I think I’ve previously mentioned that working in local government often affords the opportunity to delve into matters about which one might not otherwise cogitate. A phone call last week reminded me of just such a topic; towing.
The announcement that Anchorage filed a federal law suit regarding the proposed Knik Arm Crossing prompted speculation that I was somehow behind that decision. I know, because at least two prominent backers of the project expressed surprise when they discovered that not only did I have nothing to do with this decision, but I only learned about it when I read the story in the newspaper.
I’m struggling as I write this, trying to keep in mind two thoughts from those who preceded me. The first comes from John F. Kennedy:
“I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House – with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”
I was out and about last weekend, particularly on Sunday, enjoying our fantastic spring weather. Gazing out at Knik Arm I happened to note, for at least the second time this year, a TOTE vessel loitering mid-channel during a low tide, which harkens back to the Assembly’s establishment of the port committee. That’s as good a reason as any for another update.
Regular readers know I’ve been cautiously optimistic about the potential of the so-called Highway to Highway project, which would provide a freeway connection between the Glenn and Seward highways. The most likely solution would entail a below-grade (cut and cover, in transportation vernacular) route in the vicinity of Hyder Street to link with Fifth Avenue somewhere near Merrill Field. This approach has the potential to reunite Fairview, which is currently divided by the Ingra-Gambell couplet, thereby improving neighborhood access to businesses and amenities on either side. Aside from the obvious benefits to vehicular traffic, that’s why I’ve been generally supportive of the project, and that’s why I’m concerned that it appears the project is slowly dying.
On Tuesday, March 15, the community councils of Fairview, Government Hill and Mountain View hosted a candidate forum for the downtown Assembly seat. It was one of the few forums focused on that single seat, and it lasted about two hours, easily the longest of any this season.
Because the airwaves aren’t saturated with political ads like they were last fall, you may not have noticed that municipal campaign season is actually in full swing. A glance at my calendar, which is loaded with various candidate forums (not all of which I can attend), confirms that fact.
As mentioned previously, I’ve been awaiting a letter from the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding their review of the Port of Anchorage’s expansion project. The letter has arrived (I was cc’d), and here’s how it read:
The most recent Port committee meeting, conducted on Thursday, October 14, was interesting for a couple of reasons. First, the subject matter, which was thoughtful and in-depth. Second, the large crowd attending the discussion. More on that latter point later, here was the agenda:
Yes, I know, it’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been pretty busy, though, so here’s an update as to what’s been going on:
Next Port committee meeting:
It took a while to coordinate all the schedules but the Port committee is slated to re-convene on Thursday, October 14, at 9 am in City Hall, room 155. For a preview of the agenda see my last post on this issue.
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