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Planning Commission denies temporary floating rental office at Boat Town Marina
Summary
The Harrison Township Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny a seasonal special land use permit for Boat Town Marina’s floating office after residents raised safety, conduct and compliance concerns; commissioners cited prior violations in voting to deny.
The Harrison Township Planning Commission voted 6-0 Dec. 18 to deny Case #32-25-SLU, a request for a temporary seasonal special land use to allow a floating office for boat rentals and an on-site portable restroom at Boat Town Marina, 30301 South River Road.
Planning Commission member Danielle Devlin moved to deny the request and Amanda Oparka seconded. Vice Chair Ken Mulder announced the roll call: Devlin, Oparka, Mark Bacha, Tim Duncan, Larry Tomenello and Mulder voted yes; none voted no; Carol Murray was excused. The motion cited Standards C and D and concluded the proposal would not be in keeping with safety, peace and the general welfare of Township residents.
Adam Young, Harrison Township planner, told the commission the site is an operating marina with 31 boat wells; historically the applicant used seven wells for rentals and set aside 21 parking spaces for that use. During the public hearing several nearby residents raised safety and conduct concerns about Boat Town Rentals, saying renters had displayed reckless operation on local waterways, some staff behavior had been vulgar or unprofessional, and one resident alleged the business illegally dumped concrete.
Residents who spoke included Sarah Puvalowski (30353 Manse), Amanda Anderson (30451 Manse), Kevin Housner (30429 Manse) and others, who described incidents they said reflected a negative impact on the neighborhood. Nancy Byers asked for clarification on the number of boat wells and parking spaces; Young confirmed the planner’s overview during the hearing.
The applicant, recorded in the hearing as Joe Selvaggio, addressed the comments and said the employee criticized during public comment “will not be there next summer.” Commissioners raised compliance concerns from prior years: Member Larry Tomenello noted a trailer remained on the property year-round contrary to the prior agreement, and that boats were not vacated by Memorial Day Weekend as previously required.
After deliberation the commission concluded the standards for approving the temporary special land use were not satisfied and voted to deny the application. The denial is effective as adopted by the roll-call vote. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026.
