The planning team presented the 13 alternative concepts for the five sites that were supported by conceptual cost estimates for each. The contents of the Inventory and Concept Development document was also presented (the document can be found as a link in the previous posting).
The public provided input on the concepts and a meeting with the project Steering Committee was held to review the public input to date and provide direction to the planning team for the development of the draft preferred plan for each of the sites. The following summarizes direction from the steering committee:
1. Small Boat Harbor Uplands
1.1.
The Committee selected Concept C as a short-term
vision (10 years) trending towards Concept B as a long-term vision.
1.2.
The travel lift and associated marine service
facilities should not be removed until a new travel lift has been constructed
elsewhere.
1.3.
There is a desire to densify around existing
retail before expanding retail into the boat storage and trailer parking area.
2. New Boat Harbor Uplands
2.1.
The Committee selected Concept A, which retains
Hotel Hill in the short term, and Concept C in the long term if justified by
economic analysis.
2.2.
Preference for a double-loaded (fully enclosed) dry
stack storage. Dry stack should be subject to economic analysis and constructed
in a phased manner with marine related retail.
2.3.
Locate day use recreation facilities and
fishing/kayak float along north shore of uplands.
2.4.
Nate Duval noted that South Harbor Drive is
currently slated to be reconstructed as early as 2020.
3. Sea Otter Park
3.1.
The Committee selected Concept B, to be
implemented in a phased manner. The initial phase should include a portion of
the bulkhead dock to the southeast to support fish processing
loading/unloading, marine service use, and larger vessels use when Kelsey Dock
is occupied.
3.2.
Long-term, this area will support additional
fish processing, but in the next thirty years is seen as ideal for a mix of
fish processing and marine service yard with larger boat lift.
3.3.
Committee members recognized public comments
suggesting a developed fishing area at the harbor entry, but recommended
against it for safety reasons.
4. Old Town
4.1.
The Committee elected to move forward with the
current Concept B, which includes a mix of recreational uses west of the
historic area and marine services uses east of the historic area.
4.2.
The cost and feasibility of a causeway should be
considered in lieu of the proposed inland basin.
4.3.
A geotechnical study is needed to determine the
suitability of this area for any type of permanent development.
4.4.
It was recognized that the recreation and
interpretive use of the area could occur in the immediate future; however the
marine service could be 30 years or longer before implementation.
5. Valdez Cargo Terminal
5.1.
The committee elected to move forward with the
current Concept which describes short term maintenance and longer-term
improvements for the terminal with pontoon expansion to the east.
5.2.
No direction was provided for the grain
elevators.
May 22 Meeting Summary:
Based on the direction provided by the steering committee, the planning team developed draft preferred master plans for each site on May 21 and 22 and presented them to the public on the evening of the 22nd with conceptual cost estimates. Each draft plan can be found below.
Small Boat Harbor Uplands:
Comments received from public:
- Support diagonal parking layout and the green areas along the waterfront.
- Realignment of Kobuk Drive is priority to improve access to boat launch. Include driveway access from trailer parking
- New gangway to cruise dock, park improvements (with shelter) and enlarged pedestrian area at bus loading is good. Consider moving cruises next to Kelsey Dock and eliminate need for bus loading at Small Boat Harbor.
- Maintain marine service in this location until facilities (travel lift and pier) need to be replaced and relocate to Sea Otter Park for additional capacity.
Comments received from public:
- Relocate the boat lifts shown to the south side of the Sea Otter fill expansion and add a break water to the west to protect from wave action.
- Coordinate with SERVS to allow public access along waterfront through their site and understand shared needs. Verify they want to remain at this site.
Comments received from the public:
- Positive feedback on the fishing float, fuel dock, and plan as a whole.
Old Town (Option B-no changes):
Comments received from the public:
- Provide a hatchery building/facility in stable area once determined by geotechnical study
- Implement the recreation and historic/cultural improvements in the near future
- Positive feedback on the plan as a whole with understanding that a causeway is preferred if geotechnical study would support the facility's location. Realize that marine service related facilities may be 30 years or more out.
Valdez Container Terminal: (Option A-no changes):
- Positive feedback on the plan as a whole.
- Reposition the float expansion to the east side of the pontoon float.
Other general comments received:
- Need to also look at making improvements adjacent to Kelsey Dock
- Need to consider walkway from Kelsey Dock to the small boat harbor as expansion of the Boardwalk
- Did any rock climbers come and talk about using Hotel Hill as a climbing site? - No.
- Work on additional notification for the next meeting. Consider sending out mailers to the community.
