Margo Waring’s recent My Turn column trashing our Docks and Harbors begs for rebuttal.
I have been a boater and harbor user in Juneau since 1975. One could describe our harbors and launch facilities in those days as poor.
In my view the Docks and Harbors group and their consultants have done a good job of gradually improving our facilities over the many years. Improvements at our downtown and Auke Bay docks, the Douglas Harbor, Auke Bay Don D. Statter Harbor, Aurora Basin and Harris Harbor have been sorely needed and currently are being enjoyed by a large segment of our community.
I have personally used the North Douglas launch ramp. It is difficult to use because of the sharp turn at the top of the ramp and the shortage of parking. I strongly support the improvements proposed at this ramp.
Waring obviously is not one of the thousands of boaters in our community. I wonder if she enjoys driving today’s Egan Drive or would she prefer the old days on Glacier Highway behind the morning school bus? How about the Douglas Bridge? The new roundabouts? Part of living in a community is the give and take required for improvements — some have to give up something for the greater good of others.
I think the Docks and Harbors group have done a good job of meeting the needs of our boaters while at the same time minimizing impacts to adjoining property owners. Kudos to this professional group in our community.
• Steve Bradford is a retired civil engineer, retired commercial fisherman, active launch ramp user and resides in Juneau Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.
