Homeowners file lawsuit to shut down Naples boat service

Imagine waking up to sandblasting and power washing every morning. People who live in condominiums right next to a boat service business said it’s hurting their property values.

Homeowners have filed a lawsuit against Molly’s Marine Service in Naples in order to eliminate the noise and business itself from the area.

“So many people rely on Molly to have their boats hauled out, repaired, bottom paint all of the above,” said Frank Perrucci, a marine industry president.

City officials said the Owner Molly Strassell has not violated any rules at her boat yard — despite homeowner frustration with noise.

Other boat owners said the boat service is a cornerstone in the Naples Bay area.

“It’s a mixed-use property, and she’s permitted to do everything she’s doing,” Perucci said.

Strassell has run her business in the area for 20 years.

“In the last year they’ve decided they don’t want a boat yard there anymore,” Strassell said. “I’m too dirty; I’m too dusty; I make too much noise.”

The marine business has been on the site near the bay since 1943.

Neighbors did not answer questions went WINK news asked them. They asked us to contact their lawyer, who has not returned calls yet.

Strassell said the lawsuit is still in its early stages, and she hopes to have a resolution within the next two months.

Meanwhile, Strassell has made it a point to collect signatures for her petition to keep the boat yard right where it is.

“I have almost 1,300 online, and we have probably several hundred handwritten,” Strassell said.