A new playground is coming to Toms River. Demolition began on two homes on the 4-acre property. But this week, the township ordered work to be stopped, when shingles possibly containing asbestos were seen.  

Now, two state agencies have confirmed to News 12 open and active investigations are underway.  

Demolition on two homes took place this week on this property at the corner of Clifton Avenue and Bachelor Street. 

“Kids were walking home from school, people were walking their dogs. There was clouds of debris. We don’t know what was in it, blowing across,” said Alfonzo Manforti, of Toms River.  

Toms River Township Mayor Dan Rodrick says a land sample passed an environmental test, but work stopped after asbestos shingles were seen on the property, which is not uncommon for homes built before 1978. One of the homes was built in 1910. The town purchased the land for a state-of-the-art playground, financed through a $750,000 state grant.  

Rodrick says nothing was removed, and the township stopped work to bring in an expert who will observe wetting down the materials before being hauled away.  But some neighbors say most of the debris is already gone. 

“You can just look for yourself. There used to be two big houses here. Obviously, there’s been a lot removed,” said Manforti.  

Mark Ricciardi lives across the street and hopes this work stoppage won’t interfere with the progress. 

“We’re really excited. It’s been a long time coming,” said Ricciardi. “I was really impressed with it. Especially the size of it. Great investment for the community.” 

Both the New Jersey Department of Labor and the Department of Health confirmed active and open investigations into the site but would not comment further.  

Councilman David Ciccozze tells News 12 images which appear to show asbestos and removal of debris into dumpsters were mishandled, town workers not properly protected, and dangerous sections of the land now covered, were left open.  

“This is going to be a park. Kids are going to play here when it’s finished. We want to make sure everything is safe,” added Manforti.  

Mayor Rodrick says despite this temporary pause in activity, he does not see it impacting the planned starting date of the construction of the park next spring with an opening date soon after.  

A spokesperson for the Ocean County Department of Health says samples were collected and are being tested for asbestos.