August 10, 2005
Wednesday

First off I have nothing against anyone making money or having property values go up because of a cruise dock going up on their front door.

In response to Mr. Tatsuda's letter, there were not more northerners than southerners, there were more citizens of the whole city and borough that saw this was a better area for expansion.

I've always argued that the citizens should have the choice of where it should go and if the citizens voted it should go south then so be it. But the city council made that choice.

If the docks had gone south there was going to be a light at the intersection of Deermount and Tongass to clog traffic. Views are already blocked by the ships to THE NEIGHBORHOOD OVER THE TUNNEL - never any mention of their lost views for years and years.

As for the professionals at KPFF they were let go by the city council - hmmmm wonder why?

This has been studied to death for three years and the southern option has been opposed by a major industry- the fishing industry! The businesses downtown want three 1000 foot ships there. Now there's room for two 1000 ft ships and an 800 footer so it means more tourists for the downtown core.

Now to Mr. Murdock - that artist rendering is just that. It is not a plan or blueprint. Believe me, there is plenty of space for busses and other vehicles in the plan. The air taxi you speak of is moving to the old South Coast site. They are not going out of business. That still leaves Carlin Air and Promech Air.

I don't know how you figure this is a scam... a scam is usually something illegal. Waterfront storage is a jewel that must be saved and rehabbed into a great attraction. Hopefully when the waterfront promenade is completely done it will bring people full circle past the Potlatch Bar and around the college so that area will get tourist traffic - also as it is a great historic area too.

Thank you.

Thomas Ferry
Ketchikan, AK - USA

On the Web:

Ketchikan Port Berth Expansion Bond Initiative

Ketchikan Port Berth Expansion Bond Initiative Vote August 16, 2005  The City of Ketchikan is proposing to expand and improve facilities along the waterfront to provide enhanced public use and additional economic benefit to residents, business owners, and the City. A bond initiative will be placed on the August 16, 2005 ballot to gain approval for up to $70 million to fund the project. - More... Port Expansion Project Information

 

Write a Letter -------Read Letters

E-mail the Editor

Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska