Fire Islanders face long odds in battling buyouts, say legal experts
“Some Fire Islanders are gearing up to try to stop dozens of home buyouts intended to clear the way for new storm-shielding dunes, but the odds are stacked against them in a legal fight, experts say.
The government’s ability to condemn property needed for public works projects is one of its most powerful tools, they say.
“Think of it as the government having an option on every property out there that stands in the way of a public project,” said Los Angeles attorney Edward G. Burg, who specializes in eminent domain cases.”
Gralla, Joan. News Day 26 May 2014.