{"id":10421,"date":"2026-03-19T02:06:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T06:06:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/tomsriver\/?p=10421"},"modified":"2026-03-19T10:09:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:09:19","slug":"mayors-op-ed-council-tries-forcing-construction-of-8000-new-apartments-mayor-vows-to-fight-by-all-means-necessary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/tomsriver\/2026\/03\/mayors-op-ed-council-tries-forcing-construction-of-8000-new-apartments-mayor-vows-to-fight-by-all-means-necessary\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayor’s Op-Ed: ‘Council Tries Forcing Construction of 8,000 New Apartments Mayor Vows to Fight by All Means Necessary’"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Toms<\/a>

Toms River Councilman Dan Rodrick. (File Photo)<\/p><\/div>\n

The following is an op-ed column submitted by Mayor Daniel Rodrick:<\/p>\n

My administration worked tirelessly and secured the best affordable housing deal in the state of New Jersey \u2014 a plan that protected Toms River from massive overdevelopment while meeting our legal obligations responsibly. The plan required the construction of just 183 new units. The reckless and irresponsible decision by Councilmen Bianchini, Nivison, Ciccozzi, and Bradley to vote it down is a betrayal of every resident in this township. Based on their actions, it is clear these councilmen are in bed with developers \u2014 because there is no other explanation for what they have done.<\/p>\n

The State of New Jersey and the Fair Share Housing Center originally demanded Toms River construct 1,700 units of affordable housing. At the mandated ratio of 20% affordable to 80% market-rate, that obligation \u2014 if met through new construction \u2014 would result in over 8,000 new apartments built across our town.<\/p>\n

My administration developed a creative solution requiring just 183 new affordable units. The rest of our obligation would be met by keeping existing apartments affordable for another 30 years. The State and Fair Share accepted our plan. It was a responsible, community-first solution heralded by news outlets across the state.<\/p>\n

The Council was warned: we had a hard deadline of March 15th. Miss it, and Toms River could be subjected to a Builder\u2019s Remedy \u2014 a legal provision under New Jersey\u2019s Mount Laurel doctrine that allows developers to completely bypass our local planning and zoning boards and build virtually whatever they want, wherever they want. We lose all control. Knowing this, Councilmen Bianchini, Nivison, Ciccozzi, and Bradley voted it down anyway \u2014 potentially triggering exactly that outcome.<\/p>\n

If we are subjected to a Builder\u2019s Remedy, here is what you can expect:<\/p>\n