Hearing Postponed in Margate, NJ Proposed Oceanfront Dunes Dispute
By Mike Dougherty
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- The City of Margate, NJ, is continuing its legal battle against the State of New Jersey and the US Army Corps of Engineers, trying to block construction of a proposed dune system.
The only thing both sides seem to agree on right now is that more time is needed to settle the dispute.
New Jersey deputy attorney general David Apy argues that Margate is holding up the entire dune project, leaving neighboring towns, particularly Longport, vulnerable to future catastrophes.
The state wants this resolved as soon as possible.
Attorneys representing Margate are demanding the state go though the eminent domain process to claim land, rather than by issuing an executive order. City officials also want to see a new proposal for the dune system because they think the current plan is unreasonable.
A temporary injunction blocking construction remains in place until at least next week. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 17th, in US District Court in Camden.