toms River Township Council they were concerned about animal shelter services, police staffing, an EMS response, streetlights and road conditions. Some criticized spending on fireworks and concerts; the mayor disputed a spending figure and defended township communications.
The comments put shelter access, emergency response and the condition of local streets before the Toms River Township Council.
Speakers press council on housing and procedure
Speakers at the Toms River Township Council’s public comment period questioned the affordable housing ordinance and the failed attempt to table it. Others asked about a proposed development behind a veterans hospital, police participation in neighborhood meetings and the township’s mailers; the mayor responded to several concerns.
Residents sought answers about a nearby housing proposal and how the Toms River Township Council handles close procedural votes.
Council approves funding to retain affordable units
The Toms River Township Council approved a separate item to keep 19 existing units affordable, using $380,000 from the affordable housing trust fund. A staff member said the cost was $20,000 per unit and that restrictions would take effect as units become available.
The payment would preserve affordable units in an existing development without requiring the Toms River Township Council to approve new construction.
Council President asks members for attendance notice
The Toms River Township Council heard its president remind members to give notice when they plan to attend by phone or miss a meeting. The Council President requested at least 24 hours’ notice and spoke about attendance during the year.
Advance notice could help the Toms River Township Council plan meetings when members cannot attend in person.
- Toms River Township Council. Additional public commenters criticized closure of animal shelter services and the Popcorn Zoo shelter, alleged police cuts and understaffing, criticized spending on fireworks and concerts, and raised infrastructure complaints including streetlights and road conditions. The Mayor disputed some spending figures and defended township communications; exchanges included significant personal attacks and interruptions.
- Toms River Township Council. During public comment, speakers addressed the affordable housing ordinance and related land use issues, criticized meeting procedure and interruptions, raised questions about a proposed project behind the VA hospital and potential Lake Ridge impacts, and debated whether police are allowed to attend certain association meetings. Comments also included criticism and defense of township mailers and communications.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Toms River had 4 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEApproval of reports. Council approved the reports by motion and second, followed by a roll call vote.
- GOVERNANCEClose public comment. Council closed the public comment period by motion and second, with no opposition heard.
- GOVERNANCEElected official comments: Councilman Aber brief remarks. Councilman Aber made brief remarks, stating they had a headache and wished everyone good night.
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