SOMERS POINT--It's been a fixture on the Somers Point circle for nearly three decades, and now the Pearl restaurant and bar, is officially closed. It was an emotional day for the owners, who were not ready or willing to part with the business they've put their heart and soul into.

As Pearl Lin takes the final tour of her restaurant, it looks nothing like the place she's owned and operated for 27 years. "Look at my restaurant," she said walking around the torn apart kitchen in tears, "it's going to be like this...like this?"

The business was a labor of love for Lin and her husband who did everything there, and now have no choice but to hand the keys over to the state. "And I get nothing," said Lin in tears, "here almost 30 years and I don't have nothing."

"It's like I lose a child," said Steve Lin. Their restaurant and the land it sits on has been taken by the NJ Department of Transportation through eminent domain as part of the Route 52 causeway project. "They don't have consideration...this is not necessary," he said, "never come to talk to us, never. Never sit down, listen to our opinion."

The Lins say they were offered $1.6 million for the property, which isn't much more than what they bought it for nearly three decades ago, so it can be turned into a parking lot for the Somers Mansion. They say so far, they have not received any money. "Nothing," said Lin, "not a dime, not even a penny. Not even at this moment, not a penny and now they want a key."

"It's a shame, it shouldn't happen. Eminent Domain is not fair," said John Ruban, a loyal patron, "you're taking away a great establishment that patrons have enjoyed for a very long time for a parking lot, that's a real shame."

The owners say there were willing to entertain the idea of relocating, but say after the stress of all this and the fact that they have not received any money yet, that it's likely not going to happen. "I'm almost 70, I count on this," said Steve Lin, "I have nothing left...no hope, no chance."

And while the couple knew today was coming, it was still just too much for Peal Lin to handle, leaving the business that bears her name. "I don't wanna go," she screamed as she walked out the door, "it's mine..it's mine! This is my place."

And while it may have been seized by the state, in the hearts of the Lins, it will always be theirs.

A spokes person for the NJDOT issued this statement, "It is sometimes necessary for the New Jersey Department of Transportation to acquire private property for major transportation improvements. When it becomes necessary to acquire a property for transportation purpose or for any other public use, various activities are undertaken to ensure that the property owner’s rights are preserved in recognition of the enormous impact of the use of Eminent Domain. NJDOT has operated according to the procedures set forth by state law in acquiring properties deemed necessary for this $251 million Route 52 Causeway replacement contract."