Long Branch to Protect Owners from Eminent Domain

     Following a settlement agreement that permitted homeowners in the MTOTSA section of Long Branch to remain in their homes (read about it here), the Long Branch City Council is expected to revise the area’s zoning laws to grandfather the use of the remaining homes under the previous code while requiring new construction to follow the redevelopment plan’s guidelines.  An additional resolution prohibiting the use of eminent domain in the Beachfront South area will be introduced January 12, 2010, when the zoning ordinance is expected to be adopted, but the Council members are at odds about whether to limit eminent domain or to prohibit its use altogether.

     The City will also now permit property owners in the “Beachfront South” redevelopment area to act as redevelopers on their own lots, or to assemble properties with two or three neighbors for larger projects.

      The recent City of Long Branch ordinance and potential redevelopment was the subject of an article by Carol Gorga Williams of Asbury Park Press which is available here.