Toms River: In a huge blow to open space, the TR Planning Board voted Wednesday night to issue variances for a new development off Brookside Drive in town. Craven Road is currently a dirt road with a few houses set back at the end. A developer presented a plan to turn the road into a paved road with 9 new houses where there is currently woods. Despite the objections by local residents, the planning board issued variances and the development will proceed as planned. Local residents objected due to the wildlife that lives in the woods, and concerns over flooding on Brookside Drive.

Stay tuned to OCSN as we bring you updates on this development once construction begins.

Craven