Planning board continues review of Smith's Subdivision after residents raise safety, water and wetlands concerns

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board on July 3 continued consideration of the preliminary plat for Smith's Subdivision, a proposal to divide one parcel of about 474.893 acres into 57 lots, to its August 7 meeting at the petitioner’s request and per staff recommendation.

Planning technician Matthew Goddard told the board the petitioner requested a continuance to allow time to address comments from the borough Department of Public Works, pre-design and engineering division and to provide a revised drainage plan. Goddard said a revised plat and plan/profile were submitted too late to include in the July packet and planning staff therefore recommended the hearing be moved to August 7. Staff also reported that 85 public notices were mailed regarding the case on June 10, 2025.

The board opened the item for public testimony and heard more than a dozen residents and trail users who described concerns about traffic and parking near trailheads, seasonal drainage and wetlands, septic systems and groundwater, and…