Toms River Mayor Criticizes County Over Homelessness Issues

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick is raising concerns about the increasing number of homeless individuals congregating outside the Ocean County Library’s downtown branch, likening the area to a “day shelter and soup kitchen.” This statement comes amid ongoing tensions with county commissioners who he claims have failed to address the issue.

For months, Rodrick has reported seeing a growing number of homeless people near the library’s main entrance and the nearby municipal parking garage. He has made multiple complaints to county officials, yet he says no action has been taken to resolve the situation.

Parents, he claims, should avoid the library due to what he describes as intimidating conditions. “Mothers shouldn’t have to walk through large gangs of intoxicated and mentally ill men with their children to borrow a book,” Rodrick lamented.

The mayor accused Commissioners Rob Arace and Frank Sadeghi of disregarding the concerns of Toms River residents, asserting that their approach is akin to that of progressive cities like San Francisco. Rodrick stated, “They’ve completely ignored all of our complaints and concerns.”

Both Sadeghi and Arace, closely aligned with Ocean County Republican Chairman George R. Gilmore, oversee county operations, parks, and recreation systems.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation,” Gilmore said in response to Rodrick’s accusations. He expressed worry that failing to assist the homeless might result in tragic outcomes, such as someone freezing to death during the cold months.

The comments on the library’s usage arose after Rodrick referred to a temporary food service at the library operated by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen. This initiative provides meals for a suggested price of $12 and allows diners to pay for others in need. Despite Rodrick’s remarks, County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione, responsible for library affairs, clarified that she has not received related complaints and pointed out that many of the unhoused visit area social service agencies.

Bacchione explained that the prominence of homeless individuals in Toms River results from its access to transportation. “We do have the bus depot,” she noted, indicating many depend on it for transportation to services.

Local sightings confirm Rodrick’s claims, with several homeless individuals present outside the library on a recent morning, some attending a job fair organized by the Ocean County Career Center.

The Code Blue shelter system, which offers warming centers during harsh winter conditions, has also come under fire from the mayor. Toms River’s facility serves an average of 40 guests each night but faced criticism over its management and related issues.

“They are busing in people from all over the state to this warming facility, which has been a source of constant 911 calls for service,” Rodrick claimed, reflecting on local safety concerns.

While Bacchione mentioned a plan to increase safety measures near the library and suggested potential cooperation with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department to address disturbances, she reiterated the library’s goal of providing necessary resources for everyone in the community.

As the community confronts the growing issues related to homelessness, Toms River finds itself at a crossroads concerning local policy and service provisions for vulnerable populations.