A plan could soon be in place to clear one of the last remaining signs of damage in Toms River left over from Superstorm Sandy.

The city for years has been trying to purchase the remains of Joey Harrison's Surf Club, as well as the adjacent land in the Ortley Beach section of the township. 

“The state has come up with some blue acres funding to preserve that property, so that was a big help,” says Toms River Township Mayor Mo Hill.

Ocean County freeholders agreed last week to purchase land from Toms River Township near the college, and adjacent to Cattus Island Park. That money, combined with funding from the state's blue acres program, is enough to purchase the area of Ortley Beach from the current private owners. 

“I think it's a win for the county to get property for the college to expand one of their large parks and Toms River and we have money in our open space account we can use to not only cement this purchase, but also purchase other properties in Toms River,” says Mayor Hill. “It’s a win all the way around.”

The remaining buildings would be demolished and the parking lot would be refurbished using crushed clam shells, adding parking to the area. The boardwalk would also be expanded. The deals still aren't final, so there's no time frame yet.

With funding now set in place, the last step is to purchase the surf club property and knock down the remaining condos. “The thing that's appealing to us is that it also preserves open space on the barrier island,” says Mayor Hill. “Residents there are involved in rebuilding their homes and they've asked contributing to the open space tax and this is our opportunity to purchase ocean front property and preserve it from development.”

Mayor Hill did not say how much the property would cost the township as negotiating continues.