Tourism-related businesses will have a new place to set up temporary shop this summer — for a fee — following a recent decision by the borough assembly.

The assembly unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 10 that will allow commercial vendors to lease a small space during the tourism season. The spots will be at the cul-de-sac in front of the City Dock, across from the Samson Tug and Barge freight yard.

During tourist season May 1 through Sept. 30, the area will be open for seasonal business activity.

Rather than signing long-term leases, the borough will issue revocable permits. This approach ensures that officials keep control of the waterfront while staying flexible for future public needs.

Borough Manager Mason Villarma said the move is part of a larger effort to support entrepreneurs.

“We do have a broader strategic plan for the marketplace in Wrangell,” Villarma said. “I believe that helping build up this sector could be beneficial to the community.”

To keep the process fair and open, permit sites will be awarded through a public outcry auction. The program is specifically designed to help operations like food trucks, vending carts and small retail shops, according to a report submitted to the assembly by Harbormaster Steve Miller.

Even with more business activity, the borough plans to prioritize safety and public access. According to the resolution, the harbormaster will oversee the area to make sure these shops do not interfere with regular port and harbor functions.

The resolution also sets strict rules for anyone receiving a permit. Business owners must keep their sites clean and follow all directions from the harbormaster. Using the spots for housing or overnight stays is strictly forbidden, and all temporary structures must be removed once the season ends in September.

The permits auction is scheduled for Friday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at borough assembly chambers. Bidding will start at $1.50 per square foot for each lot, with the final fees determined by the highest bids.

The current plan presented to the assembly includes a diagram of seven different lots: two lots are 30-by-20 feet, at a minimum fee for each of $900 for the summer, and the remaining five lots are 10-by-15 feet, with a minimum fee set at $225 per lot. One of the five lots will be reserved for use at no charge by garnet sellers under age 16.