An appeals court ruled this week that a couple in Harvey Cedars should be awarded $375,000 after losing their private property in an eminent domain acquisition.

Some are calling it a major setback for beach projects up and down the Jersey Shore.

The couple had refused to give up private land for the borough to build a dune for protection. The borough used eminent domain to take their property and complete the project. The couple argued their view of the ocean was ruined. Some worry more property owners will refuse to sign easements, in hopes of similar settlements. The mayor of Long Beach Township says that if everybody who hasn't signed the easement in his community gets paid out, it could double the cost of their beach project. He's looking into moving several eminent domain cases in his township from the New Jersey Superior Court to federal court.