Smaller might be better. That’s the message City Hall took from the auction earlier this month when no one bid to set up their summer business on either of two large spaces offered in front of the City Dock.

Bidders signed up for leases on all four of the smaller lots in the cul-de-sac between the dock and the freight yard.

So, borough officials decided to cut one of the large spaces into two smaller parcels and try again. The public outcry auction is set for 2 p.m. Monday, April 27, at City Hall.

In addition to offering the two newly created 150-square-foot lots at a minimum bid of $225 a month for the five months May through September, the auction will include one of the original large lots, at 600 square feet, at a minimum bid of $900 a month.

“We’d like to rent them all,” said Harbormaster Steve Miller, whose department will oversee the rental spaces. “The small ones all went … so maybe we can rent two more small ones.”

There is electricity available at the lots, but no water or sewer service.

This is the first year the borough has designated specific commercial spaces in front of the dock for summer visitors.

The winners in the first round of the commercial seasonal permits were retail stands and a tour business, but the summer sites can be used for most anything. “You can absolutely set up a food truck there,” Miller said.

The four smaller lots went to Jonas Crabtree, who will market walking tours from his stand; Luba Lofftus, who will sell T-shirts and other items with her original designs; Spencer Stavee, who rents e-bikes; and Bonnie Ritchie, who makes and sells original jewelry.

The tenants must keep their area clean, and any temporary structures must be completely removed after the season ends Sept. 30.

For more information, call the Port and Harbors Department at 907-874-3737.