Toms River officials have abandoned a plan to seize a property belonging to a local church , ending a months-long battle that drew widespread opposition.

Mayor Daniel Rodrick said Wednesday that his administration will no longer pursue acquiring Christ Episcopal Church’s nearly 11-acre Washington Street site after a township poll showed most residents opposed the move.

“I ran for office because I wanted to represent the people of Toms River and what they wanted,” Rodrick told the Asbury Park Press . “Given the majority of the public do not support the acquisition, we will not be moving forward.”

Rodrick said his poll found 63% of respondents opposed acquiring the church, while 37% supported it.

At its Aug. 27 meeting, the township council voted unanimously against pursuing the purc

See Full Page