Skagway Visitor Advisory Board hears operators, retailers debate Broadway pedestrian mitigation

The Skagway Visitor Advisory Board met March 26 and spent the majority of its session on pedestrian-mitigation options for Broadway, hearing extended testimony from SmartBus and tour operators, downtown retailers and residents about safety, accessibility and likely economic impacts. After discussion, the board agreed to draft recommendation language for the Skagway Assembly and to explore near-term steps such as crossing guards, signage and no-parking zones.

Jackie Taylor Rose, acting chair, framed the meeting around two studies the board reviewed at a recent work session — an Oregon State University tourism sentiment survey and a visitor-use-management analysis that identified choke points between 2nd and 3rd streets — and asked the table to determine whether to make a recommendation to the assembly.

Greg Clam, who identified himself as owner of Klondike Tours and operator of the SmartBus municipal contract, told the board safety should be paramount. “The main consideration of this board, in my opinion, should be the safety of the guests,” he said, and urged the board to consider…