A Toms River church is giving up its plans to open a homeless shelter after facing intense opposition from township officials.
The Toms River zoning board in June rejected a variance sought by Christ Episcopal Church to open the shelter, and the church announced this week it won’t appeal that decision.
Church leaders announced plans about a year ago to open a homeless shelter as part of efforts to expand community outreach services. There are currently no homeless shelters open in Ocean County, and residents in the area have consistently opposed opening one.
Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick had previously proposed using eminent domain to seize the church property and redevelop it into a park. The mayor’s plan is currently on hold, but church leaders have vowed to fight any seizure attempts if that proposal proceeds.
