Committee bunts on JACC discussion, eyeballs bidding on waterfront property

Committee bunts on JACC discussion, eyeballs bidding on waterfront property

CoW votes to redraft JACC funding ordinance, may attempt to buy land by USCG station

The Juneau Committee of the Whole voted to redraft an ordinance to fund construction of the New Juneau Arts and Culture Center, clarifying some of its language in a Monday night meeting downtown.

It also moved to discuss bidding on a piece of waterfront land coming up for auction, as well as adopting some technical changes in legislative procedure and some alterations to the criminal justice code.

“We need this project in this community. We need this investment,” said Assembly member Michelle Hale, about the New JACC ordinance.

There were ambiguities in the phrasing of the proposed ordinances and disagreements between committee members on the precise amount to propose to vote on. The committee adopted a motion to have the proposed ordinance redrafted to reallocate $4.5 million in funding for the New JACC in a third version.

Committee of the Whole members also discussed a possible bid for a parcel of land located adjacent to the waterfront Coast Guard station and the old refueling pier. The land, presently owned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, is bordered by water, and could serve as the anchor point for a terminal for smaller cruise ships, a transportation hub, or the lynchpin of a water taxi/harbor shuttle service, said city manager Rorie Watt.

“I think this parcel offers us the opportunity to implement different staging ideas,” Watt said.

Putting together a bid will require $100,000 from the port development fund, which Watt said is already said aside. The minimum bid is $3.6 million; there will be an executive session on Aug. 19 to decide what bid the city will submit.

“I think it’s crucial that we maintain control of it,” said Assembly member Wade Bryson. “This is the last, most valuable piece of property in Juneau. I see this as a win-win-win, and the Juneau taxpayers are going to come out ahead if we are able to purchase this property.”

Not all committee members agreed.

“The best plan I’ve seen for this so far is a private company’s plan,” said Assembly member Rob Edwardson. “I like the idea of people using this area to do new things,” he added, saying that it should be people who have experience developing harbor property and generating a profit who should take possession of the area.

The State of Alaska also recently adopted a series of reforms to its criminal justice system, including revised sentences, reclassified crimes and clarified terms. Juneau routinely mirrors its criminal codes with the state’s criminal code, to reduce confusion and enable Juneau to prosecute crimes independently of the state.

“I am so tired of criminals and the community is fed up with it,” Bryson said, himself the victim of theft where the perpetrator was caught on camera but the dollar amount of goods stolen was too low to prosecute. “We have created a stronger group of criminals who have terrorized the community.”

The motion was passed, and the changes to Juneau’s criminal code will take place in the coming months.


• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 523-2271 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.


More in News

The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday, April 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for the week of May 18

This information comes from the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska’s 2024 schedule.… Continue reading

State Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel) exits the Senate Chambers after the Senate on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, adjourns until next January. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Legislature adjourns a day early in ‘smoothest ending in 20 years’ following months of budget battles

Lawmakers speed through final votes on veto override on education funding bill, budget with $1,000 PFD.

Rep. Andi Story (D-Juneau), Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (I-Sitka), and Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) watch the vote tally during a veto override joint session on an education bill Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Legislature overrides governor’s education veto in moment of ‘courage’

Supporters of bill raising BSA by $700 stand together as session nears adjournment.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, May 18, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Visitors walk along the downtown cruise ship dock on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Initiative to limit number of cruise ship passengers, shorten season fails to get signatures to make ballot

“Enthusiasm for this just wasn’t there in the same way as Ship-Free Saturday,” author of proposal says.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill earlier this session at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. He vetoed a second such bill on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Gov. Dunleavy vetoes second bill increasing education funding; override vote by legislators likely Tuesday

Bill passed by 48-11 vote — eight more than needed — but same count for override not certain.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, May 17, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, May 16, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, May 15, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read