Judy Stapleton, a longtime resident, told commissioners she did not want prime marina uplands converted into residential and commercial development and asked why such uses were necessary when there are vacant buildings downtown. “With all of the empty land and the empty buildings that we have downtown, why would we have to use prime marina property for retail and residential?” she asked.

City officials said the city has limited capital to build or rebuild marina infrastructure and has sought partners to fund boat slips and upland improvements. An official explained that the city can offer the upland land as part of a partnership and that without private investment the city would have to put general fund capital into slips and bulkhead work. “The city can either try to build it, which we don't have the money for, or ask somebody to build it and revenue share with them,” a city official said. The official added that projects to rebuild slips and the bulkhead have large price tags; staff cited figures in the low tens of millions for bulkhead and marina work and said the upland improvements help make the marina financially feasible for private partners.

Officials emphasized that renderings shared previously are conceptual and older, and that future designs will be developed publicly with input. Staff said the commission intends to keep a downtown boat ramp and to preserve public access, and that any upland plan would include public amenities, open space and protections for views. Officials noted the goal is a balanced mix of uses so the marina does not require ongoing general‑fund subsidy.

No development agreement was approved at the meeting. Staff said they will hold public open houses and workshops with the redevelopment partners and that updated conceptual plans will be circulated for public comment.