Dunes vs. property rights in storm-battered NJ

HARVEY CEDARS, N.J. (AP) — Despite the devastation that Superstorm Sandy brought to the Jersey shore, not everyone wants the government to build sand dunes to protect their homes.

Shore towns can’t move forward with beach replenishment and dune projects until all the oceanfront property owners sign easements, giving government the right to access their land to do the protective work.

Though fewer in number after the storm, some holdouts fear the loss of precious ocean views, while others fear the easements could pave the way for boardwalks or amusement rides near their homes.

Gov. Chris Christie wants homeowners and towns to agree soon on how to do the work, or else he says the state might step in and force them to do it.