The troubled Harborview Marina in South Baltimore has found a new owner, following its sale at auction for $2.9 million. According to WMAR-2 News, the sale occurred amid a heated legal battle, with claims that majority owners Dr. Selvin Passen and Dan Naor had a scheme to force out minority owner Richard Swirnow by allowing the marina to fall into disrepair, to then repurchase it for less than its market value.
Swirnow, who is not ready to relinquish his involvement, is appealing despite the Baltimore City Circuit judge's decision to proceed with the auction. As reported by CBS News Baltimore, Dr. Selvin Passen placed the winning bid, the sole offer, that matched the marina's $2.9 million default.
The marina, once a bustling hub on Key Highway, ceased operations on March 31st after citing urgent structural issues posing safety hazards. This abrupt closure uprooted dozens of boat owners, prompting a sense of urgency to find new moorings. "We just received a report from our marine engineer advising us that this decision is required because of safety concerns about the current condition of the fixed pier," the administrators posted on the HarborView Marina website, as detailed by CBS News Baltimore.
The repercussions of the closure have been felt strongly among Baltimore's maritime community. Boaters like Bobby LaPin, who operates the charter service Boat Baltimore, were displaced, LaPin told CBS News Baltimore about the limited options for those like him who live aboard their vessels in the city; "We choose to live on a boat because, well, honestly, it's cheaper and you have a great view. You're right on the water." He went on to say, however, that with fewer marinas allowing live-aboards, there are fewer options now for those displaced.
