[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6681218,"mediaKeyId","2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2","parentId",2218852,"title","Assembly approves rezoning of Benton View lots for suburban housing; easement and surplus questions remain","audioSeconds",1677,"startMs",1876000,"endMs",3553000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2&start=1876&end=3553","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2/thumbnail_1876000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6681218/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-approves-rezoning-of-Benton-View-lots-for-suburban-housing-easement-and-surplus-questions-remain","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681218-413f88e193b9a2bb7f969ec3a01e032d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171597&Signature=PzjdMn0RuyzIlHZtOWZHhpnwx8qiP76d5Hf~eXcR20qvy1NxFgaRjaSzYd5MDUksysg78mS~JOYFf98~zZUmN0o05u3RMqKkPMScVm5TVS2cMt8TkEiaJ8NJIEBpETzZMwXRy58gh26vxX3Ew2jCAa8qiHHNazCVA4TALx17C5GOyqHSj9T1q1NX3K8B9Mq0IG-qsqVn~9CLkWFfj8bWMavtqxYN1TYKwOQAWEOgPcQJm3palSN0J~Xk~VUz1o4bxwMktlS0mcTRV4chZ9fmalPW-LhT6A3sFbz3ks~s2E-~70l9IYwR~Ok4aqqM9mKMQ8tOhpQKd1Uot69OiFLX1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ketchikan Gateway Borough","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on Feb. 3 voted 7-1 to adopt Ordinance 2059, rezoning lots 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 in the Benton View Subdivision (formerly “Mile 17”) from Future Development (FD) to Suburban Residential (RS).

The rezoning applies to parcels on the northwest side of North Tongass Highway at Mile 17 and clears the way, staff said, for marketing and sale of those buildable parcels. “We are asking to rezone from the FD zone to suburban residential,” Planning Director Frank Mullen told the assembly during a second public hearing on the item.

Why it matters: The change moves borough-owned property from a transitional FD category—used where future use is undecided—into a residential designation that allows home construction and sale. Assembly members cited local housing shortages as a reason to allow residential development, while some residents and members raised concerns about traffic and infrastructure in the North Area.

What staff and the assembly said: Mullen said the borough has completed the final plat and is coordinating with a realtor to set pricing and marketing. He told the assembly he expects to be back at a future meeting with recommendations and a request for direction on the timing and manner of sale.

Several assembly members pressed on an existing 30-foot access easement that crosses Lot 7 to the adjoining Piercy property. Borough legal counsel read the easement language into the record: the grant creates a 30-foot strip, prohibits structures within it and grants the grantee the right to “trim, cut, clear trees and brush.” Assistant Manager Doug Kearney and staff said the easement is nonexclusive and preserves Mr. Piercy’s access to his waterfront parcel.

On maintenance and liability, Assistant Manager Kearney said the borough currently has no road powers in that area and therefore no obligation to maintain the easement to any specific standard. “We don't have an obligation to maintain it at any level of condition when it's slippery or anything like that,” he said. Borough counsel noted the easement refers to an access road and indicated the deed transferring a lot to a private owner would be written to require the purchaser to honor the existing easement and access rights.

Staff recommended retaining Lot 8 and Lot 4 in FD. Planning staff described Lot 8 as effectively unbuildable and proposed keeping it as green space; Lot 4 is a beachfront parcel staff recommended the borough hold pending consideration of public uses. Mullen said Lot 8 is likely to remain green space “unless somebody has a particular reason to buy Lot 8, which is not really a buildable lot.”

Next steps and follow-up items: The assembly approved the rezoning motion moved by Assemblymember Bailey and seconded by Assemblymember Thompson. Planning staff said they will return with marketing specifics and potential surplus declarations and that they will include options for neighbor notification when the borough later decides to list parcels for sale. Engineers and further information about road access were promised if the assembly wanted a maintenance agreement drafted.

Vote: Ordinance 2059 passed on second hearing by roll call (7 yes, 1 no). Recorded yes votes included Arntzen, Bowling, Otis, Bailey, Matson, Palmer and one additional member; Assemblymember Thompson recorded the lone no vote during the roll call recorded earlier in the meeting record.

