A New Jersey town has halted its efforts to seize an Episcopalian church’s property to create a park with pickleball courts.
The Asbury Park Press reports Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick postponed a vote on seizing Christ Episcopal Church in the wake of angry public opposition that included the submission of a 9,000-signature petition. A July 30 meeting for a second reading on an ordinance that would allow the town to either buy or use eminent domain to acquire the 11-acre church property was indefinitely postponed.
The church, which traces its roots back to 1865, rankled the town’s government with a plan to build a 17-bed overnight shelter for the homeless on its property. The shelter application was rejected by the Board of Adjustment in June.
Rodrick stated the church’s property could be transformed into a large waterfront park, with the church building to be demolished in favor of eight pickleball courts and a soccer field. However, more than 300 people are buried in a memorial garden on the property.
Rodrick claimed surprise that the church was disinterested in having its property surrendered to accommodate pickleball players.
“I think it’s a good idea – it’s a good purchase,” he said. “I thought they would be willing sellers.”
Rodrick added that he planned to poll the community to “reassess what the public opinion is on it. I don’t push forward with something that I think is a good idea if the public rejects it.”
Photo courtesy of Christ Episcopal Church
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