Church Eminent Domain Ordinance Vote Postponed In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ ? The second hearing on an ordinance targeting Christ Episcopal Church and three marinas for purchase or taking by eminent domain has been postponed by Toms River officials.

The ordinance, which was introduced at the April 30 Township Council meeting in a split vote of the council, will have a public hearing on July 30, according to a legal notice published May 13 in the Asbury Park Press.

The ordinance originally had been scheduled for its second hearing at the May 28 council meeting.

The ordinance seeks the acquisition of the 10.8-acre Christ Episcopal Church property at 415 Washington St., along with three small privately owned marinas comprising five parcels ? at 89 East Water St., 93 East Water St., 95 East Water St., 97 East Water St. and 99 East Water St. ? by either purchase or eminent domain.

Mayor Dan Rodrick said he would like the town to acquire the church property and the marinas to expand recreation spaces for township residents, particularly those who live downtown.

The proposal has seen significant pushback. A large contingent of residents spoke against the ordinance at the April 30 council meeting, and a petition on Change.org urging the town to stop the effort had received nearly 5,700 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.

Rodrick on Tuesday said the ordinance hearing was postponed in part because the township's 2025 budget is scheduled for introduction and vote at the May 28 and June council meetings.

The postponement of the eminent domain ordinance hearing "will also give us some time to have some discussions with all four property owners," Rodrick said.

He said the second hearing was never intended to be on May 28 but said that date was automatically generated by the township's computer programs.

Christ Episcopal Church leadership and officials with the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey have both said they have no interest in selling the property and will fight efforts by the town to take the property.

The church property is valued at $2,476,000, according to tax records. Church officials have called the eminent domain move "retribution" for the church's application proposing a 17-bed shelter for homeless people in a building on its property. That application is set for what is expected to be a final hearing and vote on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Toms River Town Hall, 33 Washington St.

"This action is unjust," the Change.org petition started by Rev. Lisa Hoffman of Christ Episcopal Church. "Christ Church is a large and active congregation with a longstanding commitment to outreach and community support, especially for those in need. Together, the people of Christ Church participate in more than 20 essential ministries that support the Toms River community and beyond. These offerings include feeding and clothing programs, multiple 12-step groups, and more. Christ Episcopal Church has been part of Toms River for 160 years and has a long history of service and outreach."

"If the eminent domain ordinance goes forward, Toms River will lose a vital source of support for vulnerable residents," the petition says.

Also at risk, members of the congregation say, is a consecrated memorial garden where the ashes of relatives are buried. Read more: 'A Moral Moment': Eminent Domain Plan For Ocean Church Threatens Sacred Ground, Man Says

"Eminent domain should never be used to control a church?s ministries," the petition says. "The church is not for sale. People matter more than pickleball."

A GoFundMe campaign to help support the church's legal expenses was launched and has received more than $12,000 in donations so far.