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Toms River debate intensifies after council’s eminent‑domain plan for Christ Episcopal Church
Summary
Residents, church leaders and council members sparred in public comment after the township signaled intent to use eminent domain for recreational development on the Christ Episcopal Church site; church leaders said they had not been contacted and warned of lost community services.
Toms River councilmembers faced sustained public opposition Wednesday after the township signaled plans to acquire the property occupied by Christ Episcopal Church through eminent domain for recreation uses and a proposed homeless facility.
The proposal drew dozens of residents and church representatives to the council chamber to say the church provides long‑running social services and that seizing the land would remove programs that serve dozens of local families. "To claim Christ's church for eminent domain. You will be displacing not just one church, but two," said the Reverend Dr. Carolyn Bradley, deacon at Christ Episcopal Church. "On the property is Christ Episcopal Church, which has been there for 160 years and has faithfully and lovingly served this community."
Church…
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