Ocean County Sheriff Resumes Sales Stopped by COVID

TOMS RIVER – While a bit unconventional, the third floor of the Ocean County Parking Garage is now reserved on Tuesdays for the weekly Sheriff’s Foreclosure Sales conducted by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

“We had postponed all sales in order to meet the state’s executive orders issued due to the coronavirus pandemic,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. ” As restrictions began to be lifted, we began to create a plan that would provide an area to hold the sales and keep the staff and the people attending safe. We are the first in the state to resume this process.”

On Tuesday, 47 people gathered in seats that were socially distanced on the north side of the 3rd floor of the Ocean County Parking Garage on Hadley and Madison Avenue, here, to participate in the sale.

The area is open to the outside on three sides, allowing for the sales to be conducted in the fresh air.

“Ocean County went through great lengths to ensure the sales were conducted in a safe manner,” Mastronardy said. “All the chairs were spaced six feet apart, faces masks were required, and also plastic shields were worn. Hand sanitizer was available.”

“A public audio system was set up so that attendees could hear the proceedings from one end of the garage to the other,” he said. Mastronardy said because the garage provides a large area open to the outside, it was determined it would be a suitable location for the sales.

The foreclosure sales, prior to COVID-19 were held in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, Hooper Avenue, here.

At the first garage sale, 12 sales were completed for a total value of $2.3 million.