TOMS RIVER, NJ—Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will inaugurate a new center for the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) in Downtown Toms River. The center will replace an existing office in an building further north on Main Street.
The NJRC, a non-profit organization dedicated to removing employment barriers for individuals returning from incarceration, aims to foster a supportive environment that encourages positive social behaviors and family reunification.
The new center will be located in a former Chase Bank branch next to the 7-11 intersection of Main St and Water St. Christie is scheduled to appear at the center on Tuesday, May 23, at 11:00 AM. The program provides comprehensive support, including individual assessments and treatment plans covering essential needs such as housing, medical care, and public benefits.
Today, Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick said he has ordered a review of the the permits and applications on record with this new facility. He said it is the wrong spot to have ex-convicts coming in and out all day long.
“Chris Christie thinks he can push his weight around and put this facility right in the heart of downtown Toms River; He’s mistaken,” said Mayor Dan Rodrick. “We have dozens of businesses here and high school students walking around during lunch every day. What was he thinking?”
The center will also be within one block away from two proposed downtown apartment buildings.
The mayor added, “Chris Christie’s plan to have ex-convicts walking around downtown is a plan that is worse than Mo Hill’s proposed ten-story skyscraper apartment complex. He must be out to lunch, no pun intended.”
Rodrick added that the news of the facility was another surprise that had fallen on him and his administration since taking office in January.
“We’re uncovering all sorts of bad ideas proposed by the last administration,” Rodrick added. “So far, this one is probably the worst one.”