Residents Rally Against High Density Development in Soldotna

Residents of Soldotna voiced strong concerns during a recent government meeting regarding proposed zoning changes that could increase housing density in their neighborhoods. The discussions highlighted significant issues related to traffic safety, community safety, and the potential impact on local schools.

Several residents criticized a nearby development that removed a birch forest and failed to provide essential infrastructure such as sidewalks and paved driveways. They expressed frustration over the lack of planning that has left them to manage these needs themselves. One resident pointed out that heavy traffic on Kobach Road poses safety risks, particularly at the intersection with Riverside Drive, where a stoplight may be necessary to improve safety.

Concerns about population growth were also raised, with recent projections from the Alaska Department of Labor indicating a decline in the state's population, particularly in the Soldotna area, which is expected to see only a marginal increase by 2050. This has led residents to question the necessity of increasing housing density in a community that may not be experiencing significant growth.

Long-time resident Bill Coghill articulated feelings of being outmatched in the zoning debate, likening the situation to \"David versus Goliath.\" He emphasized that the proposed changes do not align with the community's long-term planning goals and could disrupt the diverse neighborhood dynamics that currently exist.

Michelle Yeager, another resident, shared personal experiences of increased vagrancy and safety concerns in the area, linking these issues to the presence of multifamily dwellings. She urged the city to consider the implications of such developments on community safety and the quality of local schools, which have struggled with overcrowding and insufficient resources.

Gene Callus, a retired state trooper, echoed these sentiments, warning that higher-density housing could exacerbate existing drug problems in the community. He highlighted the correlation between transient populations attracted to apartments and increased crime rates, stressing the need for stable, invested homeowners rather than temporary residents.

The meeting underscored a collective call for careful consideration of the proposed zoning changes, with residents advocating for a more comprehensive plan that prioritizes community safety, infrastructure needs, and the preservation of Soldotna's character.