Storm Over Eminent Domain Brews in New Jersey
“WSJ’s Josh Dawsey takes a look at how many New Jersey Shore towns battered by superstorm Sandy are moving to seize private land to accommodate a network of protective coastal dunes. They’re using their powers of eminent domain in a way officials say they never have before.
The state needed about 2,000 property owners to sign easements for the dunes to be constructed, but close to 800 have refused. So now, town officials are signaling that they’re prepared to seize land, sending out letters to owners and dispatching appraisers. The move is supported by the Christie administration but has raised the hackles of some of the coastal residents. “I can’t get past the point the government wants to take my property,” said Arlene “Barrie” Callahan, who owns a Cape Cod-style home in Long Beach Township.”
Gershman, Jacob. Wall Street Journal Law Blog 26 December 2013.