Harrow Illegal Pickleball Court Removal: The Town of Essex has ordered Harrow resident Rob DiMenna to remove a pickleball court built without permission on Lake Crest Beach Road. Town council ruled the concrete court must be removed within 30 days at Rob DiMenna’s expense and the land restored to the town’s satisfaction.
Court Built Without Approval
Rob DiMenna built the court on public land without a permit. During an Essex Council meeting, he admitted,
“It was not nothing malicious about it. I have a great group of neighbors. They had talked about pickleball. I had played a little bit, I enjoyed it. So, I chose to put it in.”
DiMenna asked the council to consider a lease agreement and said he would take on insurance responsibilities.
“I’d like to try find a solution to this, really,”
he told council.
Popular with Local Residents
Neighbor Kathryn Hengl supported the court, saying it brought the community together.
“Many residents have taken up the sport since the spring. We’ve also taught the children on the beach to play pickleball,”.
She explained how locals gather regularly for games and social time.
“Someone will send out a text saying ‘Pickleball court at 730’, and you get down there and residents and neighbors all come down, bring their chairs, sit and watch and visit, play, socialize.”
Town Cites Safety and Legal Issues
Despite its popularity, town officials said the court sits on a key part of the public water system. David McBeth, Manager of Capital Works & Asset Management, explained,
“We never would have approved it,”
adding it lies above a sanitary trunk main and water main. Joseph Malandruccolo, Director of Legal & Legislative Services, warned about the legal risks.
“Basically, what council would be saying is if anybody put something up on town property without permission, that we would try to find a way to allow it.”
He added that allowing the court might also cause issues if someone is hurt or if DiMenna tries to sell his home later. Malandruccolo also said making a lease would be complicated and could require holding $10,000 to $15,000 in trust in case the court had to be removed quickly.
Final Decision
After a short closed session, council gave the order: Rob DiMenna must remove the pickleball court within 30 days and return the site to its original state. All costs will be paid by DiMenna.
News in Brief: Harrow Illegal Pickleball Court Removal
Rob DiMenna has been ordered by the Town of Essex to remove an illegal pickleball court built without a permit in Harrow. Despite support from neighbors, town officials cited safety and legal concerns. DiMenna has 30 days to remove the court and restore the property at his own cost.
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