So he paid 32.5m in 2008. What's it worth today? 40, 50? Eminent domain is for the public's good. How many people used the beach before he blocked it off?
It's hard to believe that he couldn't find a "normal" piece of property that wouldn't have require him to deal with the public in this way and look like a jerk in the process.
Martins Beach gate closure seems to draw little sympathy in court http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Martins-Beach-gate-closure-seems-to-draw-little-11223700.php