In Long Branch NJ, a prominent eminent domain situation has taken many headlines. When I went there on June 23 to record a rally and march, it took my heart: Regular folks have small houses by the shore, a piece of paradise that masses of Americans work their whole lives to acquire. Immediately to the south of this humble neighborhood, huge condo buildings rise from the sand at half a million dollars a unit. I felt as if I were walking in some nightmare as I observed the harsh contrast between these adjacent areas, knowing that the developers of the condos are seeking to raze the humble houses and extend the titanic block of luxury.

Spokespeople for the residents of the houses said in promoting the rally, "Come march with us! It's the one-year anniversary of the Kelo Supreme Court decision. It has been a year and eminent domain abuse issues are still at the forefront. ... We are making strides in the right direction, but we will not stop until every home is safe from greedy developers and municipalities!"

As I walked up to the rally location on Ocean Terrace, one of the first things I noticed was a sign, "Fight bogus blight!" Bogus indeed.

Words that applied to the rally and march also apply to your listening to this show: "Walk with us in unity for protection of property rights throughout NJ and across the country!"

Relevant Links:
Marine Terrace Ocean Terrace Seaview Avenue Alliance
New Jersey Eminent Domain Law Blog
Castle Coalition