Ocean County is moving forward with plans to acquire the Toms River Regional School District’s administrative building at 1144 Hooper Avenue for $15.4 million, citing long-term operational needs and the opportunity to repurpose existing infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way.
The building, which includes 94,000 square feet of office space and an additional 4,000 square feet in its atrium, is priced at approximately $164 per square foot—less than half the cost of constructing new facilities, which can exceed $350 per square foot. A public hearing was scheduled for April 16 to consider allocating $20.5 million from the County’s Capital Improvement Fund for the acquisition and potential related property opportunities.
While the transaction has drawn public interest—particularly in light of the school district’s financial pressures due to steep state aid reductions—County officials note that the building’s acquisition is rooted in strategic planning and long-term savings. The school district, which faces a $12.4 million budget gap, will continue to occupy the building through 2026, allowing for a phased transition that serves both government entities.
The purchase supports Ocean County’s ongoing effort to consolidate dispersed departments, such as the Sheriff’s Office, into a centralized facility. A previous proposal to build a new government complex from the ground up was estimated to cost more than $130 million—more than eight times the price of this acquisition.
County officials are also evaluating the site as a future home for a Hall of Records, consolidating the County Clerk, Board of Elections, and Tax Board, which currently operate out of aging or flood-prone locations.
Despite criticism from some who view the purchase as a lifeline for the school district, County leaders maintain that the decision is guided by long-term planning. As County Administrator Michael J. Fiure explained in the Asbury Park Press article, “We are looking to consolidate services and look to the future. We have space needs.”
By utilizing an existing asset instead of building new, Ocean County aims to modernize services in a cost-effective manner—an approach that underscores its commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
