American Dream

TOPSAIL, NC - Topsail Beach is invoking its power of eminent domain to avoid a long court battle over land for a public boat ramp.“This will allow us to take possession of the boat ramp in about 30 days, and we’ll be able to open it to the public for the summer season,” the Mayor said gleefully. The property owner’s attorney, Kieran Shanahan, calls the move heavy handed and asserted that the town had always intended to take his client's property.“It’s the ultimate trump card for the government. It was Topsail who was unable to close the deal because they didn’t have the money,” he said. “My client has legitimate offers from third parties who are willing to pay twice what Topsail Beach is... it’s just unfortunate that they think they have to club him with eminent domain because they couldn’t close.” Town officials say they did not, in fact, have financing arrangements – $345,000 from the Coastal Resources Commission.