TOMS RIVER, NJ – More development is coming to Toms River and on Wednesday, Toms River Councilam Daniel Rodrick cast the lone vote against the latest proposal by Mayor Mo Hill to build high density development projects in town.
The Toms River Township Council passed a measure designating Capodagli Properties as the redeveloper for an additional part of downtown, which includes Robbins Parkway, the Boatworks building, and a municipal parking lot for Huddy Park.
The measure passed by a vote of 6-to-1, with Councilman Rodrick casting the only no vote in opposition.
Capodagli is the same developer that is building two 10-story apartment projects at the site of the old Red Roof Inn. The projects will be built on waterfront property given to the developer by the Hill Administration for just $1 dollar.
Capodaglia is an urban apartment project developer. Capodalgia developed properties typically consist of one floor of commercial space and multiple floors of high density apartments above the retail space.
In 2018, Toms River officials purchased the Red Roof Inn Property suffering from urband decay after it was cited as a hub of illegal activity including drugs and prostution, for $3.3 million.
Councilman Josh Kopp said, “Right now this is all just conceptual.”
The appointment of a conditional redeveloper allows the township to set up escrow accounts to fund the developer so he can create proposals for the area. Councilman Rodrick expressed his distrust in the administration.
“We were told before the ten story buildings were approved that there wouldn’t be apartments,” Rodrick said. “Frankly, I just don’t trust the administration on this, so I vote no.”
As recently as four weeks ago, Mayor Hill had told residents that he had no intention of developing the municipal parking lot at Huddy Park.
“It appears Mayor Hill is breaking his promise to residents again,” Rodrick said today.