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| Submitted comments will appear below after staff approval. | |
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| Mark Spano | 2/2/2015 4:09:29 PM |
| I urge the Commission to recommend adoption of AO 2014-140(S)-Johnston (PZC Case 2014-0211). I urge the Commission to recommend against adoption of the related AO 2014-147-Starr (PZC Case 2014-0210). The Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing two proposed ordinances that relate to Chugach State Park public access - AO 2014-140(S) proposed by Assembly members Johnston and Evans and AO 2014-147 proposed by Assembly members Starr, Traini, and Hall. I urge the Commission to recommend the adoption of AO 2014-140(S) instead of AO 2014-147 because it does a far better job of balancing the need for public access to the Park with the concerns of private property owners adjoining the park. Under AO 2014-140(S), platting may require dedication of access when acting on subdivisions by the Park boundary; however, platting can also determine that access at that point is not appropriate after consideration of various factors. Platting must consider the current Access Plan and a number of reasonable factors listed in the ordinance. But since the Access Plan will not be “approved” by the MOA under this ordinance, platting is not bound by the Access Plan. This ordinance addresses the numerous public concerns (both pro and con) voiced when Access Plan approval was before the Assembly. It will encourage access while protecting property rights. The opposing ordinance (AO 2014-147) creates a more complex and expensive process when a property owner wishes to subdivide. Subdividing and creation of access points would be subjected to numerous approvals and there is no right of appeal if any of the approvals are denied. One of the required approvals is from the Chugiak Eagle River Advisory Board. Although it is entirely reasonable that input from the Advisory Board be considered (along with input from community councils, the public, etc.), requiring an actual approval is not reasonable given that it is an advisory board and it would sometimes be ruling on access points in areas of the Municipality outside of the Chugiak/Eagle River area. The ordinance imposes design requirements on the municipality that are time consuming and expensive. AO 2014-147 would impede both development and public access. Mark Spano, 1318 G Street, Anchorage (I serve on the Chugach State Park Citizen Advisory Board, but I’m commenting here as a private citizen.) | |
| Susan Olsen | 2/1/2015 2:23:13 PM |
| I support this amendment which creates a procedure for insuring that access to Chugach State Park is considered when a landowner with property adjacent to the park desires to subdivide that property. It removes the necessity for the Assembly to approve a state plan (the CSP Access Plan) but by establishing a procedure carries forth the critical goal of the plan: the necessity to create more public access points to CSP. | |
| David Owens | 2/1/2015 9:06:45 AM |
| As a long time hiker, this park is one of most beautiful parks in the world. Also very lucky to have a cabin near Ram Valley, my property is one of the purposed ( red Dotes) I do understand the concern of the other home owners who have land near these purposed entry areas. But knowledge, can provided the truth, the CSP access plan will provide a blueprint to expand the use of our park and believe me this is necessary. It will not infringe on the property owners rights, How do I know this, because I also sit on the Advisory Board. | |
| Tony Knowles | 1/28/2015 8:55:26 PM |
| PZC Case 2014-0211 (re: AO 2014-140(S)-Johnston) 1of 1 pages Please provide the following comments to the Commission for its February 2, 2015 meeting. The one-half million acre Chugach State Park, America’s third largest State Park, is nestled up alongside the Municipality of Anchorage. Anywhere else in America this park would be a National Park considering the wilderness, wildlife, and recreational opportunities it provides. From a breathtaking view of the Chugach mountain range to unlimited skiing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and wilderness experiences access to this park is of unlimited value to Anchorage residents and visitors. It is referred to as an Alaskan natural treasure. The key to realizing the Park’s value lies in ensuring adequate and safe access. As Anchorage grows the opportunities for access must also grow. The Johnson/Evans Amended Chugach State Park Access Plan provides that essential planning tool. It provides the possibility of access at any time a landowner adjacent to the park subdivides. It is a careful balance of private property rights and providing reasonable public access to important public properties. No existing subdivisions are affected. New subdivisions adjacent to the park will only be required for Platting Board review and consideration. Access to the Park will only be required by the Platting Board when it is based on specific findings that the access is appropriate. The alternative ordinance, PZC Case 2014-0210, has the unfortunate consequence of providing almost impenetrable barriers for both those wanting access to the Park as well as parties wishing to subdivide. Numerous reviews and approvals by multiple local and state organizations and agencies are required. Denials cannot be appealed and there are no standards for balancing the rights of access with that of private property. The time and expense of this process is a major impediment to all parties. We have all seen the benefits of thoughtful well designed access points to the many beautiful public lands and waters we are so fortunate to experience. To deny the general public this opportunity is wrong. Other consequences are the unlawful and unsafe practices of individuals who disregard private property and abuse the inadequate public facilities when there is no access. Anchorage deserves better. Anchorage will be a better community with the adoption of the Johnson/Evans ordinance. Submitted by: Tony Knowles, 1146 S Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 tonycknowles@gmail.com | |