For past many months, the Christie Administration has been saying that it will take legal actions against shore homeowners if they do not allow easements for formation of a statewide network of dunes, which are considered vital to keep the coast safe from future storms.

Finally, the administration has taken action. It has filed eminent domain filings, one in Ocean County Superior Court and the second one in Cape May County.

The legal action shows the state is quite serious to have an access to the easements, so that the US Army Corps can complete beach replenishment projects. Bob Martin, state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, was of the view that many owners of beachfront properties have come forth to help them.

“Unfortunately, a few holdouts continue to refuse to provide easements, forcing us to seek condemnation of portions of their properties so we can move forward with projects that will protect lives and property”, affirmed Martin.

After Superstorm Sandy damaged coastal areas in 2012, Governor Chris Christie passed Executive Order no. 140 in September 2013. As per it, Attorney General’s Office and the DEP were asked to take needed steps to get grant of property easements.

The state has got access of around 90% of the 4,279 easements. It still 388 easements are required and majority of them are in northern Ocean County, which was one of the hardest hit areas by Sandy.