The controversial plan to replace the Ancich Dock in Gig Harbor is stirring local tensions over the city's identity, as it weighs the importance of environmental upgrades against the preservation of its fishing heritage. The dock, which juts 270 feet into the bay and is condemned by the state, has a history tied to generations of fishermen and Croatian immigrants. The city's approved project aims to remove 59 toxic creosote-treated piles and mitigate ecological impacts, yet it has faced backlash from neighbors worried about parking and local commercial fishermen fearing encroachment on their designated waters. A pivotal appeal hearing on February 3 will see former city council member Jim Franich challenge the decision, spotlighting the community's split between supporting upscale marinas and maintaining its fishing roots. The dock's legacy as a center for the regional commercial fishing fleet is emphasized in the hearing examiner's decision, which warns against drifting away from this heritage.

Lee, the new owner, initially faced backlash for asking commercial fishermen to vacate the property, complicating his efforts to gain local support. The outcome of the appeal could redefine the future of Gig Harbor's waterfront and its longstanding identity. As the community engages in this debate, the stakes are high for both environmental progress and cultural preservation.