Seaside Park reviews options for removing abandoned boats; one vessel may qualify for Stockton grant reimbursement

Seaside Park officials used the Aug. 7 work session to review two abandoned‑vessel cases and options for removal and cost recovery. The chair turned the item over to a staff speaker identified as Steve, who summarized the Abandoned Vessel Act and explained municipal options when the state marine police will not physically remove craft.

Steve explained that New Jersey Marine Police typically issue summonses but do not perform physical removal; municipalities can either pay for removal to a storage facility and then pursue the owner for costs, or follow the statutory process to obtain title through the state abandoned‑vessel program after providing notice to a registered owner. “Basically, it’s either we pay to have it removed to a storage facility … or obtain a title by sending out notice to the registered owner,” Steve said, describing the statutory steps and next actions the municipality can take.

Council members reported that one of the problem vessels is progressing toward resolution through a deed/consent order after coordinated work by the attorney, the municipal administrator and the police. For a second vessel the town needs further assistance from New Jersey Marine Police to determine the registered owner.

Officials also described a grant opportunity they discussed with a Stockton University administrator that was referenced in the meeting as a "Noah" grant. According to discussion in the meeting, the Stockton grant administrator indicated the town could be reimbursed for removal costs if a vessel qualifies within the program’s approved zone; the speaker characterized the eligible Farragate Avenue vessel as likely to be fully reimbursable. The boat off Brighton does not fall within that approved zone and may require more time to resolve.

During public comment, Alan Moley asked whether taxpayers would bear removal costs and whether the town could place a lien on an owner’s property to recoup expenses. The council’s response explained that the statutory remedy is to pursue owners for removal costs through civil actions rather than an immediate property lien, and recommended locating a registered owner, providing statutory notice, and then pursuing cost recovery if the owner fails to act.

Council instructed staff to follow up with state marine police and grant administrators to clarify owner identification and reimbursement eligibility. No formal action to fund removal was taken at the work session; council members thanked staff and legal counsel for progress on the vessel already moving toward resolution.

The matter will continue to be pursued administratively and may be placed on a future agenda for further steps as title or reimbursement details are confirmed.