Victory: Judge Sides With Piano Man Against Government Land Grab

In a ruling that may bring an end to the years-long battle to save Charlie Birnbaum’s longtime family home from condemnation, Judge Julio Mendez today ruled that the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’s attempt to take Birnbaum’s property was “a manifest abuse of the eminent domain power” and dismissed the state’s condemnation action once and for all. Charlie Birnbaum was elated by the ruling: “We have the rest of our lives to let it sink in. It’s like watching a miracle unfold. I’ve realized that this is not just my victory. I can share this with anyone who is facing unjustified government action. If Charlie Birnbaum can win against the state of New Jersey, then there’s hope for anybody. It’s a legacy I can pass down to my children.”