Major shore beach owner sues New Jersey, feds, town over protective dune project

A major Jersey shore beach owner is suing the state, the federal government and the borough of Point Pleasant Beach over a project to establish protective sand dunes along the state's shoreline.

Jenkinson's Pavilion, one of the state's largest and most popular beaches, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in federal court claiming the project would legally transform its privately owned beach into a public one.

The lawsuit seeks clarifications on just what the government can do in its efforts to carry out the project along the state's 127-mile coastline.

Numerous oceanfront property owners have objected to a requirement that they sign easements for a portion of their beaches to allow the work.

Gov. Chris Christie has vowed the state will use eminent domain to seize the land if they don't sign.