Mr. Maier has proposed again that RT take the CC property by eminent domain. One problem (there are many) with Craig's plan is that in order to take the land, the township would have to prove that the increased tax revenue is assured. But since there is no developer or company waiting to purchase the property, no such assurance exists. Thus, this option would fail on that reason alone.
But more importantly, with Maier's reasoning, any municipality in the country could simply take over every house of worship within it's borders. This, of course, would run a collision course straight into the Freedom of Religion clause. Unless the country was ready to allow religion to be outlawed entirely, Freedom of Religion would prevail. And given the current make-up of the Supreme Court, there is no question as to the outcome.
And of course, no one can site an example where a house of worship has been taken by Eminent Domain, because it happened. And it won't. So somebody better trigger Craig's alarm clock and rouse him, because he's dreaming again.
Of course, as they are wrong about just about everything else, even this simple fact is wrong:
Cottonwood Christian Center in Los Alamitos, Calif., discovered in 2000, when local governments want more revenue, churches are fair game. Cottonwood spent several years fighting the city’s attempt to take church land (purchased to build a larger place of worship) and sell it to Costco Corp. for a big store. After much litigation, the case was finally settled last year when the church agreed to build on another piece of property in the same area.
St. Luke’s Pentecostal Church in North Hempstead, N.Y., didn’t fare as well. After years of worshiping in a rented basement, the congregation was finally able to buy a piece of property where it could build a church. Through a series of convoluted actions, the city managed to condemn the property for private retail development. The church battled back in court only to lose its case — and its land — in 2002.
Sorry Russthew - I'd love to debate with you, but since you banned me for reposting what your OWN SUPPORTERS say ad infinitem, I can't. Next time, try 30 seconds of research before posting your "facts"...St. Luke’s Pentecostal Church in North Hempstead, N.Y., had their land condemned and taken away from them for private retail development. Personally, I do NOT agree with the use of eminent domain to take over private property (too much government for my taste) just as I find RLUIPA way too restrictive (giving houses of worship power that others are denied).
-- Edited by Jay R at 19:36, 2005-12-16
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"Personally, I do NOT agree with the use of eminent domain to take over private property"
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Personally, I also do NOT agree with the use of eminent domain to take over private property. But my opinion is irrelevent on the creation of law in this country. As an engineer and a very practical man, and given the recent SC decision on this issue, I am willing to advocate that the law be used to protect our township and its tax base; lets take lemons and make lemonade, to use a cliche'. It solves a myriad of problems for all of us. Also, I personally know someone who wanted to purchase that property for upscale residential development; a gated community is what he had in mind. However, when he attempted to bid on it, the real estate agent would not even entertain his offer even after ire-lands contract ran out. I am certain that he is still interested in the property. I will provide the name if and when the time comes when the township is ready to do the right thing for the citizens of RT.
And, of course, what kind of response did you expect from those idiots at that Rockaway hate board? They should learn how to use Google.
From today's editorial Craig F is from North Carolina - cc can't even get LOCAL supporters on their LOCAL forums...and Matthew doesn't know how to spell "warranted". Perhaps Matthew has been reading too many posts from his supporters at nj.com....Maybe he should read a dictionary and then pass it on to his friend(s) at nj.com
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In the past 2 plus years the ONLY person I have heard say "the hood is coming to Rockaway Twp" is non other then Russ Jones. If CC has so much support in Rockaway Twp why are letters of support coming from Morris Plains and North Carolina. Those who live in Morris Plains and North Carolina do not live here, will not sit in the traffic, will not pay more in taxes to support them, will not have to drink from town wells that within a few hundred feet of land CC intends on disrupting (with 19 open DEP cases on it), will not see the loss of nesting trees for endangered animals, will not see the water table disrupted when CC attempts to build an under ground parking garage in wetlands however they may be lucky enough to drink the water that flows through this site and be comes contaminated thanks to increased intensity of use, contaminated storm water run off and all those opened DEP sites with God knows what flowing into the water that provides drinking water for millions of NJ residents and business.
I cannot help but wonder if this Craig F person is an actual person or just one more name Ted Doty is using to attempt to make a point. I thought it was odd that he quoted a statement made to Ted about 1 1/2 years ago to prove that armed uniformed officers are need NOW to protect CC. Sounds rather thin to me.
I would like to point out one item that was left out of our letter due to lack of space. As of Friday Christ Church had not filed a complaint with officials to investigate these "threats". Sounds strange to me that someone would not inform the authorities in the event a threat has been made. As readers of this board know I had to notify authorities when someone became a bit too angry, threatening and harassing.
Have a great weekend everyone! 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.
What crapulance! Stop plaiying games, Lisa and company and get real. Offer this township with a real alternative to the problem at hand. You have not done so and thus we (my wife and I) are getting out of here asap. But, what are you doing for the rest of the township but promotiing your name? I think that you are just another bunch of politicians.
Makes no mattter ultimatly to us - - - we are RT gonners asap. We will have decided to take the loss. But for the rest of you folks, - - - - guess what? Ya are gonna have to deal with the same problem that we are presently dealing with. And what is that problem?? Yeah, ya got it. Your biggest asset is at peril.
It is a real bitching time to sell a property in RT for some crazy odd reason!
Get practical.
ED is the solution. Grow some balls all you girly men RT politicians.
#u%k him and the Horse that he (ire-land and his toy church) rode in on.
Rat
ps
David Ireland is his "Stage Name" I have always wondered what his real name is. What about you? Do you wonder too?? Every clown needs a Stage Name.
pss. Let me know when you want to do the Eminent Domain thing. I was chatting with my developer buddy and he is still interestedd in creating a "gated upscale" community there. Problem is that he was precluded from bidding on that property when ire-lands contract ran out.
