{"id":9322,"date":"2023-10-18T05:51:26","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T09:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/tomsriver\/?p=9322"},"modified":"2023-10-18T05:51:26","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T09:51:26","slug":"hearing-on-changes-to-10-story-toms-river-waterfront-complex-set-for-wednesday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/tomsriver\/2023\/10\/hearing-on-changes-to-10-story-toms-river-waterfront-complex-set-for-wednesday\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing on Changes to 10-Story Toms River Waterfront Complex Set for Wednesday"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A revised rendering of Meridia Toms River, an apartment complex proposed for downtown redevelopment, May 2023. (Republicans for Toms River)<\/p><\/div>\n

Will a controversial 10-story mixed-use complex approved to be built along the Toms River be allowed to alter its plan, paring down the height of the building to six stories?<\/p>\n

Meridia Toms River, proposed by the Capodagli Group development firm, received approval last year to build its 10-story \u201ctwin towers,\u201d as they came to be known, along the riverfront in place of a former derelict motel that was condemned by the township. Proponents touted the project as one of the most significant investments in Toms River history with the chance to open up public space along the waterfront, bring new restaurants and businesses to the lower floors and a public amphitheater to the downtown area. But detractors said the complex was simply too large, and its 285 apartment units divided between two 10-story portions would change the downtown area into more of an urban landscape rather than a suburban fishing village, as some had initially imagined for the section.<\/p>\n

After the project turned ultra-controversial during this year\u2019s Republican primary election, with rivals Mayor Maurice \u201cMo\u201d Hill in favor of the development and rival councilman Dan Rodrick squarely against the size of the project and what he sees as overdevelopment across the township, a plan was quickly put together to reduce the complex to a single building with six floors, though 285 apartment units would remain. Rodrick handily won the primary election and is now facing former Board of Education President Ben Giovine, representing the Democratic party, in November\u2019s general election.<\/p>\n

The fate of the downtown redevelopment project could be decided Wednesday night, though it is not atypical for large-scale projects to contain enough testimony, cross-examinations and public comments that a single hearing can last over several board meetings. It also remains to be seen what, if any, political influence could be wielded from the floor given the proximity to the upcoming election.<\/p>\n

Capodagli is being represented by local attorney Robert C. Shea, who had been a supporter of Hill\u2019s campaign. Renderings of the six-story version of the building first emerged after a photo was shared at a fundraising event for Hill held at Shea\u2019s home over the summer.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the outcome of Wednesday night\u2019s hearing, Capodagli already has approval for the 10-story project in-hand, theoretically allowing them to move forward on the project as originally proposed. The new plan, however, reduces the number of apartments slightly, to 281 units, and includes:<\/p>\n