From NBC40

SOMERS POINT–Dozens of people came out in the rain this afternoon to protest for The Pearl. The popular Somers Point restaurant could soon shut it’s doors for good due to eminent domain.

“Save the Pearl! Save the Pearl!” Armed with signs, loyal customers of The Pearl Restaurant and Bar make a last ditch effort to try and save the Somers Point eatery from eminent domain. “It’s one of probably, the best places in Somers Point to hang out,” said Lauren Pasternak.

“It’s hard when this is your livelihood and you have to lose it,” said long-time customer Liz Phillippy, “and it’s out of your control.”

It’s a situation that’s become a reality for Pearl Lin, the owner and operator of the restaurant, which she’s poured her heart into over the past 27 years. “I do everything,” said Lin, “I do cleaning, I do waitressing, I do bar, I do the packaged goods, I do cooking, too. I do everything I can do, 16 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week, never stop.”

But, Lin may have no choice but to stop, thanks to the $400 million Somers Point-Ocean City causeway project, that has the NJ DOT wanting her land. “They put me on eminent domain and they offer me a very low price,” said Lin, “not even 1/3 of the market, so I’m really upset.”

Lin says she was offered $1.6 million for her property, which isn’t much more than what she and her husband say they purchased it for more than a quarter-of-a-century ago. Several other private properties have been taken over by the state for the project and Lin feels they state isn’t negotiating in good faith. “It’s not fair,” she said, “I’m very upset and I just think I want to keep it here. I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Lin said she was and is willing to cooperate and compromise, saying she’d even consider giving the state part of her one-acre property, but says despite her efforts, she will likely lose the battle to keep her restaurant, and could see it close by the end of the year. “I never, ever think this could happen,” said Lin.

That’s why her loyal customers and neighbors say they’re willing to fight to help keep The Pearl up and running.

A spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Transportation said the acquisition of the property is still in litigation and that they do not comment on matters in litigation. Several other businesses in Somers Point and Ocean City are also still negotiating sales with the state.