Sanctuary vs. Skate Park: New Jersey Church Battles Town’s Plan to Seize Land for Recreation

In Toms River, New Jersey, a local church and the town government are locked in a heated standoff that pits spiritual service against civic redevelopment, and it all comes down to ten acres of waterfront land.

Christ Episcopal Church, a 160-year-old institution in the heart of Toms River, is fighting to stop the town from seizing its property under eminent domain. Town officials plan to use the land, along with three nearby marinas, to build a public park complete with playgrounds, a skate park, and community green space part of a broader downtown revitalization initiative.

But the church, which is currently working to establish a homeless shelter on the site, says the town’s plan would sacrifice compassion for convenience, replacing ministry with modern amenities.

Faith Under Fire

“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 their care for those in need,” wrote Bishop Sally French in a public letter. She criticized the town for prioritizing “pickleball courts over responding to hunger and homelessness.”

According to the bishop, the town quietly added the church to the ordinance just before a council meeting, prompting community outcry once the plan became public. The church serves as a hub for local outreach hosting nearly 20 weekly 12-step recovery meetings and planning to expand efforts to serve unhoused people in the region.

“The people of Christ Episcopal Church have my support and gratitude for their Gospel ministry,” French continued. “They are living the commandment to care for the poor and vulnerable.”

A Town’s Vision for Growth

Republican Mayor Dan Rodrick has a different vision. He argues that the church’s land is uniquely positioned to serve a wider public good. With thousands of residents living within walking distance, he sees a once-in-a-generation opportunity to give the downtown area a walkable green space something he claims is sorely lacking.

“The property is very large, it’s a 10-acre parcel with a tremendous amount of parking something we could never get approved again today,” Rodrick told Fox News Digital. “It would be great for the kids and families. We want a park, a skate park, a playground something that draws people into downtown.”

Rodrick insists the plan would also benefit local businesses by creating a destination and increasing foot traffic. He noted that the ordinance merely opens the door to negotiations, and eminent domain would be a last resort if the church refuses to sell.

Church on the Defensive

But for Christ Church leaders, that “door” feels more like a threat.

Mother Lisa Hoffman, the rector of Christ Church, said the congregation and broader community are committed to standing their ground. “Our outreach includes nearly 20 12-step meetings per week. While our members are disappointed, we are determined to protect our Gospel ministry.”

The church has rallied approximately 150 members, clergy, and local supporters in opposition to the ordinance, arguing that seizing the land would displace critical social services for the most vulnerable.

Bishop French emphasized the symbolic loss if the town proceeds: “This isn’t just about land, it’s about what kind of community we want to be.”

A Fight With National Echoes

Beyond Toms River, the case touches a broader cultural nerve where urban development, religious freedom, and social justice increasingly collide. Mayor Rodrick has pointed to broader trends, noting the decline in Protestant church membership nationwide and suggesting that some congregations may benefit from consolidation due to rising costs and dwindling attendance.

Still, many view the move as an overreach, with opponents warning it could set a dangerous precedent for religious institutions providing vital services in communities.

What’s Next?

The Toms River council already voted 4–3 in favor of the ordinance on its first reading, and a second reading is expected to pass by the same narrow margin. If it does, the town could begin formal negotiations with the church or initiate the eminent domain process.

For now, Christ Episcopal Church isn’t backing down. With prayers, protests, and public support, they say they’re fighting not just for a building but for the soul of their ministry.

“We may be small, but our mission is big,” said one parishioner outside a recent council meeting. “We’re not giving up our church for a playground.”