Viewpoints
Ward Cove
By Rob Holston
March 08, 2010
Monday
As I enter my 11th year of trying to purchase or long-term lease
waterfront property in Ward Cove, perhaps this information, gleaned
from a news article by Dave Kifer will help folks understand
the history behind the present circumstances in Ward Cove:
'The Ketchikan Gateway Borough moved closer to getting its Ward
Cove properties back on the tax rolls in 2005.
The borough had received title to more than 200 acres of property
in 2001 when Gateway Forest Products defaulted on loans. The
borough also purchased the GFP Veneer Mill a year later. Overall,
the borough spent more than $15 million of the $25 million in
federal economic disaster relief funds on Ward Cove related loans
and grants.
Early in 2005, the borough sold the old Gateway Club property
to the Alaska State Troopers for a new area headquarters. It
then leased the former Ketchikan Pulp Company administration
building to the Alaska Marine Highway System, which moved most
of its administrative functions - some 40 employees - south from
Juneau. Plans were in the works late in the year for the Marine
Highway System to build a permanent ferry layup facility in Ward
Cove.
In August of 2005, the borough held an auction for several properties
on the East side of Ward Cove and received more than $3.3 million
dollars. The borough also reached a preliminary agreement with
the Arizona-based Renaissance Group for the sale of most of the
west side of the cove - including the Veneer Mill - for $9 million.
That deal is scheduled to be finalized in mid January of 2006.'
Loggerville continues to offer the Borough 100% of commercially
appraised value for the approximate 8.7 acres of uplands and
tidelands to construct Loggerville Small Boat Harbor. The appraisal
to be ordered by the bank, with the appraiser approved by the
KGB and paid in full by Loggerville. 11 years and waiting.
Can we get this done?
Rob Holston
Ketchikan, AK
About: "Rob Holston has
been doing business in Ward Cove since 2001 as co-owner of Lighthouse
Excursions, Inc. and Loggerville Holdings,LLC. He is entering
his 11th year of trying to purchase property in Ward Cove.
"
Received March 05, 2009 - Published
March 08, 2010
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