Platting Board approves Settler's Bay Unit 11 subdivision

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Platting Board approved a preliminary plat for Settler's Bay Unit 11, a subdivision southwest of Wasilla. The vote was unanimous with 10 staff-recommended conditions attached.

The subdivision will use a flagpole lot configuration for interior parcels. The borough's Public Works and Engineering Department rejected an earlier design that would have connected lots directly to South Settlers Bay Drive because the road is classified as a collector road.

Neighboring homeowners raised concerns about drainage during the hearing. One resident cited historical drainage problems, including construction that hit a spring on nearby Settlers Bay Drive. That spring moved at least one foundation and required Army Corps of Engineers intervention to design a drainage system. Groundwater reports show water levels 4 to 8 feet below the surface.

Board members told residents their authority is limited to enforcing borough subdivision rules, not private homeowners association covenants. One member said the board could only rely on the engineer's report, which indicated regrading would address drainage.

Under borough code, the approval allows the subdivision to proceed to final plat and recordation. Decisions can be appealed to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly.