The BERKELEY Times Vol. 31 - No. 44
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Seed Swap Is Naturally A Hit Condos Approved In Single-Family Area
BREAKING NEWS @
Photo by Chris Lundy A condo complex will be built on land on Sloop Creek Road.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 6
Community News Pages 8-9
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Inside The Law Page 11
April 25, 2026
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Photo by Chris Lundy
Visitors brought their own plants for trade. By Sara Rafferty BERKELEY – Local residents met this month for the annual Seed Swap at Jake’s Branch County Park. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., gardeners brought in their own assortments of plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and exchanged them for other people’s starters. The Seed Swap was started in 2025 by Taylor, a longtime employee of the park. She wanted to find a way for more people to become involved in nature – even if hiking or camping isn’t their style. The Seed Swap acts as a way for gardeners
to come together and exchange tips, tricks, and ideas – and seeds. They had an impressive turnout from the very beginning. Dozens of residents stopped by with a seedling in hand, leaving with another. The only entry fee was at least one item, but most people brought multiple. No cash was accepted. The program operates on an exchange-only basis; attendees can take home as many items as they bring in. It’s only held once a year on the first Saturday in April. The volunteers market it through Facebook and newsletters, so mark your calendars for next year.
Patrick Muldoon Remembered By Local Director As Their Film Debuts
By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – Independent filmmaker, actor and writer Kevin Interdonato is excited about the release of his new film “Dirty Hands,” an action thriller that he stars in, wrote and directed that is headed for a nationwide release after securing a domestic distribution agreement. The township resident’s feature film has been acquired by Saban Films and was released across the United States on April 24. Interdonato was Photo courtesy Kevin Interdonato born and raised in Howell Township, where he Kevin Interdonato (left) and Patrick Muldoon star in continues to maintain ties to the community (Patrick Muldoon - See Page 7) “Dirty Hands” which is being released this weekend. VETERAN & FIRST RESPONDER
DISCOUNTS OFFERED
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A development of 20 condominium units is coming to Sloop Creek Road in Bayville, and neighbors said it doesn’t fit in with the single family homes in the area. The property was actually approved for a new street with 11 houses. A new owner of the property, R. Stone and Co., instead proposed a condo complex. Since the land is not zoned for multi-family housing, the plan had to come before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The hearing was to see if they should be allowed to move forward with it even though it’s not allowed. The developer still needs to come back before the town to get final approval. There were several hours of testimony, with residents and officials asking questions, but the most important exchange happened at the end. (Condos Approved - See Page 4)
Jones Road Wildfire Case Still In Court
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Joseph W. Kling, innocent until proven guilty, turns toward the courtroom gallery in Ocean County Superior Court.
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By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY – One year after the Jones Road wildfire forced evacuations across Ocean County, the criminal cases against those charged in connection with starting the fire remain unresolved as they move through the court system. The April 22 anniversary comes with visible reminders of the damage left behind. Along stretches of the Garden State Parkway between the Waretown and Lacey exits, charred tree trunks and patches of (Jones Road Wildifre - See Page 6)
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