The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 12
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
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Mallard Point Park To Be Reconstructed
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Government Page 8
Community News Page 10-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 20
Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Improvements to Mallard Point Park will include work on the shoreline as well. By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - The governing body authorized the receipt of bids for improvements to Mallard Point Park, a neighborhood park located on Tunes Brook Drive off Kettle Creek. “This project generally consists of the reconstruction of an existing park, including the construction of age-specific playground improvements, fitness components, shoreline and beach stabilization improvements, submerged breakwaters, walkway improvements, fencing, landscaping and other site improvements,” said Councilman Steve Feinman during a recent Township Council Meeting. Mallard Point Park is similar in nature to two other parks in terms of its waterfront component (Bay Harbor Beach Park and Cedarbridge Manor Park), all of which required permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental
Protection to address required shoreline stabilization. Funds for the park were allocated in 2018, but construction has been delayed due to the aforementioned permitting process. The park improvements will largely be funded through the state’s Green Acres Program. The township plans to open bids on August 6 and award a contract at the August 12 Council Meeting, Feinman said. The Council also authorized the receipt of bids for Lions Head South 2025 Roadway Improvements Program. “This project generally consists of milling, base repair, asphalt paving, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant ramps, sidewalk repairs, replacing inlet grates and curb pieces, replacement (Mallard Park - See Page 9)
Latest Anti-Trump Rally Draws Crowd
Photo by Bob Vosseller Protestors line up along Hooper Avenue in front of the Veterans Association Clinic in Toms River for another rally against the policies, cuts and actions of President Donald Trump.
By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – The latest rally in protest to the Trump administration was held on two sides of Hooper Avenue, Toms River recently and drew a crowd of more than 400 people. Attendees came out with signs, special attire and loud voices to the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest which was described as “a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.” There were fewer attendees at this rally than one last month in front of the Ocean County Mall.
July 26, 2025
With Camps Shut Down, New Plan Forms To Help Homeless By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - For more than two decades, Minister Steve Brigham has been a tireless activist for people experiencing homelessness, known as the man behind the encampments that dotted the woods of Monmouth and Ocean counties. But this summer, the longtime advocate has pivoted his approach - exchanging tents and generators for weed whackers and riding mowers. The official launch of Just Beautiful Lawn Care on July 21 marked a bold shift in Brigham’s mission. Instead of setting up makeshift communities in the woods, he’s now offering those same individuals a shot at self-sufficiency - one freshly trimmed lawn at a time. “The Supreme Court basically made being homeless illegal,” said Brigham, referencing the landmark 2024 decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson. The ruling allows municipalities to ticket, fine, or even arrest people for sleeping outdoors, even when no shelter is available. And with a recent encampment on the Lakewood-Brick border dismantled in June, Brigham has come to the painful conclusion that establishing new camps is no longer feasible. “It’s futile,” he said. “They put all the power in the hands of local governments - and they know they’ve got the leverage.” From Woods To Lawns Brigham, 65, began his journey some 25 years ago when a man approached him outside a Jackson boarding house. The man couldn’t afford his rent, and Brigham, then part of a church ministry, offered an alternative: a tent and basic supplies. That single act sparked a ripple effect that ultimately resulted in Brigham creating Destiny’s Bridge, a non-profit organization. The individual who received assistance soon discovered others living hidden in the woods and asked Brigham to help them too. The movement grew - leading to sprawling encampments like Lakewood’s infamous Tent City and more recently, the Winding River camp in Toms River. (Help Homeless - See Page 5)
(Rally - See Page 4)
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