By ARIADNE WILL
Sentinel Staff Writer
Sitka Planning Commission will host a forum to collect input for the Short-Term Tourism Plan, 7 p.m. tonight at Centennial Hall. Tourism excursion and attraction businesses and organizations will be given the floor.
In its regular meeting Wednesday night, the commission discussed operation of tonight’s forum. They also unanimously voted to change the regular Wednesday Planning Commission meeting time to 7:30 p.m., starting with the June 2 session.
With direction from Planning Director Amy Ainslie, commissioners said they would like to focus on tourist drop-off points at tonight’s forum.
Ainslie said she would like to talk also about current concerns the public may have. Commission chair Chris Spivey agreed. “The concerns we hear ... can direct us in a lot of ways to needs (Sitkans) may or may not have,” he said.
Ainslie added that she would like to hear where people might want to avoid putting tourist drop-off points.
Commissioners Katie Riley and Wendy Alderson said they would be interested in talks between independent travel operators and small boats about how to make sure that independent travelers can avoid large tourist days.
Under public comment, Jay Sweeney said he feels the commission needs to do more to get the word out about discussions being held surrounding the Short-Term Tourism Plan.
Also Wednesday, the commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at Thomsen Harbor, Slip 30, in the Public Lands district.
Applicant Alexander Allison is owner of the M/V Sound Judgment, the boat which will was approved last night to be operated as a short-term rental.
Ainslie said there is a limit of two short-term rentals per harbor, and a Coast Guard safety inspection is required prior to approval of a permit by the planning commission. Before the approval of Allison’s request there were no other short-term rentals in Thomsen Harbor.
Allison said he had lived on the boat, but since moving to land he thought the boat could provide housing for people visiting Sitka.
Alderson thanked Allison for his comprehensive renter handout, and for including language that lets guests know that they will be staying in a working harbor.
