Riverfront commission recommends rezoning Hamilton Acres parcels to multifamily with 25-foot river setback

The Chena Riverfront Commission voted 7-0 on June 10 to recommend that borough planning staff consider rezone application RZ2025-004, submitted by Robert Hajdukovich of Upriver Estates LLC, to change several lots in the Hamilton Acres subdivision from two‑family residential to multifamily residential and to apply a 25‑foot waterway setback along the Chena River.

The recommendation, moved and seconded during a special meeting, sends the application to the borough Planning Commission for formal review; the Planning Commission has set a hearing on July 8, staff said.

Why it matters: The change would allow small multifamily buildings (the applicant proposes two structures with four dwelling units each) on riverfront parcels while formally establishing a larger setback from the river than current rules. Staff and the applicant said the overlay is intended to protect riverbank habitat and limit structural development in flood-prone areas.

Commission staff said the application is supported by the goals of the Chena Riverfront Plan and the borough comprehensive plan and that a formal staff report will be published before the Planning Commission hearing. "This does seem very supportable," said Kellen, a borough planning staff…