I appreciate the efforts of the borough and design oversight firm Moffat and Nichols in reaching out to the public as we once again renew our efforts to pursue Lutak Dock repairs and rebuild. Attending Thursday night’s meeting and listening to the comments of all helped me to clarify my own input on this issue, which are as follows:
Scope: Please keep the project scope small. It should meet our current needs. Period. In considering our future needs, we must prioritize a healthy Chilkoot/Lutak ecosystem, a healthy community and a healthy borough overall.
Budget: If a smaller footprint, more rock, and less steel require a bit more in up-front costs, it’s worth it if long-term maintenance costs can be reduced.
Timeliness: A little extra time on creativity and redesign, if necessary, to achieve the above goals is worth taking if it results in a project that the community can unite behind. Expedience by reverting to old designs and past mistakes will not move this project forward as quickly as incorporating public comment seriously at these initial phases.
Thanks to all who stay engaged and respectfully listened to each other. It’s how we move forward together.
Kathleen Menke