The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 12 - No. 26
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Vacant Lots Changed From Business To Residential
December 28, 2024
Barbara Jo Crea Reflects On Her Time As Commissioner
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-13
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
Classifieds Page 18
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan The lots at the end of Erin Way sit between the Hampton Ridge residential development and the Commons at Hampton Ridge. By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – Local government officials have approved an ordinance to rezone two vacant lots at the end of Erin Way from commercial to residential use, sparking both praise and an objection from one nearby resident. The decision shifts the zoning of Block 114, Lots 8.02 and 9.02, from the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) zone to the R-20 Residential zone. The lots, totaling over five acres, sit between the Hampton Ridge residential development and the Commons at Hampton Ridge office complex.
Residents of Hampton Ridge had lobbied for the change, arguing that residential zoning aligns better with the character of the surrounding area. Earlier this year, controversy erupted when developers proposed building th ree stor y age-restricted apartments. A previous developer requested a use variance to build self-storage facilities that would abut on the backyards of some Hampton Ridge homes with zero lot lines. Strong opposition from neighbors brought heightened scrutiny to zoning changes in the area. (Vacant Lots - See Page 4)
Wreaths Placed To Remember Veterans
By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – Wreaths Across America’s mission is to “Remember, Honor a nd Teach.” Throughout the year, the organization works in multiple ways to show veterans and their families that the community
will “never forget.” happens every December The remembrance at Arlington National w reaths are laid in Ceremony, but also at memory of those who more than 4,000 addihave served in the U.S. tional participating locaArmy, Marine Corps, tions across the country. Navy, Air Force, Space In Brick Township, Force, Coast Guard, the Brick Historic Presand Merchant Marines. ervation Commission The initiative not only (Wreaths - See Page 4)
Photo courtesy Eagleswood Fire Co Facebook West Creek Cemetery in Eagleswood was one of many locations that wreath-laying ceremonies were held.
Photo courtesy Ocean County Barbara Jo Crea By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – In just one term as an Ocean County Commissioner, Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea leaves with some commendable accomplishments. During this past year, Crea served as the board’s director, a role traditionally held by senior members. While her time as a commissioner was brief, her career in public service spans decades. Crea served four terms on the Little Egg Harbor Township Committee and was mayor in 2006, 2007, 2019, and 2020. Transitioning to county-level service brought new challenges, but Crea embraced them with determination. “When I was elected to this position, I promised to treat it as a full-time job, and I did just that,” Crea said. Her daily commute from Little Egg Harbor to Toms River often included long days and late-night meetings to keep county operations running. One of Crea’s most significant achievements was her work on the Homelessness Trust Fund. For years, the initiative faced resistance, but Crea tackled it methodically. She worked to address concerns and educate her colleagues about its purpose. “I think some people misunderstood how the money would be used,” Crea explained. “With help from Human Services, we showed that this wasn’t about enabling drug addiction or alcoholism. It was about finding real solutions.” (Commissioner - See Page 5)
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