In a recent decision, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Planning Commission granted Huna Totem Corporation (HTC) a conditional use permit (CUP) for a phased development project. The project includes plans for a floating cruise ship dock, retail spaces, underground bus staging, vehicle parking, and a community park. However, the Commission approved the CUP for the dock portion of the project only, following a public comment period and a meeting that included public testimony.
Project Background
The proposed project involves constructing a fifth dock in the Juneau Subport at the southeast corner of Eagan and Whittier Streets. This area comprises tidelands partly owned by CBJ and the State of Alaska and 2.2 acres of uplands owned by HTC. Efforts to develop a dock have been underway since at least 2019, when Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) acquired the uplands property and began exploring the idea of a floating dock and related waterfront development. NCL’s outreach efforts included three community meetings, with HTC actively participating.
Consideration Process for the Fifth Dock
In January 2022, CBJ outlined a three-step process for considering the fifth dock: updating the Long Range Waterfront Plan (LRWP) as part of the CBJ Comprehensive Plan, applying for a CUP to ensure compliance with local codes and plans, and submitting an application for a tidelands lease to the CBJ Division of Lands and Resources for review by the CBJ Assembly.
Review and Approval of the CUP
Various CBJ departments and outside agencies reviewed the CUP application, and a public comment period was held from June 2-20, 2023. Only one public comment was received, expressing concerns about over-tourism. On June 29, 2023, the Community Development Department (CDD) presented a staff report to the Planning Commission, which found the project would not endanger public health and safety and would align with the CBJ comprehensive plan and the amended LRWP.
The CDD recommended approving the application with nine conditions, including providing shore power within 24 months of power line availability, completing a navigability study, limiting dock usage to one large cruise ship per day, prohibiting hot berthing, and requiring a tidelands lease before issuing a temporary occupancy certificate. A public hearing on July 11, 2023, saw low public turnout, with only three attendees.
The Assembly’s acceptance of the Commission’s ruling does not equate to full approval of the project, but it allows the Assembly to approve the dock’s construction legally.
