The Toms River Township Council convened on November 13, 2024, to address several pressing community issues, with a focus on rental policies and their impact on local neighborhoods.

During the meeting, a resident raised concerns regarding the current rental Certificate of Occupancy (CO) policies. The speaker urged the council to examine how these policies may be encouraging investors to purchase homes, subsequently converting them into rental properties that resemble "glorified boarding houses." This trend, the resident argued, is driving up housing prices and making it difficult for families to buy homes in the area.

The resident emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent Toms River from experiencing issues similar to those seen in Lakewood, where such developments have become problematic. The speaker called on the council to take action, reminding them of their commitment to maintaining the character of the community and ensuring that it does not fall victim to uncontrolled development.

The council's response to these concerns and any subsequent actions will be crucial in shaping the future of housing in Toms River. The meeting highlighted the ongoing dialogue between residents and local officials regarding the balance between investment and community integrity. Further discussions on this topic are expected in future meetings as the council considers potential policy changes.