Fighting Eminent Domain Abuse in Long Branch, NJ

June 2006

Fighting Eminent Domain Abuse in Long Branch, NJ

On March 24, 2006, the Institute for Justice held a rally at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, N.J., to protest the abuse of eminent domain in nearby Long Branch. The City of Long Branch is trying to use eminent domain to turn a beautiful beachfront neighborhood of working-class families and retirees over to private developers so they can build luxury condos for the wealthy. IJ Senior Attorney Scott Bullock (pictured) told the crowd that if this outrage is permitted, then no one’s home is safe anywhere in New Jersey. The homeowners, including 93 year-old Al Viviano (in the wheelchair) and 80 year-old Anna DeFaria (holding the “Hands Off My Home” sign), were in court asking the judge to give them a chance to defend their homes and vindicate their constitutional property rights. IJ will do whatever it can to support the homeowners and assist their attorneys in their fight against the City and its pals in the development industry.