North Douglas Crossing Plus Odds and Ends

The vote over Proposition 2, the North Douglas Crossing is clear evidence that a lot of people care about Juneau and are engaged citizens. People pro and con have been willing to spend their time and money to convince their neighbors. We have had similar vigorous debates in previous years over the Diamond Park Swimming Pool, fluoridation, Thunder Mountain High School, smoking laws, The Road/Juneau Access, the downtown parking garage, flightseeing, and tourism in general. Less controversial, but generating lots of debate have been the landfill, managing our solid waste and a variety of other issues.

Some conclude this is bad because it shows Juneau to be polarized. I disagree. The fact that Juneauites again and again come out and vigorously argue public issues is a sign of citizen interest and engagement. Public issues here are not decided behind closed doors (despite the claims of some). The citizens of Juneau truly do carry the day. The combination of the Alaska Open Meetings law, our citizen Boards and Juneau’s commitment to public participation results in so many avenues for citizen involvement that it sometimes can be overwhelming. But I believe it works.

I have been on record supporting a North Douglas Crossing since I ran for Assembly. It has become clear that it will not happen without Juneau footing a good part of the bill. This proposition would have probably been better if it had not named the location of a crossing. I actually proposed taking that identification out, but that proposal drew no traction. The bottom line is that the location and design will ultimately be determined by a very long public and environmental review process. The proposition simply starts that moving. You can read a fuller description of my support in my 10/1 Juneau Empire column.

A few more pieces of miscellany. The Diamond Park Swimming Pool is scheduled to open February 15 of next year.

The Airport parking contract was just switched from Pak’s to Republic – who has held it in the past.

The Thane campground closed October 1. As in previous years, this means a number of our homeless population will be camping (illegally) in a variety of places around the Borough. Glory Hole and St. Vincent’s just cannot fill the demand.

We are moving toward a development of what is being called “Bridge Park.” from the downtown bridge out to Gold Creek. Currently we are working out land ownership issues, but I think this will move forward in the next year and be a great addition to Juneau.

The Downtown Parking Garage and Transit Center is nearing completion. It was one of those controversial projects I referred to earlier. I was one of those who opposed and lost a 5-4 vote on the project September 8, 2008, but after it passed I went into a vigorous effort to energize the 1% for Arts requirement. As a result of my efforts, extra money was spent on various aspects, including a small park at the top of Telephone Hill. The project is getting to the point where we should see the reality of those art projects, which previously I have only seen on paper. I am looking forward to seeing the final outcome.

Finally --- remember to VOTE!