By ARIADNE WILL
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Planning Commission met Wednesday to discuss a tourism plan for next summer, and the three commission members present agreed that Lincoln Street closures should operate next year as they did this past season.
City Planning Director Amy Ainslie said suggestions and feedback will be used to compile a plan that will be presented to the commission at the regular meeting Dec. 7.
After that, a 2023 tourism plan will be handed to the Assembly for adoption by the city.
Laurie Booyse of Visit Sitka places a sticky note on a map of Sitka to show where she would like to see a public restroom placed for the 2023 tour season, at a Planning Commission meeting Wednesday. (Sentinel Photo)
The only item on the meeting agenda was discussion of the 2023 tourism plan.
The commission sought input on Lincoln Street closures, temporary restroom locations, safety improvements, programs and amenities, and planning for future years.
The dozen or so members of the public attending the meeting were invited to give comments and ideas on all five of the topics, and were also given time to place dots on a map of downtown to show were temporary restrooms could go.
Several suggestions that came up — such as having a traffic conductor at the Lincoln and Lake streets stoplight — couldn’t be implemented without coordination with other agencies, including the state Department of Transportation, Ainslie said.
Suggestions related to safety were updating way-finding signs and their placement and installation of flashing light beacons along corridors with heavy foot traffic.
Electric bikes also came up for discussion. Those present agreed that tourists riding electric bikes often acted recklessly, but some pointed out that those who rent out the bikes to tourists conduct safety tutorials. Some suggested additional signage along Halibut Point Road, while other commenters said, “you can’t regulate stupidity.”
Suggestions for future years were on downtown beautification incentive programs, additional benches on Lincoln Street, and an electric rail system that would shuttle passengers from out Halibut Point Road and into town.
The commission took no votes at the meeting.
Members Chris Spivey, Darrell Windsor, and Stacy Mudry were present. Wendy Alderson and Katie Riley were absent but excused from the meeting, as was Assembly liaison Thor Christianson.
Those wanting to comment on the tourism plan may send an email to planning@cityofsitka.org.
