Toms River, NJ Moves to Seize Church Proposed for Homeless Shelter

Township officials in Toms River, New Jersey have initiated a controversial plan to acquire Christ Episcopal Church through eminent domain, a move critics say is aimed at blocking a proposed 17-bed homeless shelter at the downtown location. The ordinance, scheduled for introduction at Wednesday’s Township Council meeting, would authorize officials to pursue acquisition of the Washington Street property either through purchase or condemnation proceedings.

Mayor Dan Rodrick and township officials have outlined plans to convert the church property into a public recreation facility with playgrounds, skateparks, and pickleball courts if the acquisition proceeds. “We have always had a plan to do this. It’s been a long-time idea,” said Rodrick. “We had plans to take this property before this process ever began. It’s something we had been talking about as an administration and as a council for some time.”

Shelter Proposal Draws Neighborhood Opposition

The eminent domain effort comes amidst heated debate over the church’s plans to establish a 17-bed homeless shelter in partnership with the Affordable Housing Alliance. A recent zoning board meeting drew more than 100 residents, with most expressing opposition to the shelter proposal that would operate from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

Residents have raised concerns about safety, potential property value declines, and fears that the facility could become a gathering point for homeless individuals, particularly given its proximity to the township’s bus station. The church is located adjacent to a residential neighborhood, amplifying neighbors’ concerns about the potential impact on their quality of life.

Shelter Advocates Cite Critical Housing Need

Proponents of the shelter emphasize the critical shortage of homeless services in Ocean County. The proposal comes at a time when county officials are working to address a growing housing crisis fueled by rising rents and the replacement of coastal motels with higher-end developments. This challenge was exacerbated when Toms River recently cleared a homeless encampment that had housed approximately 32 individuals.

Christ Episcopal Church representatives argue the shelter would provide essential services to vulnerable residents. According to testimony from Reverend Susan Jones, who spoke on behalf of the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition, the shelter would operate as “a partnership between Christ Church, the Affordable Housing Alliance and the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition.” The church already hosts outreach services for unhoused individuals at its property.

Mayor Proposes Alternative Public Use

The mayor has framed the acquisition as part of a broader vision for downtown redevelopment, positioning it as an opportunity to create public recreational space. “The church wants to put a homeless shelter there — we want to put a playground,” Rodrick said. The proposed park would serve approximately 20,000 residents living in the area who currently lack convenient access to such facilities.

The ordinance encompasses not only the church property but also several waterfront parcels including the Dupont Marina, property adjacent to Marina Grill restaurant, and Sunset Cove Marina. These acquisitions align with longstanding plans to develop a cohesive waterfront district with improved public access to the Toms River, according to township officials.

Legal and Financial Questions Remain

The proposed ordinance does not address specific financing mechanisms for acquiring the properties. If the process moves forward, property owners would be compensated for the market value of their land, with courts typically overseeing this valuation if disputes arise between township appraisals and owner estimates.

The ordinance would allow the administration to begin the acquisition process, though specific financing arrangements would require additional council approval. This raises questions about how the township would fund potentially significant property purchases and the subsequent development of the proposed recreational facilities, especially given competing priorities in the municipal budget.