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Residents press Ventnor City on abandoned boats, snow fence and boardwalk maintenance
Summary
Residents asked the board to act on boats anchored off a private shoreline and to address snow fence, dune stabilization and blocked drains near the new boardwalk. Officials said title searches are underway, grant funding is being pursued to avoid taxpayer costs, and the Army Corps-installed snow fence will be replaced or repaired where needed.
Multiple residents used the public-comment period on May 14 to press the board about nuisance boats anchored off shore, dune and snow-fence issues and maintenance of the recently completed boardwalk.
A resident raised concerns that boats anchored behind a private property were creating a eyesore and potential hazard. City staff and the mayor said they are pursuing title searches required to establish ownership before legal removal, and staff are seeking grant funding to cover removal costs so taxpayers would not be charged. Officials reported receiving a denial from an agency and that they had provided additional information in response; staff estimated removal costs of about $5,000 per boat.
Officials noted jurisdictional constraints: some waters fall under state authority and the city cannot remove vessels without clear title and legal authority. Staff said Captain Kos has been responding to agency requests and that the city will continue pursuing documentation and available grants.
During public comment, resident Howard Keats thanked the city for the new boardwalk but asked about a snow fence and when it would be replaced. Officials said the Army Corps of Engineers had installed the fence and that it serves to stabilize ocean-side dunes; the contractor’s price to replace or repair the fence during the boardwalk project was high, so the city will seek other funding or do the work with public-works crews. The board discussed spring cleanup schedules, clearing blocked drainage outlets and considering rip-rap at key points to reduce erosion.
The board invited residents to continue coordinating with staff while the city pursues titles, grant funding and targeted maintenance work.
