TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A new slate of candidates loyal to, and backed by former Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill are hoping their protests against Mayor Dan Rodrick will turn into results in the election booth on Tuesday.
They’re also hoping to regain control of the Toms River Township council to get many of Hill’s project back in action, including controversial twin tower apartment project in the town’s downtown village.
Councilmen James Quinlisk and David Ciccozzi, both allies of Hill, announced their re-election bid alongside running mates Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley ahead of the Republican primary set for Tuesday. The team is pledging to revive the shelved twin-tower development, which was blocked by current Mayor Dan Rodrick.
The proposed project, led by Capodagli Property Company, was introduced under Hill’s administration and intended to reshape the town center into a dense residential and commercial hub. It faced backlash from residents concerned about overdevelopment, traffic, and the township’s suburban identity.
Rodrick, who defeated Hill in the 2023 GOP primary, canceled the tower project shortly after taking office. Quinlisk and Ciccozzi have since continued to advocate for the project, characterizing it as vital to economic revitalization and state-mandated affordable housing efforts.
The election is about the future direction of Toms River. Since taking office, Rodrick has cut spending, kept taxes stable, by changing healthcare providers and terminating dozens of patronage jobs in townhall awarded by Hill and his allies in the past four years.
Rodrick isn’t making many friends in politics, and now, those political forces want him and his team out of the way, so they can get their hands back in the pot that contains millions of dollars in annual contracts and lucrative development opportunities, all which have been scrutinized heavily by the new mayor.
Hill team seeks comeback and development control
Though Ciattarelli did not endorse a side in the local council race, his presence energized Hill-aligned Republicans seeking to reclaim control of the council. If the Hill Team wins a majority, it could tip the balance against Rodrick and allow for a potential override of the mayor’s opposition to the downtown plan. They also support a homeless campus on Route 9 (166) in Toms River, a plan Rodrick vehemently opposes.
The faction’s return could also help preserve appointments made under Hill’s tenure, including Toms River MUA Commissioner Phil Brilliant, a vocal Rodrick critic whose board term ends next year. Brilliant, a Hill appointee, needs council support to retain the position on the Municipal Utilities Authorit, which includes benefits for attending a few meetings per year.
In 2023, the Hill-aligned ticket earned just over 20% of the GOP primary vote, with most Republicans siding against Hill and the development plans. The same core group is now betting on a stronger showing amid renewed efforts to link their agenda to economic growth.
Mayor Rodrick’s administration is currently in litigation with Capodagli, which is seeking court approval to move forward with the project despite the township’s formal rejection. The lawsuit underscores ongoing divisions over the future of downtown Toms River.
With their win, they can settle the lawsuit and get the project back on track.
Rodrick has criticized the Hill administration’s deals with developers, including a property sale for $1 and tax incentive packages. “Trenton didn’t give property away for $1. They didn’t give a developer a payment in lieu of taxes plan. You did,” Rodrick said, referring to Ciccozzi’s time on the Planning Board.
Election a referendum on downtown towers
Opposing the Hill Team are incumbents Justin Lamb, Anthony Matarazzo, and William Byrne, who are aligned with Mayor Rodrick and the Toms River Regular Republican Club. They argue that the proposed towers would overburden town infrastructure and conflict with the suburban character valued by residents.
Rodrick’s allies point to his 2023 primary victory as a sign that voters want to curb high-density development. The upcoming election will again test public sentiment on the controversial project and the direction of the township’s growth policies.
The June 10 Republican primary is expected to draw significant turnout, with both factions presenting contrasting visions for downtown Toms River—one focused on redevelopment and the other on preservation and restraint.
The high-stakes primary will determine whether Toms River continues Rodrick’s rollback of Hill-era projects or moves to revive the suspended downtown high-rise plan.
