Homeowners get reprieve in (NJ) eminent domain case

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A N.J. court ordered a new hearing for beachfront homeowners whose properties were condemned.

Posted on Fri, Aug. 8, 2008
By David Porter

Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. - Beachfront homeowners whose Long Branch properties were condemned as part of a redevelopment project will get another chance to try and save their homes.

Yesterday, an appeals court ordered a new hearing for the New Jersey homeowners, allowing them to challenge the city's assertion that their properties are blighted.

The ruling was a setback for Long Branch, which adopted a plan to redevelop its beachfront in 1996. As part of the plan, the city sought to condemn 24 properties that sit on the northern tip of the redevelopment area.

The properties were condemned using eminent domain, which involves a government taking land needed for a public purpose after paying fair compensation for it.