Work continues on the planned $20 million Ocean County Sports Complex as anti-gun critics question the inclusion of an indoor shooting range located in the same plaza as dining and entertainment attractions.
TOMS RIVER — Construction is moving forward at a good pace on the Ocean County Sports Complex at the long-vacant corner of Hooper Avenue and Fischer Boulevard despite continued opposition from some local officials who have raised concerns about the project’s indoor shooting range component.
The redevelopment project, fully approved by the Toms River Planning Board, will transform the former Baiamonte’s and Toms River Golf Center property into a multi-use entertainment destination featuring pickleball courts, batting cages, golf simulators, arcade attractions, retail space, restaurant facilities, and an indoor shooting range.
Key Points
• Construction is underway on the proposed Ocean County Sports Complex in Toms River.
• The project includes a restaurant, entertainment venues, sports facilities, and an indoor shooting range.
• Critics have raised concerns about locating a gun range on the same property as dining and recreation facilities.
The project has generated debate in recent months, particularly over the planned shooting range. Councilman Tom Nivison has publicly voiced opposition to the firearms component and suggested township officials should examine whether the range can be removed from the development plan.
Nivison made a public call to remove the range
“I don’t like guns,” Nivison said during public discussions regarding the project, while calling for further review of the range’s placement on the property. He said “Guns and alcohol don’t mix,” regarding a false claim made by former Mayor Mark Mutter that people would be allowed to get drunk and shoot guns.
That claim, made by anti-gun Republicans, was outlandish according to the New Jersey 2A community, gun rights advocates, and Robert C. Shea, the lawywer representing the builder.
Developers reject safety concerns
Project supporters and the developer’s representatives argue critics have mischaracterized the proposal.
According to plans approved by the Planning Board, the indoor shooting range will operate in a separate building from the restaurant and entertainment components. Project attorney Robert C. Shea has stated that alcohol will not be permitted inside the shooting range and that the range will operate independently from dining facilities.
Supporters further note that New Jersey firearm laws prohibit possession and use of firearms while under the influence of alcohol and that licensed ranges generally maintain strict impairment policies.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick has defended the project, arguing that it represents an opportunity to revitalize a highly visible property that has remained underutilized for years.
Approval process already completed
The development received approval through the township’s planning board process, which is the body authorized to review land-use applications and determine compliance with zoning and planning regulations.
Critics have argued that many residents were unaware of the proposal during the approval process because statutory notification requirements did not extend to much of the surrounding area. Opponents contend that the project deserved broader public discussion before receiving approval.
Supporters counter that the application went through the legally required review process and that construction is now proceeding under valid approvals and permits.
Mayor Defends Project Against Critics
Mayor Daniel Rodrick has emerged as one of the project’s strongest supporters, arguing that opponents have misrepresented the approved plans and ignored the extensive state regulations governing firearm facilities in New Jersey.
Speaking during recent public discussions, Rodrick rejected claims that the development would combine alcohol consumption and firearms use in the same venue. He noted that the proposed shooting range, restaurant, and other attractions will operate as separate components of a larger entertainment complex rather than as a single business.
“This is a massive project,” Rodrick said. “There is a restaurant. There’s a golf driving range, a retail store, an arcade, and, yes, a gun range. But this isn’t some gun range-bar concept. The two will be in separate buildings, and this is New Jersey. Gun ranges in New Jersey are strictly regulated and scrutinized by the state.”
Rodrick argued that state firearm laws already prohibit individuals from handling firearms while under the influence of alcohol and questioned suggestions that regulators would allow such a business model to operate.
“If you think the state of New Jersey will allow a gun range that serves alcohol or allows people under the influence to enter, you haven’t been paying attention,” Rodrick said. “New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country.”
Revitalizing a Long-Vacant Property
Beyond the debate over the shooting range, Rodrick has emphasized what he views as the broader economic and recreational benefits of the project.
The mayor noted that the former Baiamonte’s and Toms River Golf Center property has remained underutilized for years despite occupying one of the township’s most prominent commercial intersections. He said the redevelopment would transform the site into a year-round destination while preserving elements of its recreational past.
“We’ve all passed by this eyesore for decades, and it will bring new life to the town and attract tourism year-round,” Rodrick said. “This is the type of development we need.”
Rodrick has also argued that commercial redevelopment of the site is preferable to additional high-density residential construction, a concern that has become increasingly prominent in Toms River as officials grapple with growth and housing development pressures.
Township Has Limited Authority After Approval
Supporters of the project also point out that the development has already completed the township’s required land-use review process and received Planning Board approval.
Even if Nivison, who made the anti-gun remarks, wanted to, he could not stop the project at this time through his position on the council.
Under New Jersey land-use law, zoning and site-plan decisions are generally made through the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment rather than through the Township Council. Once approvals have been granted and permits issued, municipalities face significant legal limitations on revisiting or overturning those approvals absent a specific legal basis.
If Nivison had concerns, they should have been addressed at the multiple public hearings on the matter before the approvals.
Historic property undergoing transformation
For decades, the site served as one of Toms River’s best-known recreational destinations. The property was once home to Baiamonte’s restaurant, batting cages, arcade attractions, a golf driving range, go-karts, and other family entertainment venues that attracted visitors from across Ocean County.
Developers say the new complex is intended to restore that recreational focus while modernizing the property for current market demands.
Construction activity has accelerated in recent months as crews continue work on the project. No formal action has been taken by township officials to halt construction, and the approved development remains on track to move forward.