Proper names mentioned: Benton View Subdivision; North Tongass Highway; Piercy (neighbor/property owner); Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

Ending: Staff will return with a proposed marketing plan, draft “subject to” deed language that references the easement, and further analysis of any recommended maintenance agreement for the access easement. Assembly members asked staff to include neighbor-notification options when the borough proposes disposal of the parcels.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ketchikan Gateway Borough - Assembly - Regular - Feb 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on Feb. 3 voted 7-1 to adopt Ordinance 2059, rezoning lots 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 in the Benton View Subdivision from Future Development to Suburban Residential.","taxTitle","Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska","taxId",27492,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6681208,"At a glance: Key votes and motions from the Feb. 3 Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly meeting",2058,3343000,5401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2&start=3343&end=5401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2/thumbnail_3343000.jpg","/articles/6681208/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/At-a-glance-Key-votes-and-motions-from-the-Feb-3-Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough-Assembly-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681208-cace5b6aad614e90012cbe2456cecc06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171597&Signature=ckCCWNmpGHuJ~YBj2sv2toZYlVOv6jnNP-8~F4ZZPMnQOO9h~sAfX5TTYy66iuP79wUtfyZQ4SSRpKlNmE2OH9YGO5I25TK4DA50RXNYaPTQGRaaEMKqe73Mj9i3tgHe1JN0SB6GkhfrVw0Uia6n0gVNLtQdD3Gf7KOPi0HAF1o3PELqDgdesb4CQdIeXJ0ioQZgT6sVMPrKyMxiZ6F2GnVgbW6LC7de8TvgGUHRJZtzMxTQaA6lJotZI9kczFWNMivAKhPU6j4r87oPGEcvxghKK~WTfTVetSymExaVOokTf3Ef8fvuG0E3HmNNF4Avuq~uViJAVEL6rS9yoSXbCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly took multiple formal actions on Feb. 3. Below are the key motions, motions' outcomes, vote tallies where recorded and brief context.

Ordinance 2059 — Rezoning (Adopted)
- Action: Adopted Ordinance 2059 rezoning lots 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of Benton View Subdivision from Future Development (FD) to Suburban Residential (RS).
- Motion: Moved by Assemblymember Bailey; seconded by Assemblymember Thompson.
- Vote: Passed 7–1 on roll call; yes votes recorded for Arntzen, Bowling, Otis, Bailey, Matson, Palmer and one additional member; Thompson cast the lone recorded no vote.

Acceptance of claims (Approved)
- Action: Approved presented claims totaling $3,835,697.89.
- Motion: Moved by Assemblymember Thompson; seconded.
- Vote: Passed on roll call; recorded yeas include Bailey, Matson, Palmer, Arntzen, Bowling, Otis and others (roll-call recorded in meeting minutes).

Congressional directed spending requests — Resolutions 3106, 3107, 3108 (Approved; 3108 substitute adopted)
- Action: Assembly approved resolutions authorizing submission of requests for congressionally directed spending (CDS) to Senator Lisa Murkowski for FY2026. Items included funding requests for North Tongass Fire Station No. 6, Forest Park Drive wastewater main replacement, and Gateway Recreation Center expansion.
- Procedure note: The assembly divided the package to consider items individually and adopted Resolution 3106 and 3107 following debate. Resolution 3108 was adopted as a substitute after clerical corrections and softened recital language.
- Votes: Each resolution carried; some members voiced opposition to earmarks generally (Thompson recorded several “no” votes during debate on earmarks).

Federal policy issue statements (Approved)
- Action: The assembly approved a set of federal policy issue statements for use by borough staff and officials in advocacy with federal agencies and the borough's congressional delegation.
- Notable debate: Assemblymember Thompson moved to strike a childcare stabilization item from the list, arguing child care is primarily a state/local issue; the motion to strike failed. The final motion to approve the federal policy statements passed (five yes, two no recorded on final motion).

Consent calendar (Approved as amended)
- Action: The consent calendar was approved as amended. Staff removed one resolution for separate consideration and the assembly approved the remaining routine items including minutes, liquor license reviews and administrative matters.

Ordinance 2060 — Cruise-ship onboard sales tax exemption (Introduced; public hearing set)
- Action: The assembly introduced Ordinance 2060 to remove the borough sales-tax exemption for sales of goods occurring aboard cruise ships.
- Motion: Moved by Assemblymember Bowling; seconded by Assemblymember Palmer.
- Amendment: Assemblymember Thompson moved and the body adopted an amendment to require a public hearing on Feb. 24, 2025.
- Next step: The ordinance was introduced and will return for public hearing on Feb. 24, 2025 for further debate and possible adoption.

