TOMS RIVER – A special meeting of the Township Council will be held at 7 p.m. on January 18, upstairs at the town hall located at 33 Washington Street.
The purpose of this meeting is twofold. First is a public hearing of an ordinance that will repeal Chapter 253 of the Township Code. If repealed, it means that property owners won’t need to get their homes inspected and get a certificate of occupancy before selling or renting.
New members of the governing body said this would eliminate red tape for homeowners. Critics of this move are concerned that unsafe dwellings, with electrical problems or other issues, will be sold to unknowing buyers. They are also concerned about basement apartments and other zoning issues.
The Township Council will also swear in their new member, but it is being billed on the agenda as only an interim appointment. When Daniel Rodrick became mayor this year, his council seat was left vacant. Usually, a new person is sworn in for the bulk of the year. But they would have to run in November to keep the spot.
