Eminent Domain Riling New Jersey Residents Impacted By Sandy

In the aftermath of 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey towns battered by the storm are moving to seize private land, using eminent domain, to construct protective coastal dunes. The state sought about 2,000 property owners to sign easements allowing the coastal dunes, but about 800 have refused. Now officials indicate they are prepared to seize the land, with homeowners who don’t agree  to give up their land receiving less than $1,000 in exchange. Property owners may turn to the courts.