It’s been a year since Toms River, New Jersey, halted the controversial 10-story twin tower project proposed for its downtown.
The decision to stop this massive redevelopment has sparked lawsuits and debates, but looking back, it’s clear the township made the right choice by prioritizing community values over a project that promised more headaches than benefits.
Let’s explore the story of the towers, the tax break deal, the community’s pushback, and the legal battle that shows why Toms River’s stand was a victory.
The Twin Towers: Big Promises, Bigger Problems
The plan was to transform Toms River’s sleepy downtown into an urban hub. The proposed towers, set for the site of a demolished, crime-plagued motel, would include 285 apartments, ground-floor shops, a riverfront boardwalk, and an amphitheater.
Supporters argued it would boost local business and concentrate development to preserve open space elsewhere. But the project’s scale—originally 10 stories, later reduced to six—clashed with the township’s small-town charm.
The deal also included a 30-year tax break, known as a PILOT program.
Instead of full property taxes, the developer would pay a fixed annual fee, with none of the money going to the local school district. For a school system already stretched thin, this raised red flags.
Toms River’s school district is already in dire straits. Hundreds of new students from a property that doesn’t pay school taxes would have added insult to injury to the district’s ongoing issues.
Critics estimated the towers could bring hundreds of new students, increasing costs without revenue to cover them. The plan felt like a handout to developers at the expense of taxpayers.
The Community Fights Back
Toms River, with its deep roots as a coastal village, wasn’t ready to become a high-rise hub. Residents packed public meetings, voicing concerns about traffic, parking, and strained schools.
In an online poll, nearly 70% of residents who participated opposed the project.
Many felt the project was rushed through without enough public input, eroding trust, under the former mayor, Maurice Hill.
The towering buildings seemed out of place in a downtown of low-rise shops and historic charm. Even after the height reduction, skepticism lingered, with residents questioning the lack of transparency.
The opposition found a champion in Daniel Rodrick, who made stopping the towers a key issue in his 2023 mayoral campaign.
His election victory reflected the community’s desire to preserve Toms River’s character and avoid the burdens of overdevelopment. Residents rallied behind the idea that progress shouldn’t mean sacrificing their hometown’s identity.
Stopping the Project
After taking office, Mayor Rodrick moved to cancel the project, arguing the developer failed to meet key obligations. He pointed to missed deadlines, including delays in securing financing and environmental approvals. The township issued a default notice, claiming the developer hadn’t held up its end of the bargain.
The Lawsuit and Why Toms River Stands Firm
The developer responded by suing Toms River, alleging the township backed out unfairly. Heck, they’re even trying to use Shore News Network as a witness in the case, challenging our company’s right to the First Amendment and free speech.
The legal battle is ongoing, with the developer seeking to enforce the original agreement. But Toms River’s leadership remains steadfast, arguing that the project’s risks—financial, environmental, and cultural—outweighed its benefits. The township insists the developer’s delays and failures justified the termination.
One year later, Toms River’s decision looks wiser than ever. The PILOT program would have shortchanged schools and taxpayers, while the towers threatened to overwhelm infrastructure and erode the township’s charm. The community’s opposition showed the power of local voices standing up for their vision of home. Yes, the lawsuit is a challenge, but it’s a small price to pay for protecting Toms River’s future.
The fight over the towers reminds us that development must serve the community, not the other way around. Toms River chose to preserve its identity over a risky gamble. One year on, that choice feels like a victory worth celebrating.
We’re rooting for Toms River to send this North Jersey high-density developer back to where they came from, empty handed.