EDIT: For those that believe everything on Facebook, I wanted to clear this up. This is a LEGITIMATE plan. It was created by and submitted by Roy Higgs to the City. The City has TAKEN NO ACTION on it other than the Mayor visiting Higgs’ office, discussing it, and looking at the 3D scale model. This plan has NOT BEEN SUBMITTED to the council, Historic Annapolis, Ward One Residents Association, or any government department. Similar to the plan put forth by the City a few months ago, it is JUST A PLAN. (JF 4:45pm 8/17/2018)

They say that the only two things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes. Well, maybe those and controversy over what to do with the Annapolis City Dock.

The last time we looked, the rendering had it looking a lot more like a Jamaican all-inclusive resort than anything on the eastern seaboard. There were two man-made beaches, snack shacks, boat ramps, chaise lounges, and an outdoor cafe. The word from the City was that this is what the “people” wanted after attending a “placemaking” session with Fred Kent.

But now, there is a different vision for City Dock in play that has the ear (and eye) of Mayor Gavin Buckley. Designed by Roy Higgs of Roy Higgs International, this is perhaps one of the most unique visions of City Dock, and perhaps the most workable for many. Higgs met with Buckley to pitch the plan recently and the Mayor seemed impressed. For me, Higgs’ design keeps traffic (pedestrian and vehicle) flowing and there are alternate routes and very few dead ends. Keeping in mind that you cannot please everyone…

Click here for a larger view that will open in a new tab or window.

This vision has yet to be presented to the City Council, Historic Annapolis, the Ward One Residents’ Association or the public at large, but there are several aspects of this design with a positive aspect:

First off, the ferris wheel

Direct connectivity from the city to the harbor and Bay.

The viewshed down Main Street is wide open with the continuation of Main Street

The 35,000 of new development can spurn retail and pedestrians to walk

The return of an outdoor farmer’s market adjacent to the Market House

The ability to hedge off sea-level rise with elevated “commons” area and the continuation of Newman Street

Additional access and egress to City Dock for pedestrians, cars, and emergency vehicles

City Dock becomes a more walkable park of the City with points of interest/ “pond”/ seasonal ice rink

Parking for new hotel would be handled by Prince Georges Street ala Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and above grade

Traffic signal at Main and Compromise woudl facilitate pedestrian movement

Pedestrian only areas would likely be a benefit to local merchants

Additional incentives for people to stay in the area

Hotel scaled back and fits in the footprint of existing buildings

Significant more greening

The “Ego Pond” coincides with the Mayor’s vision of having City Dock for everyone…adults and children alike.

And of course, as with any idea, there is another side to the story. And as I look through this, there are some drawbacks.

There is no defined plan to house the 100 or so cars currently parked on City Dock

The US Boat Shows will need to re-configure their space as it exists now

The Ego Pond has potential to be a significant ongoing expense

No specific location for the relocated Burtis House

Pedestrian flow at Randall and Dock at Market House is still unaddressed

Cost of extending Main and Newman Streets

It is anyone’s guess where this will go, or if it will go. This is a significant re-imagining and re-connecting of City Dock and certainly one that will not be accomplished in one (or maybe two) Mayoral terms. And if it were to move forward, there would need to be assurances that it would be seen to completion. Pantelides stopped the City Dock Master Plan. Buckley stopped the public works building and Main Street re-bricking projects; so there is inherent danger in an administration change and the political winds of the day.

Now that the Market House is open and a success, stay tuned to see what lies ahead for the Annapolis City Dock.

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