SOMERS POINT COUNCIL APPROVES NEW BOAT TRAILER PARKING REGULATIONS, FEE STRUCTURE

Somers Point, NJ — Somers Point City Council has approved changes to local parking regulations and a new fee structure for the use of its boat ramps, sparking mixed reactions from boat owners. The city council adopted two ordinances on April 10 aimed at managing trailer parking and ensuring that only individuals with permits can use the ramps.
One ordinance establishes a permit system for boat ramp users, requiring decals to clearly identify those who have paid for ramp access.
The new rule limits parking of boat trailers and other types of trailers to specific areas and streets near the boat ramps, prohibiting any trailers longer than 22 feet from being parked on streets, alleys, or rights of way. Violators will face fines ranging from $175 to $500.
The second ordinance introduces a new boat ramp fee schedule. City residents and military veterans will pay $75 annually for use of the ramps, while non-residents will be charged $150. Commercial permits will be available for $500, covering four decals. In a shift from previous years, the city will no longer require seasonal permits but will implement year-round permits instead. Although the changes have drawn criticism from some boat owners, including complaints about parking restrictions, Councilman Kirk Gerety reassured residents that enforcement would be complaint-based, meaning police would only act if a neighbor calls to report an issue.