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.”