Consent-item notes and process: Several consent items, including resolutions authorizing submission of CDS requests, were pulled and considered individually at the request of assembly members. Where staff recommended clerical changes or substitutes (for example Resolution 3108), the assembly adopted substitutes after clarification by the clerk and staff.

Ending: For items adopted without final funding specifics (for example CDS requests), staff noted further project-level details would be provided if and when federal funds are awarded. The assembly also requested staff follow up on fiscal and implementation specifics for items such as the Gateway Recreation Center expansion and cruise-ship sales-tax changes.","The assembly approved a package of routine consent items and several targeted resolutions, adopted a rezoning ordinance for the Benton View subdivision, approved claims totaling $3,835,697.89 and introduced an ordinance removing the cruise-ship onboard sales exemption with a Feb. 24 public hearing set.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6681213,"Engineers to return after geotechnical tests show poor soils under skate park site; roof project’s feasibility in doubt",303,1634000,1937000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2&start=1634&end=1937","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218852-a72bad6560ab555ca97ffb9f0fdff3d2/thumbnail_1634000.jpg","/articles/6681213/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Engineers-to-return-after-geotechnical-tests-show-poor-soils-under-skate-park-site-roof-projects-feasibility-in-doubt","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681213-c76f52b7452723173786482c355e10e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171597&Signature=iSMUlP6VOgPScnIOwv03JpvZOLn~TX9Si5GHwQh-ySZrDE2bRxGgZ5gzX0A15~5SNBMlQmPkONv7JSXn9wMr3vVMZrxcS9mnkdyTOHMcQTmYNSCdeqVx-W2voVZdaZR9eOA6Dx0biYOmK6vy21-uuI9YknmJrpkY-XmH8uB5waYuz-QED0fZg5FE778R5a1vK-7tjN9-baTy8t9Zo3GR~NQ0oZZIcN6Cik8HY~UoubvRytJKaDOMEnAaRC0apqibPZZ0JF9MUa6vf1X3rb15U1q1SNKgPCcDt5djWXgiUIzXa7flBP2SMD3wEGaKIjAsEPiMx-dDwaNsJha~7sireA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Public Works Department informed the assembly on Feb. 3 that geotechnical testing at the skate park site uncovered loose, deep riverine soils that complicate plans to build a permanent roof over the facility.

Morgan Berry, Public Works Director, said the soils extend about 57 feet below the structure level and are “likely riverine soils” that are unconsolidated. “If they were consolidated, then there wouldn't be as much issue… but the fact that they're loose means that some of the different technologies that could be used to put in, say, piling underneath that structure would then have to be extended much further down,” Berry said.

Why it matters: The finding raises the cost of foundation work—either driving longer piles or increasing the size and frequency of bearing members—making the roofing project more expensive than originally budgeted. Berry told the assembly the price point may not be reasonable to the borough and that staff will present more information at the Feb. 24 meeting.

Assembly questions and staff response: Assemblymembers asked whether funds already allocated for the roof could be repurposed if the roof is “axed.” Assemblymember Otis and others suggested staff should present options for alternate uses of the funds, such as other recreation projects or a rec center expansion, at the next meeting. Berry and assistant manager Doug Kearney confirmed engineers would attend the Feb. 24 meeting to provide detailed recommendations.

Technical detail: The geotechnical review found deep deposits of loose soil beneath the site—Berry cited an estimated depth of about 57 feet—and explained that loose soils would require deeper piling or heavier structural members to transfer loads to competent strata.

Next steps: Engineering consultants will be asked to return on Feb. 24 with options and cost estimates, and the assembly requested staff include alternative uses for the budgeted funds if the roof project is not feasible at an acceptable cost.

Ending: Borough staff characterized the current outlook as unfavorable for a roof at a reasonable price and will present engineers' findings and alternatives at the next assembly meeting.","Public works told the assembly that subsurface conditions at the borough skate-park site likely make construction of a roof cost-prohibitive. Staff will bring engineers and more details to the Feb. 24 meeting and the assembly discussed redirecting funds to other recreation priorities if the roof is abandoned.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly approves rezoning of Benton View lots for suburban housing; easement and surplus questions remain

At a glance: Key votes and motions from the Feb. 3 Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly meeting

Engineers to return after geotechnical tests show poor soils under skate park site; roof project’s feasibility in doubt