First autumn storm expected to bring 60 mph gusts on Thursday
The harbor will close to small craft from Wednesday night
The first significant storm of the autumn is expected to reach the coast on Thursday, with gusts up to 60 mph and heavy rain, forecasters said. The harbor will close to small craft from Wednesday night.
The measure passed with broad support after an amendment removed the most contested clause. Supporters called the compromise a practical way forward; critics said it postponed the hardest questions to a later date.
Staff at Coastal Power & Light will hold three open sessions next month so residents can ask questions and review the maps. Dates and locations will be posted on the county website and at the public library.
Similar programs in nearby coastal towns have produced mixed results. In one case, participation exceeded projections within the first year; in another, delays in permitting pushed the launch back by almost twelve months.
How to prepare
The city expects to publish a first progress report in the autumn. Until then, the planning office will accept written comments by email and at the front desk of City Hall during business hours.
Local employers have welcomed the news. "Anything that makes it easier for people to get to work and back is good for us," said Marcus Reyes, who runs a family business near the marina and employs about forty people during the summer season.
The proposal had stalled twice before, most recently in 2024, when a change in leadership at Coastal Power & Light put several projects on hold. This time, officials say, the funding is secured and the contracts are signed.