NJ Supreme Court rejects Rockaway Twp. appeal of Christ Church exemption By ROB JENNINGS STAFF WRITER December 16, 2010
ROCKAWAY TWP. The New Jersey Supreme Court has declined to hear Rockaway Township's appeal of Christ Church's exemption from the state Highlands Law.
The state top court's decision on Dec. 10, which was made public on Wednesday, seemingly would clear the way for Christ Church to begin construction on its long-sought mega-church complex off Green Pond Road.
In July, the state Appellate Division upheld the church's exemption from the 2004 Highlands Law, which places additional restrictions on development in a preservation zone that includes the 107-acre church site.
Church pastor David Ireland said Wednesday that the start of construction is at least three years away. Since June 2009, Christ Church has been holding two Sunday services in a temporary, 1,067-seat sanctuary attended by an average of 500 per service.
Ireland, reacting to the late legal development, said he was "surprised that Rockaway has spent the citizens' money to fight the legal battle that they had no solid legal footing on," adding, "We have won every particular point that Rockaway has raised."
Ireland founded Christ Church in 1986 in Montclair with a handful of families and has overseen its rise to a congregation of more than 6,000.
A phone call to Mayor Louis Sceusi was not immediately returned.
The top court decision was the latest in a contentious saga that began in 2003 when the mega-church announced plans to build a 2,512-seat sanctuary, private K-5 school and other facilities.
In 2007, the Rockaway Township Planning Board granted approval following more than three years and nearly three dozen public hearings. During the hearing process, residents raised objections on issues ranging from traffic and environmental impact to the loss of a business tax ratable.
The church originally planned to sell its 900-seat cathedral in Montclair before deciding to keep it and hold services in two locations. Rob Jennings: (973) 428-6667; robjennings@gannett.com
I am beginning to think that we should enourage this jerk to build the biggest and most expensive monstrosity imaginable. Make it twice the size of the Vatican and thus a place truly deserving of St. Liarland.
That way, he is guaranteed to destroy himself financially, which would be the perfect outcome. Everyone in RT should "sign - up" and tell him that we want to be sheeple in his flock and that there is a huge market for his brand of nonsense in this township.
WOW I had no idea this board was still up and running. Let me give ya the back story on the latest action. The question that was asked to be addressed by the supreme court was back to the original question "what is the definition of footprint" and the supreme court actually did not find 'against' Rockaway and not really in favor of Christ Church... they refused to hear it because it is a failing of the NJDEP to define the term and it is not in there purview to define land use terms. Thus by defalt Christ Church gets the exemption from the Highlands act... However the crowds and throngs of people attending services.. (ohhh about 150 per week) should be able to maintain that folly.... As they can see the people of Rockaway could care less about them, do not support them, and are simply looking forward to a for sale sign hanging out front.
Did anyone else laugh when he now says it will be 3 years until they start building... and gee how many years ago did they say they would be in by Christmas.. I think that was 2003 or 2004 .
Seriously Craig you are still using that silly screen name to sign off with...LOL how is that nephew of yours? LOL
Chuck... what happen to he house sale - thought you guys were out of here?
Best to all, Lisa
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The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
Hi Lisa. Thanks for the update. Anything else in the works for RT vs. CC? It has to be costing them a fortune for upkeep. I agree about the throngs attending the services. Looks like the only flock is the few from Canada milling around the front lawn.
Anyway, no, we are stuck here for the forseeable future with the market such as it is. C.
