Residents urge month-long veterans recognition and press city on sunken boats in back bay

During the public-comment period at the Jan. 22 Ventnor City Commission meeting, resident Ed Dixon asked the commission to consider dedicating the entire month of August to honor military veterans, citing multiple service-related observances in August and reporting outreach to VFW and American Legion organizations.

Later in the public-comment period, Mary Samberg of 219 North Wissahickon Avenue asked about an unresolved complaint she raised previously regarding boats anchored in the back bay that have since sunk and become an eyesore. Samberg said she had contacted staff and representatives in Washington and that she was frustrated by the elapsed time. City officials and staff described active steps: the police department and attorneys are conducting title searches with the State Motor Vehicle Commission, the state marine police have been consulted, and the city is following a statutory process that requires time and documentation before title can transfer and removal can occur. Officials cautioned the boats were not in navigable water, which limited maritime-agency options, and said litigation risk made staff pursue the title route rather than an immediate removal funded by taxpayers.

Mayor and staff responses emphasized they were pursuing the required legal steps and that the process is lengthy. Staff said they had obtained quotes from private contractors and that the city would not act without establishing legal title to avoid potential litigation. Samberg said the condition had worsened and asked for a timeline; staff replied they were in the title-search stage and could not give a precise completion date.

What’s next: staff said they will continue coordination with state marine police and pursue title research so the city can remove and dispose of abandoned vessels once legal conditions are met.