Residents Turn Spotlight on ‘Bad Neighbor’ Sheltered Cove Marina

Jul 20, 2023

By Monique M. Demopoulos | on August 30, 2023

During Tuckerton borough’s Aug. 21 council meeting, a handful of Anchor Avenue residents spoke during public forum to express their agitation with Sheltered Cove Marina. Tony Kite presented council with a petition signed by 10 households that claim to have been directly affected by a lighting nuisance, which resident Chuck Watson of Curlew Road described as “beyond obnoxious.”

Several neighbors spoke to support the complaint, explaining the marina employs the use of multiple spotlights, some of which shine directly into residential homes and disrupt their quality of life.

Kite cited lighting nuisance codes 201-50b and 201-50d, and said the code enforcement officer had failed to address the issue. He stressed his hope that, with the recent amendment to the lighting nuisance code, authorities would be able to issue a violation.

Gary Corriero said he had to place filters on his windows to deal with the amount of light pollution caused by the marina. Calling Sheltered Cove Marina a “bad neighbor,” Corriero added that the light is only one aspect of the nuisance. For example, he said, the business dumps junk pallets outside (for people to take), causing an eyesore. Additionally, he complained the property accepts truck deliveries at 2 and 3 a.m., and sometimes tractor trailers will sit and idle throughout the weekend.

The issue of cannabis reared its head once again, with some residents speaking to thank council for deciding to leave the question off the November ballot, while many others argued it was unfair of council to take the decision away from residents.

Wayne Martin of Santa Cruz Road said although he would likely vote against cannabis, he felt the decision still belongs to the residents.

Tuckerton Beach Association’s Pete Gioello shared his opinion that it should remain off the ballot because a significant portion of TBA residents would not be able to vote on the matter, being secondary, part-time residents who are not registered to vote in the borough. “I agree with the democratic process, but they’re not represented down there.”

While many challenged the decision as a violation to the democratic process, Corriero described the local government as a “republic form of democracy,” stating, “And that’s why we do elect you guys (council) to make the decision.” He added, “You can’t put everything to a vote.”

Judy Ollivier of Otis Avenue said that, from what she had researched through state resources, “most people who visit a dispensary are over the age of 65.” Meanwhile, she argued, there is a prevalent drug issue throughout Tuckerton, and it is not correlated with recreational cannabis. “If you can walk out and get heroin on the street, you certainly should be able to walk into a dispensary and get whatever you choose to get.”

She proposed a petition, after learning that the council would place the question on the ballot if presented with 105 signatures. Councilman Keith Vreeland replied that the deadline to present a petition was Aug. 18. Ollivier urged the borough to follow other municipalities’ examples in allowing its residents to speak for themselves.

Environmental Commission President Kaylyn Ullman stated for the record that there is a petition circulating – “Reconsider Allowing a Cannabis Dispensary in Tuckerton” – via change.org for borough residents in favor of cannabis. “I just felt like it was important to really, honestly, see how many people in town would vote for it, if they had the chance to.”

In other news, after the recent theft of community life preservers, Gioello asked council to consider the installation of cameras at South Green Street Park to combat theft and vandalism. Heron Road resident Chris Holz backed Gioello’s request for better security, claiming the ReClam the Bay demonstration site at the park was also vandalized. Gioello said the Tuckerton Beach Association would gladly donate to the cost of security cameras.

In more-positive news, a Dedication by Rider was requested for approval to allow for the acceptance of donations to be used directly toward Veterans Memorial Park.

Along the same vein, Councilman Brian Martin introduced a resolution that would cancel property taxes for 100% disabled veterans as a token of gratitude for their service. “I think it’s great that we’re willing to help out by alleviating the tax burden on them for their service and what they’ve done for our country,” Martin said.

The long-awaited Lanyard Lagoon living shoreline project just had its pre-construction meeting, and Martin anticipates work to begin in September.

After accepting, with regrets, Pat Everson’s letter of resignation from the Environmental Commission, it was announced the commission is in dire need of volunteers. According to Mayor Sue Marshall, Everson had been a member since the commission’s inception. “That’s a longtime commitment on her part.” Councilman Mike Dupuis explained the Environmental Commission currently does not have enough members to hold a meeting, urging interested residents to volunteer.

The Economic Development Committee is also in need of volunteers, Borough Clerk Jenny Gleghorn said.

Council President Sam Colangelo announced a boat flare disposal event being held Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ocean County Fire Academy, in Waretown. Online registration is required in order to dispose of boat flares.

Residents looking to offload unused or outdated medications can take them to a drop box located outside the police department’s office.

Colangelo also reminded residents to review their emergency plans for the hurricane season.

In observance of Labor Day, the Department of Public Works will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, meaning trash pickup will be one day later than regularly scheduled. Also due to the holiday, the next public meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 5.

— Monique M. Demopoulos

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