Assembly approves sale of 30 borough parcels after amendment to legal description; Homer commenter urges conservation for ‘Kachemak sponge’ project

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on June 17 enacted Ordinance 20 25-10 to authorize the sale of 30 borough-owned parcels via a live public outcry simulcast online auction (with a secondary online-only auction), scheduled for Aug. 9.

The ordinance passed after a public comment from Jan Keiser of Homer, who asked the borough to preserve parcels near the Homer Boatyard for a nature-based stormwater project the community has pursued for years and described as the “Kachemak sponge.” Keiser said conserving certain wet parcels would help manage stormwater and capture sediment naturally and urged that the borough set aside five parcels for conservation even if two near Kachemak Drive are sold.

Assembly member Eklund moved to enact the ordinance following the grants committee report; the assembly adopted a staff-proposed technical amendment that changed the acreage and legal description for parcel PIN 11915007 (amended acreage from 3.84 to 3.45 acres and updated the legal description) by unanimous consent. After that amendment the assembly enacted the ordinance with no recorded objections.

Why it matters: the sales include five parcels proposed for the borough’s land-affordability program and proceeded after planning-commission review. Local residents and organizations involved in the Kachemak sponge effort told the assembly the project could reduce flooding and treat stormwater if key parcels are kept for conservation.

Formal actions and outcome - Motion to enact Ordinance 20 25-10 (sale of borough parcels): Mover: Assembly member Eklund. Outcome: enacted (vote by unanimous consent after amendment). - Amendment to legal description of parcel PIN 11915007 (change acreage and add detailed legal description): adopted by unanimous consent; amendment language as read into the record.

Discussion and follow-up - Assembly member Dunn said he had received requests from Homer residents and organizations asking that two parcels (PINs 17908010 and 17908011) be removed from sale to protect the Kachemak sponge concept. He said administration staff assured the assembly they were negotiating to transfer five other wetter parcels to the city or otherwise set them aside to enable the green infrastructure project. - Jan Keiser encouraged the assembly to work with Homer and local nonprofits to prioritize conservation in the area; she said she was “gratified that they are continuing” to negotiate transfers.

Provenance and next steps - The grants committee discussed the parcel sale at its meeting and reported to the assembly; the full set of sale parcels was reviewed by the borough planning commission on June 9 and sent to advisory planning commissions for comment. - The auction is scheduled for August 9; the administration will continue negotiations with the City of Homer and local stakeholders on possible transfers or conservation measures for key parcels.

Evidence: public comment from Jan Keiser and assembly committee report recorded in the June 17, 2025 assembly transcript.