Annapolis council adopts phase‑1 City Dock resilience resolution after debate over amenities and financing

The Annapolis City Council voted on January 20, 2025, to adopt Resolution R3-25, as amended, committing the city to proceed with phase-1 approvals for the City Dock resilience project while clarifying that later decisions about a proposed maritime welcome center remain separate.

The resolution passed after the council adopted an amendment clarifying that it covers only phase-1 work that already has the necessary approvals. Mayor Gavin Buckley urged urgency on the project and defended its mix of resilience measures and public amenities, saying the initiative has drawn national attention. “This project is urgent and we cannot let a small group of narrow special interests derail all the work that we've done over the past five years,” Buckley said.

City Dock is a multiyear, multimillion-dollar plan intended to reduce frequent flooding in downtown Annapolis and create new public space for residents and visitors. Council members said phase-1 work would advance hazard-mitigation efforts protecting downtown businesses and properties vulnerable to repeated flooding.

Several members of the public urged the council to sharpen the project’s flood-protection focus and provide clearer budget details. Tim Leahy, a resident and former Historic Preservation Commission member, supported the resolution but asked the council to separate costs for floodgates, barriers, and walls from spending on amenities. He also questioned whether a reported $72 million total includes a separately budgeted street project he called the “compromise street.” Tim Tower, another resident, supported the resilience goals but cautioned the council against proceeding without definitive financing, citing uncertainties in federal and state funding and the inclusion of “nice-to-have” amenities.

Historic Annapolis, represented by Rachel Robinson, vice president of historic preservation, supported the flood-protection components but expressed concern about the size of the proposed maritime welcome center. Robinson said several buildings the organization stewards near City Dock face flood risk and that Historic Annapolis is preparing testimony about the welcome center as it moves through the Historic Preservation Commission review process.

Councilmembers introduced Amendment 1 to clarify that the resolution applies only to work already approved and does not preclude separate review of the maritime welcome center. Alderman Rob Savage and others described the amendment as a clarification rather than a substantive change. Several aldermen — including Shanna Meyer, Gay, Savage, Arnett, Huntley, O'Neil, and Channelmeier — spoke in favor of advancing phase-1 resilience work to protect downtown properties and enhance public spaces.

The council adopted Resolution R3-25 as amended. Votes in favor: Mayor Buckley, Aldermen Lisonbee, Meyer, Gay, Savage, Arnett, Huntley, O'Neil, and Pendeltro. The measure passed unanimously, 9–0.

Public speakers referenced a $6.35 million lump-sum item and questioned whether the $72 million total included the “compromise street.” Those figures were part of public comment and not formally adopted at the meeting. Mayor Buckley noted that Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission approvals for phase-1 work had already been granted. The mayor and several council members emphasized that the project aims to reduce the city’s long-term costs from recurring flood damage.

Design and review of the maritime welcome center will continue through the Historic Preservation Commission and planning staff. The city’s project teams will continue community outreach sessions described on the city’s website.

Selected speakers: Mayor Gavin Buckley; Tim Leahy, resident and former Historic Preservation Commission member; Tim Tower, resident; Rachel Robinson, vice president of historic preservation at Historic Annapolis; F.A. Brock, resident; and Aldermen Rob Savage, Shanna Meyer, Gay, Arnett, Huntley, and O’Neil.