Rodrick said Christ Church is a relatively small congregation with an 11-acre property – and a large parking area — that remains empty most of the week. He hopes that the city would rather buy the property than take it by eminent domain, though he does believe using eminent domain would be legal.
Initial drawings for the proposed park included a soccer field and pickleball courts, but Rodrick said nothing is set in stone. He did say that any park would include a large playground. He hopes the dispute with the church can be resolved soon, saying that the congregation could use the funds from any sale to relocate or fund other ministries.
“I would rather come to an amicable settlement,” he said.
Episcopal Church leaders seem uninterested in making a deal with the mayor, who has also made headlines for criticizing a charitable restaurant run by rock star Jon Bon Jovi’s charity.
Hoffman said she plans to meet with Bishop Sally French of the Diocese of New Jersey and a church lawyer next week to discuss the congregation’s options.
French did not respond to a request for comment but issued a statement of support for Christ Church.
“As a Christian leader and a resident of New Jersey, I am troubled by the township’s move to block the faithful ministry of Christ Church, and I am saddened that the mayor and township council are prioritizing pickleball courts over responding to hunger and homelessness,” she said in the statement. “I ask that Toms River lift the burden these proceedings have placed on our parish and diocese, and I pray that we can move forward in serving our neighbors.”
This article originally appeared here.
