Riverwalk north-side seawall replacement draws concerns from marine industry about floating-dock design and navigation
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Summary
City engineers outlined a Riverwalk north-side seawall replacement that would raise roughly 500 linear feet of seawall to about 5 feet and add a floating dock in the existing dock footprint; marine operators warned the proposed dock location and an 18-inch freeboard could create navigation and safety problems.
City engineers presented preliminary plans on June 5 to replace roughly 500 linear feet of seawall along the north side of Riverwalk and install a floating dock in the footprint of an existing concrete dock.
Staff described the work as demolition of the existing seawall and construction of a new concrete (C) wall built forward of the current wall, raised from the existing roughly 3-foot elevation up to a target of about 5 feet. As shown to the board, the design included two boxed access points and a floating dock that would extend roughly 13.5 feet from the new seawall.
Marine-industry attendees and the Downtown Development Authority urged staff to reconsider the dock location and design. Industry members said the proposed floating dock footprint sits near a narrow turning point in the river where 50- to 80-foot vessels frequently transit; they argued moving the dock a short distance would reduce navigation conflicts. Captains and marine operators also raised safety and usability concerns about the floating dock’s low freeboard: the presented section showed about 18 inches of freeboard, which industry representatives warned is low for mixed-use docking, loading and unloading of larger craft and could create fall or fendering problems.
Jenny Morahon, president of the Downtown Development Authority, told the board the DDA had coordinated with marine contractors during the Riverwalk design and that the recently completed adjacent Riverwalk stretch placed pilings and a new walkway without reported navigation impacts; she encouraged continued stakeholder coordination.
City staff said they are seeking grant funding for the Riverwalk seawall replacement and that the city intends to include a living-seawall component for the first ~120 feet on the east side, with the floating dock sited in the existing concrete footprint. Staff asked the advisory board for feedback on location and design to refine plans before formal design approvals and procurement.
Board members asked staff to return with clearer cross-sections, expected freeboard alternatives, and an overlay showing navigable clearances for vessels up to 60–80 feet, and recommended stronger enforcement language and operational plans if a floating dock is installed.
