TOMS RIVER, NJ – As lame duck Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill finishes out his final months in office, town officials are feverishly working to push through the current mayor’s vision of Downtown Toms River.
That vision includes turning several publicly owned lots and properties into more hi-rise apartment towers, a large banquet hall shadowing Huddy Park, and another public parking garage.
Last week, Hil and his outgoing team pushed through a revised plan for the once ten-story twin tower project approved by Hill and his administration. They pushed through funding to build a loop road system downtown, redesigning the traffic pattern in the area, and pushing hard on a private banquet hall on the Toms River to replace the old Boatworks buildings.
Residents at recent meetings have expressed concerns about traffic in Mo Hill’s Downtown. According to the Toms River Redevelopment Plan, bicycles, busses, trollies, and a water taxi are the answer.
That plan says a street network and roadway improvements will aim to ensure smooth vehicular traffic circulation while still maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment.
The township said efforts will be made to minimize traffic congestion by promoting the increased use of bus transit as a convenient and practical means to access Downtown Toms River. The Toms River Bus Terminal will play a crucial role in encouraging transit-oriented development and adhering to smart growth principles.
The plan includes provisions for bicycle transportation options, with the establishment of dedicated bicycle routes and paths. Adequate bicycle storage capacity within residential building design and at bus stops will be provided to encourage bicycle connectivity to bus transit and retail services.
The utilization of paratransit links will be promoted to facilitate access to downtown destinations and the Toms River Bus Depot. These links may include a trolley loop sponsored by the Toms River BID, developer-sponsored shuttles from individual redevelopment projects, or a municipal shuttle sponsored by the BID or Toms River Parking Authority.
And lastly implementing a water taxi service between the Toms River Seaport and other destinations along the Toms River and Barnegat Bay will be explored.
Potential destinations include various yacht clubs, restaurants, and beaches accessible by boat.
