Council Hosts Public Hearings on Annapolis City Dock Changes

Have something to say about Annapolis' direction with City Dock? Later this month, the public will have two opportunities to voice their opinions on the matter.

The Annapolis City Council will host public hearings on the proposed City Dock Master Plan and a new zoning district for the area on 7 p.m. July 25 at Annapolis City Hall.

The public hearings relate to the following legislation:

• O-7-13— An ordinance to fulfill Phase One of the proposed City Dock Master Plan, which would establish a new zoning district called the Waterfront Zoning District around the former Fawcett Building Supply store at 110 Compromise Street.
• R-49-12— A resolution which to adopt the proposed City Dock Master Plan itself.

The hearings come a few weeks after a proposed renovation downtown became mired in controversy.

On July 1, a developer with plans to purchase and redevelop the downtown site of the former Fawcett Boating Supply at 110 Compromise St. withdrew support for the project, citing opposition among some Annapolitans.

He referenced the Save Annapolis Coalition a group of local business and community groups that banded together to voice their concerns with the plans to fundamentally change City Dock. The redevelopment of 110 Compromise St. became a rallying point for several members of the group, and they held a protest at City Dock in June.

Mayor Josh Cohen issued a statement after the developer pulled his plans, saying the coalition had acted as obstructionists that played "on emotions and hyperbole" to reject changes to City Dock.  

Despite these allegations, coalition members have said their intended goal is to have a more comprehensive plan in place for City Dock, and to advise city officials to proceed more cautiously with any sweeping changes to the historic district.

Since then, Cohen has met with the group and both parties have agreed to "turn the temperature down" on the issue.

Learn more abut the Save Annapolis Coalition on the group's Facebook page.