TRENTON-New Jersey pharmacists, under a new law passed by Governor Phil Murphy, will now have to place red warning labels on potentially addictive prescription medicine.

“The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on our communities, robbing us of too many of our friends, family members and loved ones,” Governor Murphy said. “This legislation continues our work to combat the opioid crisis by ensuring that there are warning labels outlining the risk of opioid medications, expanding access to treatment that so many need and raising awareness of just how easy it is to become addicted to opioids.”

Murphy’s enthusiasm for the red warning labels was echoed by Democratic Socialist Congressman Andy Kim, who serves Ocean County, which is one of the leaders in opioid addiction in New Jersey.

“This is a great step in combating the opioid addiction crisis that has had a tremendous impact on Burlington and Ocean Counties,” Kim said. “There’s real momentum at every level of government to bring serious solutions to the table and we must continue to work as long as thousands of lives are lost every year in New Jersey.”

TRENTON-Last week, ICE announced immigration sweeps across the country, including sanctuary states such as California and New Jersey.   Governor Phil Murphy has opposed the detainment of illegal aliens and possible criminals seeking sanctuary in his own state, advising them that they will be afforded free legal services, paid for by the taxpayers of the state.

“In anticipation of the Trump Administration’s threatened ICE raids, we are proactively reaching out to our immigrant communities to make sure they know we stand with them and are prepared to do whatever we can to protect them,” Murphy said. “Let’s be clear: The Trump Administration’s fear-mongering is un-American and dangerous. These raids do not make us safer; they will only make the work of local law enforcement more challenging and increase fears in our hardworking immigrant communities.”

Under Governor Phil Murphy’s declared sanctuary state where his administration is calling for the complete shutdown of ICE within the state, via an immigrant trust directive, legal services for illegal aliens is available.

“Any family who needs legal representation should know there are many pro bono legal services available to them. We will be doing everything we can to highlight these resources and to make sure our immigrant communities know their rights and feel at home.”

TOMS RIVER-The Township of Toms River has torn down its notorious downtown “Heroin Hotel”, the Red Carpet Inn and announced the plans to build a new 500 unit, 8-story high-density hi-rise building just around the block.

Today, Mayor Thomas Kelaher, Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill, Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and other municipal officials posed for cameras as the demolition of the Red Carpet Inn commenced.

According to police records, officers responded to over 750 incidents at the location since 2015. Many of those incidents involved serious offenses including narcotics, weapons and theft.

“Congratulations to Mayor Kelaher, Toms River Council, Toms River Police Department and the residents of Toms River on the demolition of the Red Carpet Inn! This motel in downtown Toms River was a hub of criminal activity. Demolition began today and is expected to be complete by the end of this month,” Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said of the occasion.

Last month, the Township Council awarded a $345,000 contract to the lowest bidder, Site Enterprises, Inc. of Little Egg Harbor, for the demolition work. The remaining demolition work will be finished by the end of the month with most work being done at night to have minimal impact on drivers.

The township paid $3.3 million for the property.

Mayor Kelaher and the township officially confirmed the new 8-story Meridia Waterside at Toms River, high-density hi-rise building

“Once the building is demolished, the Red Roof Inn location will be developed with a new waterfront park in conjunction with a river walk that will extend from Water Street to Herflicker Boulevard,” the township said in a press release. “At this time, it is proposed that the park and river walk will be developed at a higher elevation than the current adjacent parking lot. Public access to the Toms River for the launching of rooftop boats will be maintained. Capodagli Property Company, LLC has been approved as the interim developer of the lower Iron Street parking lot (adjacent to the Red Roof Inn Lot along the Toms River) and has proposed to construct Meridia Waterside at Toms River.”

“Meridia Waterside at Toms River is a new 400 rental residential apartment complex with approximately 14,500 SF of commercial space including a second floor level restaurant overlooking Huddy Park and the Toms River,” Mayor Thomas Kelaher said. “The proposal would include enhancing the existing recreational opportunities in the park adjacent to the site with activities such as a waterfront walkway and dock, a volleyball court, bocce courts and outdoor dining. Meridia Waterside at Toms River will also include other amenities such as a swimming pool, rooftop terrace and shared parking for use by existing and proposed businesses and guests visiting the river and proposed restaurant.”