Cordova commission backs sealed proposals for Davis Avenue hillside lot

The Cordova Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend sealed proposals, for lease or purchase, for a roughly 6,740-square-foot hillside lot above Davis Avenue. If the City Council agrees, the city must publicly notice the proposed disposal for 30 days.

Michael Shum, who owns the new build at 305 Davis Avenue, asked for the adjoining lot, saying access runs through his property and a shared easement with a neighbor. He does not intend to build: "that's my intention with the property is to to, um, just kind of preserve it more than anything because it's a— it's part of this, the history of the town."

Vice Chair Mark Hall said sealed proposals give public notice: "the city got in trouble years ago, and they didn't do it." Chair Kris Ranney said "tax on property is better than no tax at all."

The commission recommended direct negotiation for a roughly 1,116-square-foot piece of ATS 220 near Baja Taco, calling it substandard and usable only by the adjacent owner. Commissioner Ervin urged broader public use, but the measure passed unopposed.

Both recommendations now go to the City Council.