Metro Parks takes stance on Sperry Dock

Photo by john larson

BIG SHIPS. Metro Parks Commission has passed a resolution in opposition to an effort to build a second dock to the south of the two current ships at Sperry Dock.

Metro Parks Commission has weighed in on the controversy over a proposal to expand the Sperry Dock operation along Ruston Way. On a 4-0 vote during its Dec. 10 meeting, the commission passed a resolution opposing the intention of Sperry Dock owner Gary Coy to build a second dock adjacent to his current one, which is home to two ships used to transport military cargo.

Several residents of the neighborhood above Sperry Dock asked the commission to pass the resolution prior to the vote.

Kelley Burch said she does not mind watching ships pass through Commencement Bay below her home. “The permanence is the problem that I have.”

“Our waterfront is truly one of our greatest assets in Tacoma,” said Judy Rose. “Grey ships and big vessels just don’t fit on our waterfront.”

Rick Rose said the ships block views from Jack Hyde Park and the Chinese Reconciliation Park, which is currently under construction. More ships “will have an immense negative impact on the waterfront,” he remarked.

Pierson Clair said this area of the waterfront should be devoted to public use. “Parks and neighborhoods are truly the heart of any great community,” he commented.

Sperry Dock owner Gary Coy briefly addressed the commission before turning things over a consultant he hired, Matthew Boyle of Grette Associates in Tacoma.

Boyle said this area of Commencement Bay is ideal for large ships because of its depth. No dredging is required to bring large ships to Sperry Dock, he said. According to Boyle, this is the only place on Puget Sound that could accommodate them without dredging.

Boyle said the current dock platform is in bad condition, and that his client wants to replace it.

If Coy’s application is approved, Boyle said construction on the second dock would occur during daylight hours and within the fish window, the six months of the year that such in-water work is allowed in order to protect migrating fish.

Boyle addressed concerns that the ships block views. He said the most of the area of the two ships is 68 feet, with the tallest point 127 feet. He said the homes above are between 80 and 145 feet above sea level.

He said the bright lights on the ships, which are on 24 hours a day, are required by both the United States Department of Homeland Security and the owners, U.S. Marine Administration.

Coy did not say he had a potential tenant lined up for the second dock. He did tell the commission that the two current boats are in what is called Class I, and that two ships in the same class are currently docked in the Los Angeles area.

He told the commission that the cost of a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replace the existing dock is so expensive that the only way he could afford to do so would be to build a second dock.

In response to comments from the public, Coy said he is open to considering another location on Puget Sound for the ships.

Commissioner Ryan Mello said such ships belong at the naval yard in Bremerton.

Mello introduced the resolution, which requests Tacoma City Council to reject Coy’s application.

Commissioner Victoria Woodards said the ships block views.

Commissioner Larry Dahl said he feels this operation does not mesh with the vision of Ruston Way as an area for recreation.

Commissioner Tim Reid recused himself from the vote and the discussion, citing a friendship with Coy.

Editor’s note: This is part one in a series of articles on the Sperry Dock proposal.

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