The Cordova City Council will deliberate on whether or not to issue an official request for proposals (RFP) for the breakwater fill lot during its meeting tomorrow.
Mayor Kristin Smith confirmed the council will take a voice vote during the July 2 meeting, but emphasized that issuing an RFP is only the beginning of the land-use process.
“The council is not obligated to accept any of the proposals it receives,” Smith added via email.
The council’s RFP vote on July 2 will follow weeks of community input about what should become of the breakwater fill lot, which is located on the north side of the harbor entrance behind the old Prince William Sound Science Center building.
The lot – which was created to help break up the north swell wave energy caused by prolonged northerly winds – is a lot with 20,000 square feet of usable space. Currently, Cordovans are using the space to take in the scenery, watch the fishing fleets, or grab a bite from some of the food trucks parked there.
During the latest input session on June 18, participants overwhelmingly advocated that the city maintain the breakwater fill lot as a public space, rather than opening it up for private or commercial use. However, some residents did suggest that the city should seek out revenue-making opportunities with the property.
Many Cordova residents said they favored putting a covered picnic area on the lot – an idea that has gained traction this spring in the form of a petition, which as of the input session had garnered 289 signatures, according to petitioners.
Originally the group circulating the covered picnic area petition said it set out to get 300 signatures. The petition, with signatories denoted, is included in this week’s council meeting packet.
The July 2 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Cordova Center. Audience members will have an opportunity to address the council at the start of the meeting.
