Toms River Councilmen Hosting Town Hall In Wake Of Canceled Council Meeting

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Three Toms River councilmen are hosting a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday evening in the wake of the cancellation of the regularly scheduled Township Council meeting.

Councilmen Tom Nivison, Jim Quinlisk and David Ciccozzi announced the town hall meeting Tuesday evening. It is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday at Toms River Town Hall, 33 Washington St.

The council meeting "was unexpectedly canceled, likely by Mayor Rodrick, without providing an official explanation," Nivison, Quinlisk and Ciccozzi said in a news release. "Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and the opportunity to voice their concerns at the legally required monthly Council Meetings."

The cancellation comes in the midst of an ongoing investigation into potential asbestos contamination at the Clifton Avenue property that Toms River aims to turn into a park and playground. Toms River public works employees demolished a home on the property on Oct. 20 and 21 before state investigators halted the work on Oct. 22.

The state Departments of Labor, Health and Environmental Protection have been investigating and have not released any information.

The meeting hosted by Ciccozzi, Nivison, and Quinlisk will be "a community discussion to share your concerns and ask questions," they said. "While this will not be an official Council meeting and no formal business will be conducted, your voices matter, and the council members want to hear from you."

In addition to the council members, council candidates Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley are set to participate, the news release said.

Related:

• Asbestos Warnings Posted, Tarps In Place At Park Site In Toms River
• Work Halted Over Asbestos Concerns At Toms River's Planned Park Site