Several months ago the Christ Church team was quick to tell us they will build there dream here in Rockaway Twp. and that thousands will come. The video (available on VORT website) says they have 5 thousand members and hope to grow to many thousands more.
In testimony Mr. Ireland explained to us that all the items on the plans were needed to practice their religion, thereby it is protected by RLUIPA. Now he is talking about scaling back the plan to use the exsisting structure. I simply do not understand, if Christ Church needed all of the items on the original set of plans to practice their religion, how could you now scale it back so far as to only need the (currently 880) exsisting parking and exsisting building. It appears to me that is not consistant with the original testimony by Mr. Ireland.
I am interested in your opinions on this matter. So what do you think? Was the testimony truthful or not?
Lisa
__________________
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.
I have felt all along that CC picked RT for a reason. What it is, I don't know. Maybe to get a foothold in Rockaway or Morris County. The issue about Mt. Laurel comes to mind also that was posted on this board.
Why they would scale back and spend all this money for 140 Green Pond seems like a bad business venture and we know Ireland doesn't seem to make bad business ventures. Even if they didn't scale back, they can only use 1/2 the land. I'm sure they could have made a better deal elsewhere, more land for less money (and we're not even talking about renovations). Something is on the back burner.
You have a point. I agree there is something more than what we see, but who knows what it is??
The position Ireland took and the fact that the PR firm had "no comment" is suggestive that a major shift is in the works. I think the troops are regrouping. I sincerely hope they do not attempt to go back to the 'dirty tricks" approach by calling us names again, that has still got to be the lowest point this has taken thus far.
Only time will tell and one can only hope that they will see the error of their ways and look for a new location, and keep the needs and environment of the community in mind next time.
Lisa
__________________
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.
See my earlier comments about "Phase 3" of Irelands dream. I got that directly from the Mayor subsequent to a meeting that he had with Ireland and Shundler. His plans are much bigger than advertised.
