After missing the March 15, 2026 deadline to adopt required housing ordinances, Toms River has now taken the next legal step — filing a formal motion to extend its temporary immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits.
As outlined in Meridia’s March 24 letter to the Court, the Township did not meet its obligations under its settlement agreement and state housing requirements. Because of that failure, the Township currently does NOT have immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation.
Meridia has already filed a Mount Laurel lawsuit, and additional actions may follow or be consolidated.
The key issue now:
The Township is asking the Court for more time — but this time through a formal motion, which allows all parties (including developers and housing advocates) to respond and be heard.
What happens next?
• The Court will review the Township’s motion for an extension of immunity
• Other parties will have the opportunity to formally oppose or support the request
• A judge will decide whether Toms River gets more time — or remains exposed to litigation
• If immunity is denied, builder’s remedy lawsuits could move forward, potentially shifting control of certain development decisions to the courts
This is a critical moment.
The outcome will determine whether Toms River regains control of its housing plan — or whether that control shifts to the courts due to non-compliance.
We’ll continue to follow this closely and share updates as the process moves forward.
In the meantime, Daniel Rodrick needs to act like a leader and back away from his typewriter and letters of FAKE NEWS and pull the Council, the attorney, the planner and each and every developer into a room and SOLVE THE PROBLEM! Someone has the chance to be a hero during this time…will it be Rodrick or Ciccozzi, or Bianchini or Nivision…or even a developer or non-profit who steps up to the table! The time is now for leadership and teamwork for Toms River!