Toms River, NJ — The Township Council of Toms River has rejected the state’s affordable housing quota for the 2025-2035 period and submitted a lower calculation. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) initially determined the town needed 526 units for present housing needs and 670 for future growth, but local officials argue these numbers are too high.
After reviewing the DCA’s data, the town’s planning consultant, Rick Hunt, found that some land was mistakenly classified as open space, reducing the required number of units. Toms River now proposes 114 units, citing land limitations and already planned construction of 1,280 affordable units under previous requirements.
New Jersey municipalities are required to provide affordable housing under the 1975 Mount Laurel Doctrine. Toms River’s revised proposal, which will be reviewed by the state, follows a trend seen in other towns like Lavallette, where housing quotas were adjusted based on local conditions, such as post-Sandy rebuilding.
The town must submit a plan to meet affordable housing needs by June 1. While some council members criticize the state’s mandates, others emphasize the importance of affordable housing for seniors and low-income families. Toms River’s proposal could shape its housing strategy for the next decade.
AP