Christie Won’t Rule Out Use of Eminent Domain in Dune Fight

“Gov. Chris Christie won’t rule out use of eminent domain but hopes to use “gentle persuasion” instead with NJ’s beachfront homeowners who are hampering the state’s dune replenishment plan for vulnerable shorelines.

“I am not going to permit people’s desire to have a better view of the Atlantic Ocean imperil entire municipalities in this state again,” Christie said on Townsquare Media’s Ask the Governor program.

A May 1st deadline looms for towns to submit easements for a federal dune replenishment program created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect the shore’s most vulnerable areas.

Several homeowners have refused to grant the easements, citing concerns over property use and government intrusion upon their property rights.”

read the entire article

NJ101.5 Newsroom 25 March 2013.