Parking Crunch Stops Villagers in Their Tracks

Jay Barrett/KMXT

An unanticipated consequence of the city’s new long-term parking policy at Saint Paul Harbor was pointed out to the Kodiak City Council at its meeting last night. The new policy requires parking permits for the long-term parking area near the Harbormaster’s Office, but they can only be bought by people who already lease a slip in the harbor. Non-harbor customers are ineligible, which could cause problems for villagers like Barbara Anderson, who came to town from Ouzinkie yesterday for Crab Fest.

— (Parking 1 28 sec "I just want to say … in all of this.")

She added that most people in Ouzinkie are unaware of the new parking policy, and figures there must be more in other villages.

Gene Anderson pointed out that since he is not a slip-holder, he’s out of luck when he comes in from the village:

— (Parking 2 27 sec "For me, I have a skiff … want a place to park.")

Councilman John Whiddon said a simple language change might provide the answer:

— (Parking 4 24 sec "There was certainly no … appreciate their input.")

The change in the long-term parking plan came from the Ports and Harbors Advisory Board, and was not an easy process, with much disagreement on how to implement it. The problem the new policy is trying to address is a lack of long-term parking for working fishermen, who are often gone for days or weeks at a time. The long-term permits will sell for $30, and allow a car to be parked for up to 30 consecutive days. With many more slips in the harbor than parking spaces in the lot, having a permit does not guarantee its holder a parking place. The policy goes into effect on July 1^st.

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