Cordova Harbor Commission votes against CAM 2 dock recommendation

The Cordova Harbor Commission voted Tuesday against recommending that City Council dispose of a waterfront parcel near the harbor entrance to seafood processor CAM 2, which wants to build a private dock on approximately 4,100 square feet of ATS 220. The vote sends the question to City Council, where the proposal still may be considered. The Planning Commission had also tied on the proposal before this special meeting.

Several commissioners raised concerns about navigation at the harbor mouth. One commissioner, who said he does towing and vessel-assist work through that entrance regularly, described the challenge: "it's amazing looking at an overhead view how much it looks like there's a lot of room there, but as you're moving through the tide, it's pretty tight." He added: "If you're coming around that corner, especially with a big old double, you know, big boat tied on the city dock, It really obstructs your view as you're approaching the harbor and obviously lots of tide run makes it really tricky."

Another commissioner noted: "I recognize that 500 feet does seem like a lot in the distance between Spike Island and this potential dock, but it's not just that distance. There's currents and then that navigational channel that is impeded."

During public comment, Paul Swartzbart argued the parcel represents a rare opportunity for public waterfront access, warning that once sold, the city would lose control: "Once it's sold to the processor, the city won't have any control over it. And really, there's no incentive for them to build a dock."

A speaker representing the Audubon Society asked the commission to consider the Southville property as an alternative location. Tyler Dillon, speaking in support of the proposal, pushed back, noting the current location was itself proposed as an alternative at a prior Planning Commission meeting. "I think that we're pretty far along in this process and we'll keep going with that," he said.