Wrangell residents examine potential designs for the downtown waterfront Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015.
The Wrangell waterfront planning team wrapped up its three-day stay Wednesday by presenting eight conceptual designs for the downtown waterfront.
Ideas for the space between the Marine Service Center and City Dock included a mix of boardwalks, green space, boat storage, beach access, buildings for the visitor industry and seasonal docks.
The plans are based on input from community members. At Monday’s meeting, Wrangell residents identified their priorities as providing more green space, expanding the Marine Service Center, moving the barge companies, and building a boardwalk or waterfront path.
“We were pleasantly surprised that Wrangell pretty much has a unified vision for its waterfront,” said Chris Mertl, landscape architect for Corvus Design. “We know it’s a pretty diverse community, but people saw everybody else’s needs, saw the big picture, and there was definitely a lot of continuity in the comments.”
Mertl led the public meetings. He said the planning process has been very positive so far.
“I think the important thing that we heard from the community is that they want to maintain Wrangell as a real, working coastal community. They want to stay true to its people, its culture and its heritage,” Mertl said.
Wrangell residents had the opportunity to peruse the designs and vote for their favorites.
The planning team will take those comments into consideration as they narrow it down to three polished designs. More public meetings will follow when the design team returns to Wrangell in six to eight weeks.
Check this website for project updates and to comment on the plans as the develop.
