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

DNR proposes to sell 20 acres in Homer to University of Alaska

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources proposed Friday to sell roughly 20 acres at 1432 Bay Avenue in Homer to the University of Alaska under a process that bypasses competitive bidding.

The parcel, Lot 139 in the Bay View Subdivision, would transfer to University of Alaska Land Management under state law allowing disposals to public entities. The sale is part of the university's land-grant selection process, which generates revenue from state land to support the UA system. The University of Alaska System's land-management page describes the parcel as a "proposed selection public noticed by the state."

The DNR notice, filed under case ADL 234752, represents a preliminary decision. The available record shows only a proposed public and charitable sale, not a completed conveyance.

When the lots last 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. The city received 37 written comments that year, 36 in opposition.

DNR set a public comment deadline of July 14 at 3:00 PM. Only residents who submit written comments by that time will have the right to appeal the final decision. If public comments do not lead to significant changes, DNR may issue a Final Finding and Decision and proceed with the sale without further public notice.

Comments can be directed to Kathryn Young at DNR's Land Conveyance Section in Anchorage.