During a special assembly meeting Monday night, seaworthy community members found their berth on the Juneau Docks and Harbors Board, while longtime contractor Larry Gamez was housed on the Planning Commission.
Robert Horshover, Mark Ridgway and incumbent Anette Smith were appointed to Docks and Harbors, and Susan Crandall to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission authorizes rezoning that could help alleviate Juneau’s housing crisis. Gamez was among four candidates who vied for the seat. During his interview with the CBJ Assembly as the Human Resources Committee, Gamez spoke about the need for affordable housing, and the necessity of creating low-income housing for young families who might be struggling to afford mortgage payments in Juneau’s housing market.
“We need to sharpen our pencil out and figure out ways how that young couple could get on board to afford some low-income housing, which means, I don’t want to go tiny homes, but there’s got to be a way we can get in the back door for those young families, so that we can bring more people into this community,” Gamez said.
He will begin his membership on the Planning Committee immediately, taking over for Commissioner Matthew Bell, who resigned May 9.
Gamez has been a general contractor in Juneau for 20 years. He worked as a project manager for a large construction company and as an Occupational Safety and Health consultant for the State of Alaska. Currently, he works for Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority as a safety coordinator. He also serves on the board of directors for Spaulding Beach Condo Association and St. Vincent de Paul.
The nine members of the Planning Commission review and approve city and state projects, as well as private and public development plans, to ensure they comply with code. The commission is also responsible for updating the Comprehensive Plan and Capital Improvement Program, which details proposed improvements to public infrastructure for a six-year period.
One question tested the four applicants’ knowledge of local politics: Goldbelt Corporation will be coming to the planning commission for a conditional-use permit for their North Douglas development, what conditions do you think should be considered for that permit?
This permit has not yet come before the Planning Commission, according to Mayor Beth Weldon. During his interview, Gamez identified himself as “pro-development.”
“I would like to see Goldbelt come in and do more work in our community. I would have to review what they have, what they are bringing to the table,” he said.
Docks and Harbors
The CBJ Docks and Harbors Board has nine members who serve staggered three-year terms. The board operates waterfront facilities throughout Juneau. The three Docks and Harbor applicants were selected from a total of eight applicants.
Questions for the applicants hinged on funding. Applicants were asked what projects they would pursue with $1 million in funding, as well as priorities if there were budget cuts. Board member Annette Smith was reinstated. This will be her third consecutive term on the board. Smith also served on Docks and Harbors in the 1980s. She is a private boat owner, a commercial boat captain with Auke Bay Adventures and a diver. Smith expressed her willingness to be the “lone vote” on the board against selling off waterfront property.
“We’re not getting another piece of waterfront property to replace it. It is gone. And for me, that’s a big deal,” Smith said.
Robert Horchover has more than 40 years of experience as a master mariner, both in Alaska and internationally. He also serves on the Alaska Marine Highway Oversight Board. When asked about potential projects to address future problems, Horchover floated the idea of a breakwater in Auke Bay, creating a community for live-aboards. He also suggested transient moorage downtown and an expansion of the Douglas boat ramp. Horchover was adamant that the effects of age on already existing infrastructure be prioritized.
“I got a bunch of ideas, and it just would see where the board is, and then you go from there, or what the Assembly’s priorities are,” Horchover said.
In addition to being an avid boater, commercial fisherman, and co-owner of the Gold Town Theater, Mark Ridgway worked with the U.S. Coast Guard for 27 years doing project management and environmental work. Ridgeway was on the Docks and Harbors board from 2017 to 2024, when he resigned due to a conflict of interest. He reflected on his earlier experiences on the Docks and Harbors Board.
“I think it would probably pay more attention to the infrastructure and deferred maintenance than I did in the past. The bright, shiny projects have a tendency to hold a little bit too much sway some days,” Ridgeway said.
The Human Resources Committee will now focus on filling seats on the Airport and Eaglecrest Ski Area boards, as well as the Systemic Racism Review Committee.
• Contact Natalie Buttner at natalie.buttner@juneauempire.com.
