Assembly advances work sessions and funding directions on recreation expansion, parks commercial use and housing tools

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly used its Jan. 23 policy session to give staff multiple pieces of direction on capital and community development work.

Recreation center: Parks & Recreation Director Wendy Miller presented schematic ideas for a Gateway Recreation Center expansion (larger fitness areas, multipurpose rooms, kitchen and optional garage/storage). The Assembly voted to schedule a work session to examine financing options and to state its support for pursuing the expansion project, while asking staff to analyze ballot timing if public approval is required.

Parks commercial use: Public Works staff showed images of large passenger vans and buses occupying limited parking at Rotary Beach and Point Higgins and proposed manager rulemaking under borough code to prohibit commercial use at Rotary Beach, South Pointe Higgins and selected school parking lots. The Assembly directed staff to schedule a pre‑season work session so tour operators, the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau and residents can offer input and staff can refine enforcement and permitting options.

Housing and grants: The Assembly included a $200,000 line for the ADU grant program in the FY27 budget and asked staff to research a borough beautification matching‑grant model and a “rehab‑first” housing recovery framework to accelerate return of marginal housing to the market. Members also directed staff to examine revenue and recreation opportunities on the 8900 South Tongass parcel.

Why it matters: The package addresses near‑term service and capital priorities (recreation, parks carrying capacity, housing stock) while signaling the Assembly’s intent to use a mix of grants, permissive permitting and potential voter actions to move projects forward.

What’s next: staff will convene work sessions, return financial and legal options for the recreation expansion, draft manager rules and enforcement proposals for park commercial use, and report back on grant‑program design and potential funding sources.

Representative quote: Parks Director Wendy Miller: “We have a wait list for summer camp and more swim lessons coming back; expansion will help meet demand.”