More on Erosion and Takings

A New York Times article, A Stake in the Sand, provides more information on a subject I wrote about back in December. Given all the flooding issues I have been reading about lately, I find some of the landowner arguments humorous. On the one hand we have the state taking steps to protect private property owners from the destructive forces of the sea. In doing this, the state is establishing a stake in the newly created beach area (formerly submerged) for the public. The private property owners, who were at risk of losing their homes without the government intervention are arguing that they should be the sole people able to enjoy the benefits of this public investment, adding to their private land holdings, and ultimately their financial value.

I find the humor in this, in that the recent flooding in the northeast has pointed out just how much we tempt fate with our land development. We build in flood plains along our rivers. We build on top of coastal dunes. When it is suggested that these areas are unsafe, and that these areas require additional flood insurance we scream and shout about the expense. But when we are flooded, or washed away, we turn around and ask the government to cover our rebuilding expenses, and to protect us from the ocean or rivers.

The great-great-grandson of the founder of Destin said it right:

“people didn’t build over there, because only a fool would live over there....”