OPPOSITION is growing to the Toms River town council’s plans to seize the 11-acre plot of Christ Episcopal Church, in New Jersey. The church has been waiting for approval for a 17-bed homeless shelter.
The town council and its mayor, Daniel Rodrick, are hoping to buy the church’s land (News 9 May), or appropriate it through “eminent domain” (the power of a government to seize private property for public use, even against the owner’s wishes, with fair compensation), to transform it into a recreational centre and community park, the Episcopal News Service reports.
Mr Rodrick told CBS 2 News, New York: “I am optimistic that we can come to some sort of resolution in the open market.” The land would “make for an excellent park”.
The Rector of Christ Church, the Revd Lisa Hoffman, started a change.org petition on 13 May, which was shared on social media by the Bishop of New Jersey, the Rt Revd Sally French. It had reached 7710 verified signatures this week.
Bishop French said that taking Christ Church’s land was “not the will of the community and that those in government in Toms River might notice that and respond”.
On 14 May, members of the congregation, with the support of the diocese, started a GoFundMe page to cover the legal fees to oppose the mayor and town council’s plans. The fund-raising campaign had already reached $18,585, towards its $20,000 target, this week.
A church statement said: “If there are funds remaining after the legal actions have concluded, remaining funds will be used to support Christ Church’s outreach ministries that serve our poor and homeless neighbours.”
The Toms River council’s town-zoning board was expected to make a ruling this month on whether to allow a 17-bed homeless shelter to be built on the church’s property. The final decision, however, was postponed until 12 June after debate consumed the entire Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting last week. More than 40 people spoke at the meeting. Bishop French and Ms Hoffman have expressed their disappointment at the delay.
