Not at all unique situation, unfortunately.
And this guy has it good compared to some stories I have heard of in Mexico.
For example, when they made the Huatulco area, they displaced an entire town full of people (town's name is Santa Maria Huatulco) away from the prime beachfront area, further inland. I don't know if they were given money or not.
But a tour guide did say, when he told us this story, and people looked horrified, that it was a good thing for the people, because now many work in the restuarants and hotels and their standard of living has improved a lot.
So I don't know, it's good and bad I guess. As long as they are paid fairly and not forced or bullied, it's maybe okay.
I think what is worse than stories like this, is the fact that property prices have risen so much in areas like the Mayan Riviera and around any other resort area, because of foreign buyers, that the locals cannot afford housing anymore and have to live with their parents longer, or more people to a house, or even move away entirely to somewhere cheaper.
But that is also not unique to Mexico...just ask my 28 year old co-worker who still lives at home because he can't afford a mortgage yet because house prices here have skyrocketed lately!