MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Before 5,000-member Christ Church moves to Rockaway, leaders plan to win over residents there.

According to the Montclair Times, the church plans to create a large complex on 107 acres it purchased in Rockaway.

Some residents, fearing increased traffic and other nuisances, formed "Voices of Rockaway Township" in protest of the non-denominational church moving there. The group hired an attorney to review site plans and traffic studies, the newspaper reported.

"We think the size, scope and magnitude of their proposal is not good for Rockaway," said Lisa Salberg, an organizer of the citizens' group.

In response, Christ Church distributed 7,000 "Learn the Facts, Dispel the Myths" brochures among Rockaway residents that counter a list of negative allegations purported in the media and at public meetings.

Among them are traffic issues and the notion the tax-exempt entity would offer no economic benefit to the town. It also counters claims that the church intends to build housing on the property for senior citizens, drug addicts and ex-convicts.

The Rev. David Ireland said residents should hear the truth about the church's plans. For instance, he said, a study found that church members and employees spend more than $5 million annually at local businesses.

"We have a responsibility to be very factual," Ireland told the newspaper.

The church paid $14.2 million dollars for the property. It plans to build a 4,000-seat sanctuary and a 160,000-square-foot Education and Family Life building. The sanctuary would accommodate two services. The education building would house a food court, gymnasium, computer learning center, performing arts space, a museum of Christianity, a 1,000-person banquet hall, bookstore and elementary school.

The church's proposal meets Rockaway Township zoning requirements, but the Rockaway Planning Board must grant the church a conditional use variance, the newspaper reported. An initial hearing of the plans is set for Dec. 15.