Mat-Su approves Palmer and Big Lake subdivisions

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Platting Board approved two residential subdivisions Thursday, creating three lots in one subdivision and seven tracts in another.

The board unanimously approved Irons in the Fire Crest, a three-lot subdivision in Palmer that was scaled down from an original six-lot proposal. Gary LaRusso, representing the petitioner, said the project was reduced after city sewer costs proved too expensive. The lots, ranging from 0.46 to 0.93 acres, will use city water and individual septic systems.

Three public comments had been received on the earlier six-lot proposal, including one not in favor, but staff reported no objections remained after the reduction to three lots.

The board also approved Connolly Homestead, a seven-tract subdivision totaling 144 acres near Delinda and Butterfly lakes. Tim Carmen of Bull Moose Surveying, representing the petitioner, said most of the tracts would be accessible by float plane. All seven tracts are over 400,000 square feet and are exempt from soils and engineering data requirements. Tract A already has a well and structures. The remaining area in all proposed tracts is undeveloped.

Two written objections to Connolly Homestead were submitted after the staff report. One cited concerns that overland access, parking, and canoe storage at the lakes would become overburdened. The other raised drainage concerns with two flagpole tracts, suggesting lake-only access as an alternative. No one appeared at the hearing to testify.

The board chair closed the Connolly Homestead vote by saying, "Seeing no objection, the motion passes."

Both plats were approved with standard conditions. The Irons in the Fire Crest property is located west of South Felton Street in Palmer. Connolly Homestead sits between Delinda and Butterfly lakes, west of Parks Highway.