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Neighbors ask Ventnor to revoke revocable license at Derby Avenue and create small pocket park
Summary
Residents asked commissioners to revoke a 2005 revocable license that grants private use of a strip at Derby Avenue, said pilings were driven without permits, and proposed converting the spot into a pocket park; commissioners pledged to investigate and report back.
Several residents urged the commission during public comment to revoke a revocable license that covers a small strip at the Derby Avenue bulkhead and to convert the land into a pocket park.
Jerry Claus, a resident and business owner who lives at 11 North Derby Avenue, told the commission the revocable license—granted in 2005 to prior owners—has persisted through several property sales and that a contractor has since driven roughly 42 pilings on the strip without permits. He asked the city to revoke the license and to require removal or remediation of the pilings so the public can use the area as a small park.
"We would like you to consider revoking the license and making it a small pocket park," Jerry Claus said during the meeting. Neighbors, including Barbara Hughes Sullivan, described the site as an underused public entry point to town and highlighted the historic character of nearby homes.
Commissioners acknowledged the concern and asked staff and the city engineer to review records and permitting. Commissioner Langra said he would consult with the construction office and the engineer (Dino) and report back, noting that the revocable license document places responsibility for removal of structures on the license holder.
What happens next: staff committed to check city records for permits and the revocable license details, speak with the engineering and construction staff and get back to the neighborhood with findings and next steps. The commission did not take immediate action on the request at the meeting.
Provenance: public comments, including Jerry Claus’ request, were recorded in the workshop public-comment period (open at SEG 864) and the Derby Avenue remarks appear across segments beginning at SEG 1729.
