Seaplane Base
Dear Editor: It looks like the ill-conceived seaplane base is a done deal except to tie up the permits and FAA paperwork requirements. I am disappointed that in 17 years of planning (start 2002) there have been only two public discussions of site selection (2012 and 2016) and public input up until the meeting Dec. 11. Who knows what was presented in meetings three years ago and seven years ago? I certainly never saw the meeting notices.
The site selected will put a 1,000-foot industrial-size seaplane facility stretching into Western anchorage, the only protected anchorage for the seasonal fishing fleet. How big will the “no anchor zone” be? Since the site is sequestered behind Coast Guard locked gates one cannot even view it from land.
The only access to the selected site is though the C.G. Base close to the CG enlisted housing. Or if the fence is taken down access is through Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital Campus and Mt. Edgecumbe High School Campus.
Isn’t it time we got float planes out of Sitka Channel? Considering the new seaplane base is supposed to bring in millions of dollars of economic growth we can expect two to four times the traffic of take-offs and landings. Does a float plane doing 30 miles per hour through a crowded harbor system sound safe to you? If my boat at 30 miles per hour threw no more wake than a float plane, does it mean it is OK for me to do 30 mph through the harbor system? Of course not! Then why do we allow float planes to do it? I’ve had more than my fair share of close encounters with float planes. Does Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital realize the vehicle traffic is going to quadruple past its front door?
The FAA promises to pick up 93% of the cost which leaves Sitka taxpayers on the hook for over $1 million, not to mention road construction and infrastructure costs. The people pushing for this base claim it will be self supporting. HA! If it is so likely to be self supporting why hasn’t a commercial entity built the base with profit in mind?
At this point in time we need to go back to site planning so the location fits into a logical place for an industrial scale seaplane base. It does not belong in the middle of a hospital zone, a school zone, a residential zone and a boat anchorage!
Bill Marx, Sitka
SAFV Holiday Party
Dear Editor: Sitkans Against Family Violence would like to express our gratitude to all the businesses and individuals who contributed to making SAFV’s annual holiday party and holiday season a success!
For their delicious food donations for our party, we would like to thank our board member, Dave, Backdoor Café, Highliner Coffee Company, The Nugget, Pizza Express, Hames Corporation and Sea Mart Quality Foods, and AC Lakeside. We would also like to express our gratitude and praise for the amazing work of Peg, who helped ensure a beautiful holiday meal. In addition, we would like to extend a thank you to all of our volunteers and SAFV Staff members who helped prepare our feast, including Martina, Heather, Margaret and Cindy.
Feeding over 50 people only happened with the kindness of the community!
We greatly appreciate the presents from all who generously donated to the Methodist Church Giving Tree and the Coast Guard Angel Tree. We’d like to thank White’s Pharmacy and Harry Race and True Value for the gifts, wrapping paper, and decorations. Without the generosity of the Sitka businesses and individuals in the community, we would not have had so many wonderful presents to distribute to families for their holiday season.
Thank you to St. Gregory’s and the Knights of Columbus for the beautiful Christmas tree, and to St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church for allowing us to use their beautiful location to host our party.
Thank you to Michael Mahoney and SAFV advocate Cayrn Coleman for being our Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Finally, thank you to all those who helped out with the party including Jesuit Volunteer Robin Kim and SAFV staff Heather, Margaret and Peg. And a thank you to Michelle for all of her time, dedication and hard work; It would not have been a success without you all. Also, thank you to our wonderful volunteers from Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and their generous leader, Matt Foruria.
Thank you, Sitka, for your incredible generosity this holiday season. So much joy has been expressed from all of our residents, clients and staff created by your support.
Tina Bachmeier, SAFV
Direct Services Director
