Jean Mikle

@jeanmikle

TOMS RIVER - It's back to the drawing board after the Township Council's attempt to regulate drones was grounded by public opposition Tuesday night.

"The majority of drone owners are registered with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and fly their drones responsibly," said Silverton resident Michael Redpath, who has been flying a drone he received as a Christmas gift. "It amounts to a ban on drones in Toms River."

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The ordinance the council tabled Tuesday would have required unmanned aircraft owners to pay a $70 annual registration fee.

It would also have greatly restricted the use of drones in Toms River, allowing owners of unmanned aircraft to fly their machines only over their own properties or over other land whose owners had given permission for drone flights.

Violators would faces fines of up to $2,000 and up to 90 days in jail.

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Councilman Jeff Carr made the motion to table the ordinance, saying he had received several emails opposing it.

"I want to strongly emphasize that I think there is a need for this," Carr said. But he said the council needs to do more research on the matter.

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Council members Maria Maruca and George E. Wittmann Jr. both urged their council colleagues to adopt a revised drone ordinance quickly.

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"I'll reluctantly vote to table it," Wittmann said. He said his concerns remain "how do we deal with the invasion of privacy?"

The ordinance was introduced after council members received complaints from some residents about drones used by real estate companies that were flying over private property, creating a nuisance.

While exceptions were allowed for some commercial uses and all law enforcement use of drones, residents who came to Tuesday's meeting said the township's ordinance was too broad.

"One of the hobbies I have is flying drones," said Joe Mavuro, Joanna Drive. He said he has about 20 drones, and frequently flies them in Winding River Park, sometimes with his grandchildren. "The ordinance basically restricts using the drone at all in Toms River."

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But Kathy Durante, who lives in the Tallymawr development in North Dover, said she recently opened her back door to discover a drone hovering over her rear yard.

"I hope you will enact this tonight," Durante said to the council. "There are thousands of families in Toms River who want to experience some privacy...Your hobby should not come at the expense of my privacy and tranquility."

Jean Mikle: (732) 643-4050, jmikle@gannettnj.com