Moving in the Right Direction The City Dock Action Plan is finally underway Story by GARY JOBSON
Images courtesy of CITY OF ANNAPOLIS
After years of study and debate, the ambitious plan proposed by the City Dock Action Committee (CDAC) is officially underway. The Noah Hillman Parking Garage will be totally new and improved in about one year. Mayor Gavin Buckley and CDAC Chair, Eileen Fogerty, are enthusiastic about the progress of the project. The first formal meetings began in 2018 although there have been endless discussions about what do with City Dock dating back decades. The breakthrough was the City of Annapolis and Historic Annapolis coming together and developing a realistic plan of action. It became clear that replacing the Hillman Parking Garage was the first priority. Eileen Fogerty explained the next step, “As soon as the garage has come down the design will go into full force. We expect that by next summer [2023] the design will be completed. Upon completion of the garage, we expect to go into construction on the City Dock.” The construction will cause a temporary lack of parking in downtown Annapolis. Fogerty explains that there is a plan in place to help relieve parking issues, “We have alternative mobility options in place. Our message is: Annapolis is open for business. We will use Via On Demand, an app shuttle service, and additional shuttle vans to move people from the stadium parking lot and Park Place to downtown.” Fogerty admits there have been some problems. “Putting the alternative mobility in place has been difficult. Having a website that is up and people can go and learn where to park will make it easier. Once people know their options, I think it will run pretty smoothly.” She emphasizes that parking on City Dock will not be impacted until the new Hillman Garage is complete. Mayor Buckley was re-elected in November 2021 with a 70 percdent margin of victory. He believes he has a mandate from residents to proceed with the City Dock Action Plan. I recently met with the Mayor over coffee for an hour discussion. He did most of the talking and I did most of the listening. To say he is enthusiastic is an understatement. The Mayor made it clear that he wants the project completed before the end of his term (2025). His goal is to get people 114
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