Mat-Su Platting Board approves six-lot subdivision near Engstrom Road

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Platting Board on Thursday approved Aileron Acres, a six-lot subdivision near Engstrom Road, with seven conditions recommended by staff. No members of the public testified, and the motion passed without objection.

The subdivision splits 8.71 acres west of North Engstrom Road and directly north of East Hart Lake Loop, a borough-maintained road that gives it access. A new internal road must be built to borough residential street standards.

Northeast neighbors Bruce and Lisa Ruhl raised written concerns about the Bogard and Engstrom intersection. Clayton Childs, who owns property to the southwest, objected "due to the condition of Engstrom Road and the traffic congestion at that intersection," platting technician Matthew Goddard said. A comment that arrived after the staff report was written cited concerns about reduced forest cover, timber and natural appeal.

The North Lakes Community Council did not oppose the plan and called the engineering analysis thorough. It asked that any plat adding traffic to Engstrom Road include the road's current capacity and traffic estimates before and after the development. Goddard said that information goes beyond what code requires for this case.

The petitioner added a building setback along Engstrom Road, a major collector, to allow for future widening.

In September, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted 4-3 to choose a northern route for a planned Engstrom Road-to-Trunk Road connector, a choice that stood after a reconsideration effort in October. A draft regional transportation plan also lists an Engstrom Road reconstruction and pathway project at about $32 million.