Ortley Beach, Toms River, N.J., Sept. 2019 (Photo: Daniel Nee)
As the coronavirus pandemic wanes, more and more local residents are venturing out to engage in leisure activities – at least in Toms River.
“The revenues are up in the township,” said Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill. “We’re seeing use of our facilities return to normal, and I want to salute our recreation director for the improvements at the golf course. It’s looking very positive after this Covid pandemic.”
The most striking increases in revenue came from the township’s beach badge sales and the municipally-owned Bey Lea golf course.
So far in 2021, the township has sold $379,650 in seasonal beach badges. Last year, by the same date, the township had sold just $217,715, a 74 percent increase.
Golfing, which has seen gains in popularity since it can be accomplished while socially distant, has seen a tremendous resurgence in 2021. By this time last year, the course had generated $223,959 in revenue. This year, the course has taken in $515,940 – an increase of a staggering 130 percent.
Building permits have also increased in 2021. By this date last year, Toms River had taken in $1,087,313 in building permit revenue. This year, during the same time period, $1,414,618 has been generated, an increase of nearly $400,000.
