Landowners Fight Protective Dunes
“Many of the homeowners who are holding out have two main issues: They want financial compensation, and they don’t want to lose their ocean views. The dunes could be 18 feet tall or higher. Some fear signing the easements invites commercial development, though the state says that won’t happen.
“I can’t get past the point the government wants to take my property. You can’t take people’s property without compensation,” said Arlene “Barrie” Callahan, who owns a Cape Cod-style home in Long Beach Township. “If they’re taking half the yard maybe they should pay half the taxes? That would at least be something.”
Many New Jersey towns have suggested that homeowners who haven’t agreed to give up their land could get less than $1,000 in exchange, but officials say homeowners are in effect also being compensated with the protection provided by the new dune structures. The state points to towns such as Harvey Cedars that made out far better than some other communities during superstorm Sandy because they had dunes.
Under eminent domain, the government can take private property for public use, as long as it provides compensation. Generally, the Jersey towns are seeking to take just strips of land from parcels, enough to make room for dunes.”
Dawsey, Josh. Wall Street journal 25 December 2013.