In most towns, local debates revolve around school funding or parking regulations—but in Toms River, New Jersey, things have taken a far more dramatic turn.
At the center of a growing controversy is a ten-acre plot of land, a church, a proposed homeless shelter, and a sudden push to build pickleball courts.
Yes, you read that right—pickleball.
Church vs. Township: A Dispute Takes Shape
The conflict kicked off in late April when the Toms River Township Council introduced a proposal to seize the land currently owned by Christ Episcopal Church.
Their plan? Turn it into a recreational hub complete with pickleball courts, soccer fields, a playground, and more.
But here’s the twist—the church had already submitted a plan back in July 2023 to use that same land to build a 17-bed homeless shelter.
Their goal was to support the growing number of unhoused people in the area.
Legal Pushback and Accusations of Retaliation
Unsurprisingly, the church isn’t taking this move lightly.
Their attorney, Harvey York, is accusing the township of retaliating against the church’s efforts to help the homeless.
He argues that the town never previously considered this site for recreation—until the church proposed the shelter.
“This isn’t about parks,” York told Fox News.
“This is clearly a reaction to the church trying to do something meaningful for the community.”
He believes the town’s action contradicts its own development plans and violates federal laws that protect religious institutions, such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
Mayor Calls It Coincidence—Locals Aren’t Convinced
Mayor Daniel Rodrick, however, insists that the timing is purely coincidental.
He maintains that the decision to develop the land into a community recreation site isn’t linked to the church’s shelter proposal.
But the community is deeply divided.
While some residents support the mayor’s move, many others are stunned—and even outraged.
Church Leaders Speak Out
Bishop Sally J. French, who oversees the diocese that includes Christ Episcopal, is one of the many religious voices standing firm.
She sees the proposed shelter as a practical solution to a real problem.
“Homelessness in Ocean County is on the rise—up 28 percent in just one year,” she told The New York Times.
“This shelter could give people the support they need to get back on their feet.”
Other faith leaders agree.
Rabbi William Gershon of Congregation B’nai Israel stated plainly, “If they can do this to one religious group, they can do it to all of us.”
The Community Reacts—and Mobilizes
The backlash has grown beyond church walls.
A petition on Change.org has gathered over 7,200 signatures, urging the township to abandon its plan.
The message is clear: the land is sacred, and serving the vulnerable should take priority over recreation.
“This action is unjust,” the petition states. “People matter more than pickleball.”
On social media, locals echoed the sentiment.
One user wrote, “This is ridiculous! Pickleball comes before helping those in need?”
Another posted, “What an embarrassment…”
The Mayor Stands Firm, But Questions Remain
Mayor Rodrick remains unapologetic.
He argues that creating a recreational area serves a broader portion of the population.
“You have a whole community without a park,” he said, implying the churchgoers could just drive elsewhere.
But Bishop French challenged his math, pointing out that Sunday services—held in both English and Spanish—draw far more than the 65–70 people he referenced.
Rodrick, a former teacher, brushed off the criticism.
“They make me look like the bad guy, but like Trump, my support keeps going up,” he said.
What Happens Next?
The legal showdown is just beginning.
York says the diocese will move forward with litigation, confident in their chances.
“This isn’t over,” he said.
“We believe the law is on our side.”
His message to the local government?
“Stay out of church matters and focus on your own responsibilities.”
As the courts take over, one thing is certain—this small-town land dispute has stirred big emotions and even bigger questions about priorities, justice, and the role of faith in community life.