Tom’s River During a recent Township Council meeting, a current and previous deacon of the Christ Episcopal Church voiced their opposition to the town’s attempt to acquire the land through eminent domain or purchase.
Recreation is part of Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s agenda for this property. There would be a playground and other facilities on the church property. A municipal marina is one of the several waterfront properties the town is interested in.
He has stated that the town will engage in sincere negotiations to acquire the land.
The acquisition was made to prevent the church from opening a 17-bed homeless shelter there, according to the council majority and administration’s detractors. It was recently rejected by the land use board that is in charge of that type of development.
The town would be able to purchase the church land and a few minor beachfront properties through eminent domain, according to an ordinance proposed by the Township Council. Although it hasn’t been officially scheduled, the second reading of that ordinance—which would make it law—is anticipated to take place in July. The public is given the opportunity to remark during the second reading, although they also did so during the most recent meeting.
Deacon Ted Foley retired from Christ Church in 2024 after 12 years of service.
He said that no one had contacted him to establish communication. We haven’t received the notice regarding the first reading yet, and we never got one.
In response, Peter Pascarella, the town attorney, stated that the notification was printed in a newspaper.
The question of whether township officials informed church leadership was up for discussion. According to Pascarella, he gave a call the day following the initial reading. According to Rodrick, he made contact via social media.
For those who were viewing the conference from home, the audio of the exchange was muted at one point.
At the three-minute mark, Council President Justin Lamb interrupted the deacon’s remarks, but the deacon would not sit down.
The majority of governing bodies give each public speaker a set amount of time to speak. It’s three minutes in Toms River right now. Critics of the current administration, however, claim that when the administration disagrees with the speaker, the time limit is applied more strictly.
Lamb called a recess because Deacon Foley would not stop talking. This ended up costing about fifteen minutes instead of allowing the deacon a few more minutes to speak.
Lamb told the officers to take the deacon out of the room, but they refused. Lamb was observed arguing angrily with the police during the break.
Deacon Carolyn Bradley also spoke after the intermission. The Ocean Christian Community Church has been on the grounds for 40 years, she noted, in addition to the 160 years that Christ Episcopal has been in operation.
People have interred their loved ones’ ashes in the memorial garden located on the property. 325 souls are buried, she said. It is a peaceful and comforting location.
She also talked about the church’s communal service. Narcotics Anonymous meets three times a day, with over 1,000 meetings annually. Seven times a week, Alcoholics Anonymous gathers.
In addition to distributing food, they also run a clothing ministry that serves 20–30 households.
One week at a time, we take in homeless families, she said.
“I am afraid to mess with God because bad things happen,” said Carlos Almanizar, who lives in a downtown apartment complex.
Jackson resident David Massey arrived to offer assistance to fellow Episcopalians. Where will it stop if it begins here?
He claimed to have witnessed the use of eminent domain to construct a bridge or similar structure. Would the number of persons served by the recreation you are suggesting equal that of the church?
Speaking to the council, a homeless man pointed out that $11 million was being spent on street repairs, but nothing was being done to help those who were homeless.
The church, he added, “really saved my life.” Five years ago, I was so sick of addiction that I nearly killed myself. I’ve been clean for five years at this point.
The homeless don’t want to be there any more than the municipality does, according to a homeless woman. They require resources such as churches and locations such as the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen.
We can improve with the use of resources. We’re having issues. We are coping with a malfunctioning system. We won’t have these issues if you get us the assistance we require, she said.
Patricia Hammer, a resident on Batchelor Street, stated that the municipality had recently purchased property close to the intersection of Batchelor and Clifton Avenue. Nothing has been done with this, even though it was meant to be for a park.
According to resident Michael Cohen, the opposition will file a new petition against the township if it chooses to seize the church through eminent domain. Like the other two, you’ll need to find out how to slither out of that one.
Residents have petitioned for the reopening of the closed animal shelter and the reinstatement of high-level police positions that were eliminated.
Although the council is entirely Republican, there are disagreements between the two parties on contentious issues. Council members Craig Coleman, Lynn O. Toole, and William Byrne, together with Council President Justin Lamb, voted in favor of introducing the ordinance to purchase or otherwise seize the church and the waterfront assets. Thomas Nivison, James Quinlisk, and David Ciccozzi, all councilmen, voted against it.
According to the church’s leadership, neither the land nor the building are for sale. It has been utilized for various assistance initiatives, such as a food pantry.
As of right now, town hall will host the next two council meetings on June 30 and July 30 at 4 p.m.
