Daniel Rodrick’s #1 campaign promise from 2023 has been CRUSHED by the Courts, as HIS actions were determined to be unlawful. The entire outcome is below and the Press Release was printed this morning, but here is a quick summary:
Here is a clear and concise Facebook post you can use:
WINNERS & LOSERS IN THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT CASE
On February 25, 2026, Judge Sean Gertner ruled decisively in favor of Meridia and against the Township of Toms River.
The Winner:
Meridia — and the rule of law.
The Loser:
The Township — and ultimately Toms River taxpayers.
The Court invalidated the Township’s ordinance that attempted to repeal the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The judge found:
- The Protest Petition was valid.
- Conflicted officials should not have participated.
- Required legal notice was not properly given.
- The Township’s actions were arbitrary and inconsistent with the Master Plan.
The result?
The Downtown Redevelopment Plan is back in place. That means this project — and other redevelopment projects — move forward under the existing plan.
Daniel Rodrick ran on stopping downtown redevelopment. Instead, this effort has resulted in costly litigation — paid for by Toms River taxpayers — and the redevelopment plan remains intact.
And this case isn’t over yet. There are still additional parts to be decided.
Taxpayers deserve leadership that understands the law before spending public money fighting it.