Toms River, NJ – The Toms River council recently announced a revision to the twin tower apartment project in Downtown Toms River. Originally planned as a ten-story structure, the project has been scaled down to six stories while maintaining the same number of apartments. The decision came after speculations arose about the builder, Capodaglia, potentially defaulting on financial commitments and project timelines.
These concerns prompted discussions regarding the possibility of revoking the agreement with the builder.
However, instead of terminating the agreement, Toms River council members, led by Mayor Maurice Hill, advocated for an extension and redesign approval. This revised plan aims to reduce the building’s height while increasing density. Notably, the new design eliminates public spaces within the building, including amenities such as a pool for the residents.
Three members of the council, Matt Lotano, Josh Kopp and Kevin Geoghegan, who lost their bid for re-election in June, voted in favor of the new plans during their most recent lame-duck session.
During the council meeting, Councilmen Dan Rodrick and Justin Lamb expressed their opposition to the new agreement. They requested a two-week delay in the voting process to seek legal advice regarding possible defaults by Capodaglia and the builder’s financial capacity to complete the project.
Mayor Hill acknowledged the concerns raised during an Asbury Park Press article, citing increases in building materials, economic factors, and supply chain issues as reasons for the design changes. These factors alluded to potential financial challenges faced by Capodaglia in completing the project.
Representatives from Capodaglia were absent from the meeting, adding to the speculation surrounding the project’s future. Despite opposition from Rodrick and Lamb, Council President Matt Lotano, who owns downtown property that could increase in value if the project is completed, along with council allies Josh Kopp and Kevin Geoghegan, voted in favor of continuing the downtown project.
Rodrick voiced his concerns, pointing out that the majority of voters rejected the project in the June primary election, viewing it as a referendum against Mayor Hill and his team. He questioned the motives of council members and suggested potential financial conflicts of interest, including the possibility of kickbacks related to the project.
Another downtown landowner, who is not a resident of Toms River, expressed support for the project during the meeting. However, Rodrick highlighted that the opinions of non-residents may not align with the sentiments of the local community.
The town council has approved the new agreement and will proceed to the township zoning board for approval of the revised site plan. Rodrick and Lamb voted against the new agreement.
Concerns raised during the meeting and by Mayor Hill about the builder’s financial situation and the process surrounding the revised plan have prompted further discussions, but were largely ignored by Hill and his team.