TOMS RIVER-Towering high above the entrance of Toms River High School South is an apartment complex known as Legion Square. It is the first of many new high-density complexes planned for the Downtown district and hailed as a shining example of progress for the Township of Toms River.
The project was completed a year ago and was constructed by Lotano Development Incorporated, a family-owned business of Toms River council candidate Matthew Lotano who is running for office in tomorrow’s election. It sits on the former site of the former American Legion post that once served the residents of the community here.
Legion Square was approved by the Toms River council as a 55 unit apartment building with a set-aside of 11 affordable units. The project was part of the township’s affordable housing settlement agreement.
The grand opening of Legion Square last December was attended by several public officials including Mayor Thomas Kelaher, Freeholder Joseph Vicari and Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill. At the event, elected officials said Toms River needs more people. Toms River Attorney Bob Shea also touted the project.
“We’re very proud of what they did,” Shea said. “It’s just a sign of things to come.”
“Downtown is very important to us, and one thing we always wanted to preserve the character of the downtown area,” Freeholder Vicari said at the ribbon-cutting. “The town square is developing and we need more and more people.”
Aside from the 20% affordable housing units set-aside for low-income families, rentals of one and two-bedroom units at Legion Square rent for between $1,350 and $1,600 per month.
