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New Jersey mayor says town won't seize Episcopal church if public doesn't support plan

Mayor Dan Rodrick of Toms River, New Jersey, has delayed a council vote on his plan to seize an Episcopal church’s property and said he would end his effort to turn the church’s 11 acres into parkland if town officials confirm the public doesn’t support it.

The proposed ordinance that would allow the town to seize Christ Episcopal Church had been heading for a final vote July 30. Instead, the delay was welcomed by Episcopal leaders, who expressed relief while reaffirming that the church is not for sale.

The mayor made his latest move a day after a group of residents in the Jersey Shore town of 100,000 launched a petition drive to rescind the proposed land seizure ordinance, which was first approved on April 30. Such ordinances require a second vote before taking effect.