Toms River’s Pickleball Park Plan: Toms River, New Jersey, is moving forward with plans to build a new waterfront park that includes soccer fields and pickleball courts. To make this happen, the town wants to use eminent domain to take over four properties, including the nearly 11-acre site owned by Christ Episcopal Church on Washington Street. The church and its supporters are strongly opposing this move.
“Eminent domain should never be used to control a church‘s ministries.” – (Lisa Ann Hoffman)
Church Fights Back, Calls Town’s Action Unfair
Christ Episcopal Church recently proposed opening a homeless shelter on its property. Church leaders believe the town’s effort to seize their land is a response to that proposal. Rev. Lisa Ann Hoffman, the church’s minister, wrote in a petition that the town’s actions are unjust.
“This action is unjust. It comes as the congregation seeks municipal approval to build a homeless shelter on their property as part of the church‘s ongoing ministries supporting those in need in Toms River.” – (Lisa Ann Hoffman)
The petition also says, “The church is not for sale. People matter more than pickleball.” More than 6,500 people have signed the petition, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised almost $15,000 to help the church fight the plan.
Town Officials Say Park Will Benefit Community
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick explained that the waterfront park is part of a bigger project to improve public access to the area. The plan includes creating a large marina by combining three private marinas nearby with public access, along with recreational facilities like pickleball courts. Mayor Rodrick also pointed out that many petition signers live outside the town.
“If you take a look at the petition, it says that 60% of the signatures are in the ‘area’ of Toms River and the other 40% are from outside of the area. So I do not believe this petition is an accurate representation of how the community feels.” – (Dan Rodrick)
The town is confident it can legally take the church property by paying its market value. The church, owned by the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey and valued at about $2.5 million, plans to continue fighting the ordinance.
News in Brief: Toms River’s Pickleball Park Plan
Toms River wants to build a waterfront park with pickleball courts by taking land owned by Christ Episcopal Church. The church opposes the plan, saying the town’s actions punish their homeless shelter proposal. Mayor Dan Rodrick says the park benefits the town and many petition signers are outsiders.
ALSO READ: New Jersey Town Divided: Pickleball Courts Win Land Over Church’s Homeless Shelter Plan