The City of Sitka now has a master plan for improvements to parking and traffic flow at Harrigan Centennial Hall – a plan that may, or may not include the existing boat launch ramp behind the building.
For a process that has been contentious at times – particularly over the perceived loss of green space – Thursday’s assembly deliberation boiled down to the boat ramp.
The basic redesign of the area has been through a stakeholder committee process. The boat ramp survived that process, but public works director Michael Harmon described its use as “limited.”
That touched a nerve with assembly member Phyllis Hackett, who is an island-dweller and regular harbor user.
“I just want to know that it’s still in the works to be worked out. That we’re not saying that what ‘very limited access’ means is that we are absolutely cutting off the opportunity for somebody to go back with a truck and a trailer and load their boat – I mean launch their boat. It may not end up being that way, but I want to know that the conversation has not ended. And I’m not getting that from you, Michael (laughter).”
Member Thor Christianson shared that view – perhaps even more strongly. His support for the plan pivoted on whether the ramp would be included. He had not been appeased by alternatives proposed by public works for a new boat launch elsewhere.
“That ramp is a deal-breaker for me. If it’s not there, I’m voting against the plan and fighting it tooth-and-nail all the way. First, it’s the only ramp that’s deep enough to launch some boats. Other ramps are too shallow to get deeper-hulled boats in the water. Second, it’s protected, and it’s close to the harbor, which makes it nice. That is a very desirable ramp to have.”
Mike Reif (“RIFE”) took a more moderate view, not wanting to miss an opportunity maybe to do a little better by ramp users.
“I can’t begin to say whether it’s a deal-breaker or a deal-maker. If you pick another location that has places for trailers, places to park, gets the right grade. I’m not impressed with that location in a Southeast wind because of the waves that build up there. It is not an easy ramp to get on and off of with the winds that are coming in there in the winter. I think we can find a better location. So I think I’m just an open mind.”
All of these comments were directed at Public Works director Harmon, who stressed the committee process, and downplayed his role in any final decision-making. He told the assembly he considered the ramp to be “limited” primarily because of the lack of maneuvering room for vehicles. The master plan calls for most of the currently-paved area at the top of the ramp to be converted to green space.
He acknowledged that many details were still open for discussion, including the ramp, and changes inside Harrigan Centennial Hall. He said that the adoption of the master plan would allow his department to begin the process of design and construction.
The assembly consented unanimously.
