TOMS RIVER, NJ – Superstorm Sandy struck Ortley Beach nearly 13 years ago, but movement on rebuilding the beachfront and connecting the two boardwalks along the oceanfront have stalled for over a decade.
Now, after years of planning and anticipation, the Ortley Beach oceanfront is set to be fully connected from boardwalk to boardwalk, marking a transformative milestone for the seaside community.
If you remember, Ortley Beach was ground zero for Superstorm Sandy in October of 2012.
This weekend, Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick has announced that the long-awaited expansion project will link the township’s fragmented boardwalk sections, creating a seamless stretch along the coastline. The initiative, which also includes a revamped streetscape in the Ortley Beach business district and a new parking lot, will be the first to utilize the township’s Project Labor Agreement (PLA) ordinance since its adoption in 2019.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick confirmed that state permits are now secured for the multifaceted project, which combines separately funded efforts into a single, cohesive construction plan.
“This is a game-changer for Ortley Beach,” Rodrick said at a recent township council meeting. “We’re not just connecting the boardwalk—we’re revitalizing the entire area with a new streetscape and better access for residents and visitors alike.”
It will also address the long-vacant gap of beachfront where Joey Harrison’s Surf Club once stood. The once popular beachfront bar was destroyed by Sandy and sat vacant since.
The boardwalk expansion will bridge a gap that has long divided the northern and southern sections of Ortley Beach’s oceanfront promenade, most notably at the site of the former Joey Harrison’s Surf Club.
Acquired through an often criticized yet complex deal involving local funding, a land swap with Ocean County, and the state’s Blue Acres program, the Surf Club property will now serve as a linchpin for the project.
The new boardwalk will extend through this area, flanked by additional dune crossovers and beach access points, while a parking lot across the street on Oceanfront Road between 6th and 7th Avenues will provide much-needed parking for beachgoers.
Adding to the project’s scope, a new streetscape design will enhance the Route 35 northbound business corridor with improved lighting, pedestrian walkways, bike racks, and coastal-themed branding—featuring Ortley’s signature dolphin logo. The upgrades aim to create a vibrant, walkable district that complements the expanded oceanfront access.
For the first time, Toms River will deploy its PLA ordinance, adopted under former Mayor Thomas Kelaher, to oversee the construction. The ordinance, applicable to projects valued at $5 million or more, mandates the use of union labor and prioritizes local workers, contractors, and suppliers. While the township has had the PLA framework in place for six years, this marks its debut in practice.
“Using the PLA ensures quality work and keeps jobs in our community,” Rodrick said, highlighting the ordinance’s requirement for a local workforce and access to union training resources.
The boardwalk expansion has been years in the making, complicated by state restrictions tied to the Blue Acres program, which typically prohibits development on acquired flood-prone properties. However, exceptions for public beach access have allowed Toms River to secure the necessary approvals.
“We’ve worked hard to get the state on board,” Rodrick noted. “The permits are in hand, and we’re ready to make this vision a reality.”
Construction is slated to begin later this year, with the township aiming to coordinate the boardwalk, streetscape, and parking lot phases for efficiency under the PLA. For a community still rebounding from the scars of Superstorm Sandy, the connected boardwalk promises not just convenience but a renewed sense of unity along the shore. As one local put it, “Ortley Beach is finally getting the waterfront it deserves.”
