Acreage eyed by Robert Brown for expansion of his machine shop business is for now unavailable, after a vote by the Cordova City Council, but the council may reconsider his proposal once it has more information.
Brown, owner of Saddle Point Machine, addressed the council meeting on Jan. 17 to explain his plans for the proposed lot purchase, acreage currently used for long term boat storage.
“I am interested in purchasing this lot and constructing a shop building,” Brown said in his letter to the council. “My current location is unsuitable for my future goals for my company.”
Brown wants to expand his facility into a full service marine machine shop, with capabilities to manufacture marine propeller shafting of all sizes.
“This is a service not currently available in Cordova,” he wrote. “Building a machine shop on this location will create employment opportunities and fit the original charter for the North Fill Development Park.”
Others attending the council meeting spoke of the quality of Brown’s work and the service he brings to Cordova.
Councilmember Anne Schaefer said Brown’s business would be positive for the community, but hopes he can find a different location so the city could maintain the revenue stream from current use of that lot.
“I wasn’t intending this to be a front against the commercial fishing industry,” Brown told the council. “What I’m doing is going to benefit the fishing community far more than the revenue that the city may gain from the half a dozen boats stored long term down there.”
After some discussion, the council passed an amendment to make Lot 3, Block 5 of North Fill Development Park non-available on the 2018 city land disposal maps. Prior to this decision, the plot was listed as available for purchase. The amendment passed 5-1.
“I don’t favor moving forward this evening,” Councilmember David Allison said, although making note that he is not against the proposed business.
“I don’t believe that the harbor commission has had the opportunity to discuss it. I know that Rob Brown is very well respected in the community. I respect his work. I would hope that we could find him a location.”
Allison moved to refer the matter to staff, with a referral to the harbor commission, to gain their perspective and bring it back to council with more information from both the public and harbor commission.
The motion to defer carried unanimously, 6-0.
Council also adopted the 2018 City Land Disposal Maps.
Dotty Widman, owner of The Net Loft, asked council to pause her request for Lot 1 and 2, Block 7A, Tidewater Development Park and a portion of ATS 220, commonly referred to as Breakwater Fill Lot, a decision the council referred back to staff.
Resolution 01-18-06 passed unanimously, supporting Points North Heli-Adventures Inc.’s commercial access to U.S. Forest Service lands.
“I think that the Heli-skiers bring a much-needed springtime economic activity and I think any way we can support them is something that I want to move forward with,” Councilmember Ken Jones said.
