TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 21 - No. 50
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 8
Community News Pages 9-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 18
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County Historical Society Examines Its Own Past
Now, earlier in this article it was claimed that this was the 75th anniversary, and the Society was founded in 1950. Well, that’s because the celebration planned for last year was postponed due to winter weather. That suited everyone at the society fine. After all, historical facts don’t change, even if our current view of them do. And the current view of the Society is of an energetic group of volunteers hungry for knowledge Photo by Chris Lundy and eager to share it. Ridley and Anne Enslow sang and played the violin and the hammered To that end, they are refreshing displays. Some dulcimer. The violin being played was made in 1776. of it will dovetail into this th year’s 250 anniversary of the United States. By Chris Lundy Some of the items on display were donated from TOMS RIVER – A group that celebrates history members. You’ll see implements of the earliest recently celebrated its own past as the Ocean County industries in the area, such as cranberries and Historical Society marked 75 years. farming. The Society was founded in 1950, at the centennial For the 75th anniversary, some of the photos in glass of the county, said its president, Joseph Latshaw. For a cases were of historical society members and their long time, they didn’t really have a home of their own. various projects throughout the years. Indeed, the There were exhibits in the courthouse and meetings workers were the ones being celebrated. Some of were held in people’s homes. them have committed decades of their lives to the That is, until they purchased the Elizabeth Sculthorp study and teaching of local history. Force residence for $1. Latshaw said it had originally “If you ask someone ‘what do you do?’ most people been on Hooper Avenue, at the northern corner of will tell you about their jobs,” Latshaw said. “Our where the parking garage is now, but they moved volunteers tell you about what they do here.” to its current location, 26 Hadley Avenue.
By Stephanie Faughnan NEW JERSEY - The ground may feel damp some mornings, but by afternoon it is already drying out across the state, including parts of Ocean and Monmouth counties. That was the message from New Jersey environmental officials, who warned that lingering drought conditions continue to fuel wildfire risk despite a snowy winter and recent rain. During the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s annual spring briefing, now in its third year, officials said conditions beneath the surface remain a concern as the state enters peak wildfire season. Photo courtesy DEP “We were dry going into the winter, (Jones Road Fire - See Page 5) Firefighters battle the Jones Road Wildfire last year.
Dry Conditions Still Dangerous One Year After Jones Road Fire
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Housing Plan Passes, But Questions Remain By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Toms River officials have taken steps to advance an affordable housing plan required by the courts, but discussions during recent meetings show continued disagreement, and an evolving path forward as the township prepares to return to court later this month. Several ordinances tied to the plan are still awaiting final adoption, and a full replacement strategy for the Hope’s Crossing project has yet to be finalized. Mayor Daniel Rodrick has warned that the township risks losing control over development, with compliance still developing and ultimately subject to judicial review. Affordable Housing Requirements Explained Affordable housing under New Jersey law refers to deed-restricted units required under the state’s Fair Housing Act and Mount Laurel doctrine. These units are not the same as Section 8 housing. They are typically integrated into developments or built as dedicated affordable communities and are regulated to ensure long-term affordability. There are income levels based on family size used to determine if someone is eligible for low- or middle-income housing. Municipalities are required to provide zoning that creates a realistic opportunity for those units, not necessarily build them directly. (Housing Plan - See Page 4)
Beach Sweeps Net Tons Of Trash By Chris Lundy JERSEY SHORE – Imagine how the beaches would look if no one cleaned them? Although municipalities rake and prepare the beach for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the shore every summer, it falls to volunteers to hit the sand in spring to collect tons of trash. According to Clean Ocean Action, there were more than 4,000 volunteers at 77 sites across the state for their spring Beach Sweeps. Some were individuals; some were groups such as scouts or businesses. (Beach Sweeps - See Page 7)
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