Residents say Somers Point boat-ramp permit system is unenforced and confusing; council asked to act
Summary
Resident Bill Collins told council the seasonal boat-ramp permit program is not being enforced, citing multiple observations of trailers without permits, restricted hours for buying stickers and unclear signage; he urged the city to improve enforcement and information to capture season revenue.
A Somers Point resident told council that the city’s boat-ramp permit and enforcement system is not functioning as intended, leaving revenue unrealized and users confused.
Bill Collins detailed multiple visits to the ramp over recent weeks and provided counts of trailers he observed without visible permits. He said on specific dates he saw 7 trailers with only one permanent sticker; on another date he counted nine trailers with no permits; and on June 12 he reported 16 trailers on the lot with none displaying daily or seasonal passes. Collins said the city’s online information does not clearly advertise a daily $10 pass and that permit purchases are limited to weekday hours, which he described as a barrier for many users.
Collins also said the gates were removed at times and that signage is small and not prominently placed. He urged the council to address enforcement and to update the website and on-site signage so day-users understand fees and purchase options. A council member noted that summonses could be issued and mailed to vehicle owners; at least one participant in the meeting said summonses and billing changes were in process, though no formal action was taken on the public-record item during the meeting.
City staff and council did not adopt a new enforcement plan at the meeting; Collins offered to share photographs documenting his observations and asked the council to assign responsibility for following up.
