Mat-Su Platting Board approves Starlight Subdivision master plan over neighbor objections

The Mat-Su Borough Platting Board unanimously approved the master plan Thursday for the 184-lot Starlight Subdivision near West Carmel Road in the Knik Fairview area. The vote is not a build authorization. The applicant must still complete pre-design engineering review and final plat approval before any lots can be conveyed.

The board granted a 10-year approval period for the 13-phase buildout across roughly 200 acres. Three neighboring landowners submitted written objections citing traffic on Carmel Road, USPS mail delivery problems, concern the development would interfere with a planned private airstrip, trespassing on an existing dirt bike track, and stormwater and drainage issues.

Board Chair Michelle Traxler redirected road concerns to the local Road Service Area. "I have one comment about the roads. That is a road service area issue, not a planning board issue necessarily. So if you got problems with your road, you need to direct it to your local RSA." Planning Officer Tyler Young confirmed the Road Service Area did not respond to the borough's request for comment.

Board members said their role was limited to determining whether the subdivision met borough code. Board member Reggie Carney was direct before the vote. "At the end of the day, it meets all the requirements, and that's what we have to make a decision on."