With accusations of anti-Semitism fired in all direction surrounding the Toms River mayoral campaign, much of the discussion surrounds the term “Lakewood-style development.”
Thrice-censured Toms River Councilman Dan Rodrick insists on using the term in his campaign materials. The development underway in Toms River is mostly state-mandated affordable housing; but Rodrick insists on linking it to Lakewood.
On Tuesday, OCGOP club chairman George Gilmore called for a wide condemnation of Rodrick by county and state elected officials over Rodrick’s insistence on the term “Lakewood style development.”
“The actions by Mo Hill and Dan Rodrick are disgraceful and have no place in our party,” Gilmore said. “We have seen this before when others have tried to divide the residents of our county using the same hateful rhetoric… I am calling on every Republican – commissioners, legislators, and local leaders alike – to join me in condemning this abhorrent behavior.”
Today, Rodrick defended his use of the term, Shore News reports. Rodrick said the term represents a disregard for zoning laws and allows for crowded and nonconforming overdevelopment that includes large high-density multi-family housing complexes, hi-rise buildings in downtown Toms River and the razing of all available open space for dense housing developments.
“Lakewood-style development means cramming huge buildings, massive apartment buildings, and anything else that fits on any available piece of land, with complete disregard to zoning laws,” Rodrick responded today. “Toms River residents don’t want that, but Chairman Gilmore does. He works for and with developers who want to build on every available piece of land in our town, including Ciba Geigy. He’s a lobbyist for the development industry; of course, he and his candidate want Lakewood-style development in Toms River; it’s how he’s trying to make a living these days.”
Does that sound like a clarification?
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Toms river zoning department is corrupt. Has been corrupt. And has singled out selective enforcement.
This has been the case now and past 6 years.
If the zoning and engineering department makes a mistake they cover it up... and they do enforce the laws more if the home is Jewish owners vs non Jewish owners. Many got fined ONLY when after home was purchased from a non jew for the work done by the previous owner. If a township employee was in the house and saw work done in the basement they ignored it if they were coming to approve the pools electric...
And even today. Who oversees the township engineering and zoning. Ultimately it's the committee. There is no state oversite of any towns engineering and zoning department. It's the wild west. Roderick or hill or anyone doesn't like the jews moving in. That's why they changed many areas from their original status to a tougher restrictions. 2 acres became rural and 3rd acre requiements for housing were changed to disallow that size lot for building. All in the name of keeping the geographic area free of Lakewood people. Not Lakewood style.
Not sure why we should vote if toms river isn't going to play fair. It's no diffrent then Jackson. And unfortunately the township engineering and zoning are corrupt in their own ways controlled by the committee. They pick and choose what they feel is the law to be enforced.
I have to agree that saying "Lakewood style development" may not be a proper or respectful term. However the truth is that the the Ultra-Orthodox and Haredi communities all over the NY State and NJ are characterized by irresponsible overdevelopment to the point of infrastructure collapse, congestion, traffic which does not move, and no respect to zoning or environmental sustainability. One gets the impression that the Orthodox do not care for or take care of the character or up keep of their communities or respect for the environment. It does not leave a good impression to outsiders. I am sure many frum Jews would agree with this part. Please excuse my honesty.
Since I lived in Lakewood for 35 years during this unbelievable building spree and saw it ruin my once country road that had horse and egg farms on it when I moved In The the mid 1980 ‘s I agree with every thing he says. What has happened to Lakewood is terrible and we have to stop it from happening in other towns. It has nothing to do with antisemitism that’s just what is shouted to get their way. It’s common sense which everyone seems to spbe sorely lacking these days.
I agree with him as well. Toms River residents have had enough with all the building sprawl in our town. It is time to put it to an end. Live and let live, but not build and let build.
George Gilmore was convicted of a $1 million dollar tax evasion charge. To back him or believe him is foolish. He is in this for himself alone.
I am not anti Semitic . I am against all religions attempting either by design or by accident a quasi or actual THEOCRACY!
I am against any religious group - Christian, Muslim , Mormon, Hindu, Amish, Mennonite, Jew - etc- establishing the equivalent of a Theocracy within the governmental confines of the United States.
A land grab by any religious group which eventually will end in a quasi , semi, or total governmental rule by that religious group no matter what religion in the world it is becomes a Theocracy and against the separation of church and state doctrine which has a long history in the United States.
This criticism is NOT against Freedom of religion or freedom to become a citizen and freedom of association but emphasizes the separation of any religion or ethnic group from controlling, semi controlling or quasi controlling any governmental entity.
He’s 100% correct. Too bad that people in our township don’t understand basic infrastructure concepts…..
I think "Lakewood Style" is an accurate & colloquial term used by many including in the frum community. Enough of "Antisemitism". We live in the land of the free. Ill take this any day over other countries. Besides their are quite a few frum jews that agree with him.