DNR opens public comment on Homer parcel sale to University of Alaska

A 20-acre piece of Homer that residents fought to keep off the market a decade ago is up for disposal again — and this time the decision runs through Anchorage, not the Homer assembly.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources proposed Friday to sell Lot 139 in the Bay View Subdivision, at 1432 Bay Avenue, directly to the University of Alaska under a state law permitting sales to public entities without competitive bidding. The transfer is part of UA's land-grant selection process, which converts state land into revenue for the university system; UA's land-management page already lists the parcel as a proposed selection.

Local sentiment last time was lopsided. When the lots came before the Homer assembly in 2016, "staff had gotten to the assembly with a recommendation it go up for sale and planning and zoning changed the recommendation to not," Zach Johnson said. Of 37 written comments the city received, 36 opposed the sale.

The window to weigh in is narrow. Comments are due to Kathryn Young at DNR's Land Conveyance Section by July 14 at 3 p.m. — and only those who file in writing by the deadline retain the right to appeal. If comments don't change the substance, DNR can finalize the sale under case ADL 234752 with no further public notice.