TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 20 - No. 16
In This Week’s Edition
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
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advocates fear homeless will be left out in the cold
BREAKING NEWS @
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Government Page 9
Community News Pages 11-17
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 24
Photo courtesy Just Believe The inside of the Riverwood Park recreation building was filled with temporary cots during very cold nights. By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - The thought of freezing temperatures might seem far away, but for Toms River homeless advocates, the harsh reality of winter is already hitting hard. Concerns are mounting that those who work tirelessly to provide cold weather shelter for the town’s unhoused population could soon find themselves homeless. Just Believe, Inc. a
nonprofit organization, has operated the Code Blue warming shelter out of the Riverwood Recreation Center at 250 Riverwood Drive for the past several years. However, the group was recently locked out of the facility, raising fears that the homeless could be left out in the cold when temperatures drop. Kevin McKenna, a representative of Just Believe, addressed the Toms River Township
Council at a recent meeting, expressing both gratitude for the town’s past support and concern over this recent development. He said that he didn’t understand the lock change but wanted to express his gratitude. “I’m here to first thank Toms River as a whole for allowing us to operate that building for the past seven years, allowing us to accomplish the great things that we’ve been able to accomplish,”
McKenna said. “On top of that, I’m hoping to come back here and be able to thank this council, and you, mayor, for allowing us to continue that operation.” “What we do at Just Believe, is we take the homeless population that’s here and we serve them,” continued McKenna. “We help them. We bring them in from the cold, we feed them, we plug them into resources.” McKenna listed the numerous ways the nonprofit helps the homeless and implored local officials to allow Just Believe to continue the operations in Riverwood Park. The shelter’s uncertain future stems from confusion over the terms of its contract with the township. When questioned by Councilman Tom Nivison about the status of the agreement, Mayor Dan Rodrick stated, “I
Photo by Chris Lundy People enjoy the pool in the Snug Harbor section of town.
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By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – People interested in using the township pool said they want to be able to purchase daily entrance without having a friend with an annual badge. The pool is in the Snug Harbor section of town, off of Fischer Boulevard.
There are also tennis courts and a small building. Since this public recreation area is nestled in a residential area, there have been neighbors impacted by people visiting. A few residents came (Town Pool See Page 5)
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August 24, 2024
Police Chief Retires
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Police Chief Mitch Little’s last day in the department is August 23. His retirement hit social media to a n out pou r i ng of well-wishing from residents. In a letter to the department which was then leaked to the Jersey Coast Emergency News page on Facebook, he said “After 39 years and 11 as Chief, I knew t h i s t i m e wo u l d e ve n t u a l l y c o m e when I have done everything I could for the agency and my presence would actually be a detriment and prevent any movement with hires, promotions and even equipment. It is with a heavy heart and much soul searching that I have decided to retire effective next Friday, August 23 in the hopes promotions
will be made, new officers hired and you can get what you need to move for wa rd. We’ve been through this before and we’ll get through it again in time. I truly believe that. I will remain on the foundation and do whatever I can to help.” He said he would be available to meet with officers to answer any questions they might have. “As always, thank you all for the incredible job you do, your friendship and support over the years. You are an amazing group of people doing extraordinary things and I have been honored to work with each and every one of you. You have all made this organization and town a better place,” he said. He and Mayor Daniel Rodrick disagreed (Chief Resigns See Page 4)
Ballot Changes For Local Election By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – The Democrats’ candidate for the Ward 2 Township Council election changed recently. Susan Payne Gato was slotted to compete in that election. The new candidate is Zachary Dougherty. Toms River is divided into four wards. Ward 2 includes much of the northeastern part of the town. Each ward has a council member
representing them. There normally wouldn’t be a municipal election this year. However, Daniel Rodrick was the Ward 2 councilman when he won the mayor’s race last year. This left a vacuum that is currently filled by Councilman George Lobman. Lobman did not want to run for the seat in November. Instead, the Republicans will be represented by (Election - See Page 5)
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