PETERSBURG – In response to Ocean Beauty announcing that they’ll be closing their plant in Petersburg, the borough assembly discussed a draft letter in response on Monday.
In the draft letter from Vice Mayor Jeigh Stanton-Gregor to Ocean Beauty on behalf of the Petersburg Borough Assembly, Stanton-Gregor expressed appreciation for informing the assembly of its decision, as well as the impact the move will have on the local economy.
“While this is most unwelcome news to our community and it will be difficult for us to replace the lost revenue, employment, and general economic activity from the plant closure, we appreciate your dedication to your employees and desire to retain some staff here in Petersburg,” stated Stanton-Gregor in the draft letter.
For now, Ocean Beauty plans on keeping the facility and bunkhouse. Should Ocean Beauty decide to sell the facility, the borough would like an opportunity to discuss the sale of the property because it is a central piece of the downtown water front.
“I like being kept informed about what they’re doing,” said assembly member Nancy Strand. “If it gets sold we’d like to hear about it officially and not just from rumor control.”
In his absence at Monday’s assembly meeting, a statement was read on behalf of Mayor Mark Jensen stating he would like a portion of the letter to thank Ocean Beauty for their years of service in Petersburg.
“It’s kind of a drag that we’re losing such a large corporation or a large business downtown,” said assembly member Eric Castro. “It’s good to be able to kind of give them props from having held business here in town for so long.”
Assembly member Brandi Marohl found two sentences in the draft letter unnecessary and stated she would not vote to approve the letter. The two sentences explained how it was unfortunate that Ocean Beauty was unable to take advantage of Petersburg’s business-friendly community, which includes low utility costs and an affordable, high value location.
Ocean Beauty made the decision to close the facility after reviewing their options, according to a release from Ocean Beauty Seafoods. Since the facility was primarily a cannery and had limited amount of fresh and frozen fish daily, their other facilities at Excursion Inlet, Cordova and Kodiak Island are more suitable to keep up with their customers’ demands, according to the release.
During the operational season, June through September, Ocean Beauty employed approximately 200 individuals. During the last two seasons, the plant has not been operating in Petersburg.
A motion was passed to amend the letter by replacing the previously stated two sentences with words of appreciation and thanks. Approval of the draft letter, which included amended language, passed in a 4-0 vote.
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