Toms River mayor blasts council for voting against plan to minimize state-mandated affordable housing plan.
Toms River, NJ – Former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill returned to politics this week and revived his former plan to build a city of high density affordable housing projects at the Ciba-Geigy federal superfund site. Hill remerged with his plan, one of of the reasons he was voted out of office, to build apartments on the vacant land.
“I’m going to ask that you consider there’s 240 acres at Ciba-Geigy that the state controls. The DEP says it’s clean. Why not put it out there on 37?” Hill asked, requesting that the township builds apartments. “Why not designate that for affordable housing?”
Councilwoman O’Toole asked Hill, “Would you build your house there? We had a cancer cluster and children died? Would you build your house there?”
Hill responded,”The state said it’s fine.”
O’Toole asked Hill again, “Would you build a house and put your grandchildren there?” Hill did not respond. “I rest my case.”
Hill then suggested the council ‘sweeten the deal’ to build affordable housing at Ciba Geigy through PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) similar to the tax break Hill gave a developer to build an initially proposed ten story twin tower apartment building.
A growing divide between Mayor Dan Rodrick and members of the township council intensified this week after the rejection of a proposed affordable housing settlement, with the mayor warning the decision could trigger large-scale development and legal challenges. The dispute centers on competing visions for development across key areas including downtown, the former Ciba-Geigy site, and North Dover.
Last night, Mo Hill was spotted at Riv’s Toms River Hub, at a dinner with members of the township council opposed to Rodrick.
Key Points
- Mayor says council rejection of housing deal could lead to over 8,000 apartments
- Settlement would have reduced obligation from 1,700 units to 183 units
- Ongoing political divide fuels uncertainty over future development plans
Rodrick said the council majority voted down what he described as a negotiated agreement that would have significantly reduced the township’s state-mandated affordable housing obligations. According to the mayor, the original requirement of approximately 1,700 units could translate into more than 8,000 apartments under typical development formulas.
The proposed plan would have reduced that obligation to 183 new units while extending affordability controls on existing housing for another 30 years. Rodrick said the agreement was designed to limit new construction while maintaining compliance with state mandates.
Mayor warns of builder’s remedy lawsuits
Following the council’s vote, Rodrick warned that the township may now face builder’s remedy lawsuits, which could override local zoning protections and allow developers to pursue large-scale projects.
He argued that rejecting the settlement places the township at risk of losing control over how and where development occurs, particularly in areas that have already seen rapid growth in recent years.
Rodrick has also opposed proposals supported by members of the council to pursue more intensive development at sites such as Ciba-Geigy, describing those ideas as incompatible with efforts to curb overdevelopment.
Political tensions escalate amid private meeting
The disagreement has also highlighted ongoing political tensions between the mayor and a council majority bloc he has referred to as the “Mo Hill” group. Rodrick has accused members of that group of attempting to undermine his administration’s anti-development strategy.
Concerns intensified after members of the council majority and a former mayor were seen meeting privately last night at Riv’s. The purpose of the gathering was not disclosed.
Rodrick said he made repeated attempts to engage with council members on the housing plan, including direct outreach and documented communication efforts, but said those attempts were unsuccessful. He showed text messages and call logs sent to members of the council, saying they never returned his calls and did not want to participate in any discussions regarding the Fair Share Housing negotiations.
The township has not announced next steps following the vote, leaving the future of its affordable housing compliance and broader development plans uncertain, but Rodrick says he will continue fighting against overdevelopment no matter how many roadblocks his opponents put out for him.