Council approves first reading to acquire multiple downtown parcels; eminent-domain plan draws public outcry over church property

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River Township Council voted on a first reading to authorize acquisition, either by purchase or eminent domain, of multiple parcels in the downtown waterfront area, including 415 Washington Street. The measure drew extensive public comment and sharp criticism at the meeting.

The ordinance on first reading listed several tax-map parcels in downtown Toms River, and council members debated a motion to table the item before ultimately moving forward with the first reading. Councilman Nievesen moved to table the item; the motion was seconded but did not carry, and the council proceeded to a formal first reading vote.

Dozens of residents and representatives of nonprofit groups used the meeting’s public-comment period to oppose removing or repurposing the property at 415 Washington Street, which speakers said is an active Episcopal church that provides meals, meeting space and outreach to people experiencing homelessness.

“I just want to say for the life of me, I find it absolutely appalling that we can sit here and talk about wheeling and dealing $9,000 fireworks displays but we can’t deliberate” on homelessness solutions, said Robert Pinero, who identified an address used by a re-entry program. “Some of you should feel absolutely ashamed of yourselves.”

Speakers who described themselves as church members, volunteers or clients urged the council to preserve the Christ Episcopal Church’s programs. Miko Huggins, who said she was homeless two years ago and received support through the church’s affiliated programs, told the council, “They helped me… I have a wife, two beautiful boys, a house in Toms River.” Scott Susich, a longtime resident, said the proposal amounted to “political retribution” and warned of legal exposure under religious-land-use protections.

Council discussion was heated at times. A motion to table the ordinance was introduced and received some support; the audio of the roll-call exchanges became contentious and at points was difficult to follow. Council President Lamb moved the ordinance for first reading, and the item passed on a roll call. Several council members said they had not had time to review large packets of materials tied to the ordinance; others said they preferred to proceed with the first reading schedule and promised a fuller second-reading public hearing next month.

Mayor and administration officials said the ordinance is a first step and that the council will hold a second reading and further opportunities for public comment at a future meeting. The council did not adopt a final order of acquisition at this meeting; the first reading authorizes the process to continue toward a possible later purchase or eminent-domain action.

For residents concerned about homeless services, several speakers urged the council to sit down with county officials and nonprofit providers to find alternative locations or cooperative solutions. “We gotta move forward with this because it’s getting out of control,” said Carlos, identifying himself as a local resident and volunteer; “stop wasting time.” Other commentators said the town should partner with neighboring municipalities to share shelter capacity and services.

Council members acknowledged the volume of public concern and said the item will appear at the statutory second reading when the public will have another opportunity to speak before any final adoption.