Eagle River rezone would lift 2002 limits on a steep lot neighbors say already floods

Limits placed in 2002 on a 1.04-acre commercial lot at 17026 Santa Maria Drive in Eagle River, sitting on an approximately 34% slope, would come off under an ordinance up for introduction before the Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday. A public hearing is set for Sept. 15, and the rezone would take effect immediately upon passage.

Blythe Alaskan, LLC asked to rezone the parcel from CE-B-3 SL to plain CE-B-3, general business. The Planning Department found the 2002 limits, including height restrictions, setbacks and use prohibitions, are no longer necessary under current Title 21 rules. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on June 8. The 2006 Chugiak-Eagle River Comprehensive Plan Update designates the property "Commercial." Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration recommends approval.

Jeiner Leon, a Santa Maria Drive resident, testified in writing that removing the limits would "reduce the permeability of the soil and increase the runoff and load on the already compromised storm drain system," citing groundwater overflow last winter that iced the Santa Maria Drive and Old Glenn Highway corner. Leon also raised concerns about traffic, privacy and sunlight; a second resident cited the moose corridor and lack of a sidewalk. The commission said those concerns belong in the building permit process.