LAKEWOOD, N.J. — New Jersey Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Lakewood) says Lakewood’s rapid growth is far from over, predicting the township will soon see a wave of seven- and eight-story buildings that will reshape its skyline for years to come.
Speaking on the Meaningful People podcast, Schnall described Lakewood’s evolution from low-rise development to a community increasingly defined by larger commercial and mixed-use buildings as population growth continues.
“They’re not done. There are many more buildings going up,” Schnall said. “The buildings that are going up are 3-4 stories. The new ones are 7-8 stories, you’re going to have many more 8-story buildings going up soon.”
Growth reflects Lakewood’s continued expansion
Lakewood has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing Orthodox Jewish communities, fueling sustained demand for housing, schools, retail space, offices, and community services.
During the interview, Schnall discussed the township’s growth alongside broader issues affecting the community, including zoning disputes, legal challenges, public perception, and the work of Agudath Israel in representing Orthodox Jewish interests in Trenton and Washington.
Schnall also praised Lakewood’s existing commercial development, comparing portions of the township’s office district to Manhattan.
“Lakewood’s got office buildings… they are gorgeous… it’s like Manhattan,” the podcaster said.
Architectural firm BF Design Studio, which has designed numerous office buildings in Lakewood over the past two decades, echoed that outlook in a LinkedIn post highlighting what it described as the community’s transition from two- and four-story office buildings to a new generation of developments exceeding eight stories.
Regional debate over density continues
Schnall’s comments come as neighboring communities continue grappling with their own debates over large-scale development and population growth.
In neighboring Toms River Township, Mayor Dan Rodrick has publicly opposed a proposed seven-story twin-tower redevelopment project that was originally submitted as a 10-story proposal before being revised.
- Assemblyman Avi Schnall predicts Lakewood will soon see numerous seven- and eight-story buildings.
- Schnall said Lakewood’s growth is continuing as demand for housing, offices, schools, and community facilities increases.
- The comments come as neighboring Toms River debates its own proposed seven-story redevelopment project.
Rodrick ran on a platform of rejecting Lakewood-style development in his town, but he is facing fierce pushback from his council opponents. That team is led by Downtown Toms River developer, real estate investor, and condo developer David Ciccozzi. Joined by Silverton Farms owner Tom Nivison, Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley, the foursome is fighting to force the mayor’s hand over several high-density low-income affordable housing projects in the center of Toms River.
Those projects include the downtown apartment towers and newly announced hi-denisty project across from the Ocean County Mall.
Rodrick has argued the downtown tower project represents excessive density for the area, while members of the Township Council have challenged the mayor’s position as they continue debating redevelopment plans and affordable housing obligations tied to the project.
The differing approaches show how municipalities throughout Ocean County are confronting increasing development pressures, balancing housing demand, infrastructure capacity, redevelopment goals, and neighborhood concerns.
Rodrick faced political pressure when he used the term Lakewood Style Development in his campaign mailers, but this week’s news regarding towers in Lakewood rising above 8 stories in the near future, solidfy the mayor’s coining of the term as reality and not referring to any religious meanings as claimed by his opponents who are now being supported by the Toms River Jewish Community Council.
TRJCC community council leader Booky Kaluszyner has been supportive of the Mayor’s opponents.
Lakewood’s continued vertical expansion represents another chapter in one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing municipalities. As available land becomes increasingly scarce, taller buildings are expected to play a larger role in accommodating population growth, while neighboring towns continue to wrestle with similar questions surrounding density, redevelopment, and affordable housing.
FAQ
What did Assemblyman Avi Schnall say?
He said Lakewood’s current wave of three- and four-story construction will soon give way to numerous seven- and eight-story buildings.
Why are taller buildings being proposed?
Lakewood’s continued population growth has increased demand for residential, commercial, educational, and office space while available land becomes more limited.
How does this compare to Toms River?
Toms River officials remain divided over a proposed seven-story twin-tower redevelopment project, with Mayor Dan Rodrick opposing the development while debate continues over redevelopment and affordable housing requirements.
Has Lakewood approved these future buildings?
Schnall discussed the direction of future development during the interview, though individual projects would still require approvals through the municipal planning and zoning process where applicable.
Sources: Meaningful People podcast interview with Assemblyman Avi Schnall; BF Design Studio LinkedIn post; public statements by Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick; public redevelopment records.
