Jul 13, 2009 9:11 pm US/Eastern
REVOLUTION: Jersey Shore Street Secedes From Town
Bay Beach Way Jumps Ship, Leaves Toms River For Lavallette
LAVALLETTE, N.J. (CBS) ―
A victory was achieved Monday for residents of one small street in New Jersey when a court ruled in favor of their effort to secede from Toms River and join Lavallette.
The residents are thrilled, but one town's gain is another's loss.
The revolution happened on quiet Bay Beach Way in Toms River, where homeowners are thrilled to have won their battle to leave Toms River and become part of neighboring Lavallette.
"We thought we were going to win," resident Frank Michenfelder says. "the big thing we wanted: that unanimous decision, and we got that."
The revolt had its roots in a February 2003 snowstorm. Residents were furious at town officials when streets remained unplowed for three days, leaving them stranded. The experience still rankles residents on the street.
"Well, we did our best to get them over here – couldn't seem to raise them on the phone," resident Dan Russell says. "Finally, they came. But it was three days later."
Residents on the block say they only turned to secession after failing to have their needs met through regular channels. They shay they've complained for years about snow plowing and irregular garbage pick-up, complaints they say were ignored.
Lavallette Mayor Walter La Cicero says he's happy to have new constituents.
"We're gonna get a substantial amount of tax revenue from that, and we will not have to hire anybody to provide the services that are gonna be necessary here," La Cicero says.
But Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher says that lack of resources are not the real reason the residents want out. He says homeowners just want to take advantage of Lavallette's lower tax rates.
"One of the people said that his taxes would go down a couple thousand dollars if they're in Lavallette," Kelaher says. "That's really not a valid reason for granting the relief hey got in this case."
Bay Beach Way homeowners say the move just makes official what is already unofficially the case. After all, the block's mailing address is Lavallette, and Lavallette provides water, electric, and cable service.
The secession is not a done deal yet, though. On Tuesday night, Toms River officials will decide whether or not they will appeal the ruling.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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