That loss of value has resulted in skyrocketing property taxes to make up the difference so municipal services can continue to be funded. MORE: Tax increase enrages Little Egg Harbor residentsīetween 20, the value of the average assessed home in Little Egg Harbor fell from $263,000 to $193,000. The natural disaster, along with the “Great Recession” and the collapse of the real estate bubble in 2008, resulted in a decline of the township's real estate value, from $2.9 billion in 2010 to $2.2 billion in 2015. MORE: Little Egg Harbor in financial crisis

The belief is that commercial investment in Ocean County's southernmost municipality will stabilize the local economy, which has been plunged into crisis since superstorm Sandy devastated its tax base four years ago. Since ground was broken in June 2015, Little Egg Harbor officials have expressed hope that Walmart will herald the start of a new era in commercial development in town.

Much civic faith has been placed in this big-box store.

Walmart egg harbor township