Debate continues on proposed homeless shelter at Toms River church
The lengthy meeting featured a jam-packed meeting room and comments from residents, members of the homeless community, churchgoers and attorneys.
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After more than three hours of public comment on Thursday, the Toms River Zoning Board still has not voted on the future of a proposed homeless shelter that was first pitched in October.
The lengthy meeting featured a jam-packed meeting room and comments from residents, members of the homeless community, churchgoers and attorneys.
Christ Episcopal Church on Washington Street wants to host Ocean County’s first homeless shelter. This shelter would have 17 beds. It would be a 949-square-foot addition to their property.
The town is not zoned to allow a homeless shelter; the church needs a variance from the zoning board.
Each speaker on Thursday night generated loud applause. The room was almost evenly split between support and opposition.
Recently, the Town Council introduced an ordinance to seize the church by eminent domain if necessary to build a recreation space. Members of the council got into a shouting match that night, with some suggesting this was political retribution related to the church’s hopes to build the shelter. That vote won’t happen until July. The church insists it is not for sale.
Seven months after the project was proposed, it’s still unclear if the church will even be able to open the shelter.
On Thursday night, public opinion remained split. Other suggestions included using ARPA money for a larger, more impactful shelter.
Another part of the conversation in Toms River involves the JBJ Soul Kitchen pop-up restaurant inside the library. Mayor Dan Rodrick has said the homeless population coming there is creating a hazard.
The restaurant, which offers pay-it-forward meals with approval from county government, has announced it will extend its operation into June.
The next zoning board meeting is set for June 12.
