Assembly approves Main Street plan with 2-foot green strip after close debate

The Skagway Municipality Assembly voted Feb. 5 to adopt Resolution 25-29R, the preferred concept for Main Street rehabilitation, after approving an amendment to replace a 10-foot shared-use path with an 8-foot path and a 2-foot green space. The amendment passed after an initial 3-3 roll call and a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Mara Hansen.

Assembly member Proctor opposed the green-strip amendment after a week of site visits, saying maintenance and safety risks outweigh the benefits. "I am no longer in favor of it," Proctor said, citing freeze-thaw heave, root damage concerns and difficulty for property owners to maintain narrow planted strips.

Assembly member Woodell said an 8-foot path meets ADA minimums and that a planted strip creates a visual buffer that slows traffic and preserves the neighborhood’s residential character. "It helps that curb feel like a residential street," Woodell said, arguing for aesthetic and safety benefits.

Several members raised mobility and maintenance concerns. Assembly member Pomeroy described personal observations of gravel-filled green strips and the risk they pose to elderly residents; "the only times my mom broke a bone, it was because of green strip," Pomeroy said. Assembly member Hillis also pointed to snow-and-gravel buildup that can create muddy or icy hazards.

Manager Deach and staff told the assembly an updated cost estimate specifically for Concept 5b (the green-strip option) was not available; Deach said staff expect the cost difference to be negligible and that project timing would not change. Director Ames’ clarifications explained retaining walls would be placed on the property-owner side where needed and that grading choices affect whether small retaining walls are required.

On the amendment roll call, votes were split 3-3; Mayor Mara Hansen cast the deciding vote in favor, and the assembly then approved the main motion as amended on a subsequent roll call. The adopted design replaces the 10-foot shared-use path with an 8-foot shared path plus a 2-foot curb/green space (Concept 5b as amended).

The assembly debated tradeoffs between accessibility standards, winter maintenance in a northern climate, and the visual and environmental benefits of vegetated strips. Staff said a final design and cost estimate will follow as the project proceeds through engineering and public review.

The assembly is expected to include the adopted concept in project bidding and engineering documents; no immediate construction contract was awarded at the Feb. 5 meeting.