Public input sought on future of Juneau waterfront dock area

JUNEAU, Alaska – Juneau’s city and regional governments are asking citizens what should be done with a piece of prime waterfront real estate on a cruise ship dock that has become available.

The dock space is located in front of the downtown public library and Juneau has started the public planning process for the area’s future by seeking public input.

Residents can offer ideas and visions meeting Wednesday in city hall, the Juneau Empire reported (http://bit.ly/2gH76vs ) Monday.

City and Borough of Juneau Port Engineer Gary Gillette said he would like the planning process to allow even more use of the waterfront area, which sees a lot of foot traffic during the tourist season because of its proximity to cruise ships and seasonal retail stores.

“What we’re really hoping is that it’ll become a year-round place,” he said. “Hopefully, we can come up with some ideas — whether its food trucks, public space or whatever — that attracts people to come down during the off-season.”

Rain Coast Data will present economic analysis during Wednesday’s meeting to inform a brainstorming session with Corvus Design.

The design team will hold a daylong “Open Studio” Thursday when people can talk with the design team about their visions for the waterfront.

Preliminary plans developed during that design phase will be presented on Sept. 28.