Anchorage commission backs Eagle River rezone over two neighbors' objections

The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval June 8 of a rezone that would strip a 1.04-acre lot at 17026 Santa Maria Drive in Eagle River of special limitations imposed in 2002, over the written objections of two neighbors who cited flooding, traffic and wildlife safety.

The limits being removed include a 30-foot height cap, a one-driveway restriction and a required 20-foot landscaped setback with a sight-obscuring fence along the northeast and east lot lines. The full package also covers limits on permitted uses, a ban on loading bays and parking within 50 feet of adjacent residential lots, administrative site-plan review, a drainage-plan submittal requirement, a prohibition on pole-mounted signs, and bans on outdoor salvage storage, mobile homes and heavy equipment repair.

The Anchorage Assembly, which makes the final decision, is scheduled to take up the ordinance Aug. 18.

Blythe Alaskan LLC applied for the rezone. The Anchorage Planning Department recommended approval, finding that CE-B-3 zoning would implement the property's "Commercial" designation under the Chugiak-Eagle River Comprehensive Plan Update. The department also found the 2002 restrictions no longer serve a purpose under Title 21, the borough code covering use and dimensional regulations, and pose no objective health or safety risk. The site sits on a slope with a 34% grade.

Two neighbors objected in writing. Jeiner A Leon warned that paving the lot would strain storm drains. "This past winter groundwater overflowed on the corner of Santa Maria Dr and Old Gen Highway resulting in an icy mound (aufeis) that extended into the sidewalk, Santa Maria's right lane, and Old Glen's right lane," Leon wrote. Leon also raised concerns about traffic at the already busy intersection, loss of privacy, wind, glare and noise if the buffer is reduced, and pedestrian risk on Santa Maria Drive, a narrow road with a steep grade and no sidewalk.

Ginnette M Navas Alfaro cited moose and nesting birds that use the buffer. "Moose use this pathway year-round to feed and have safe travel along the neighborhood of Santa Maria Dr," Navas Alfaro wrote. She also said the 30-foot height cap and single-driveway limit preserve views, winter sun exposure and traffic flow at the Old Glenn Highway intersection.

No reviewing agency objected to the rezone.