Planning board approves preliminary plat for Northern Sky Estates, a two‑lot subdivision in Assembly District 5

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board on April 17 approved the preliminary plat for Northern Sky Estates, a proposed two‑lot subdivision of approximately 39.91 acres in the Fairview/Kanek area in Assembly District 5.

Matthew Goddard, a borough planning technician, told the board that the proposal would create two lots using West Big Dipper and West Milky Way Lane for access and that the petitioner proposes dedicating a 60‑foot by 354‑foot public‑use easement to provide legal access to an adjacent parcel. “In conclusion, the preliminary plat of Northern Sky Estates is consistent with Alaska statutes and borough code,” Goddard said, recommending approval with six findings of fact and seven conditions.

Goddard also noted that topographic mapping and an as‑built exhibit were submitted pursuant to borough code and that the borough Department of Public Works’ predesign and engineering division asked that the right‑of‑way dedication at the end of Big Dipper Drive be extended to allow a T turnaround meeting the 2022 Subdivision Construction Manual requirements. Planning staff additionally corrected the staff report’s earlier statement that a driveway permit was required, saying that permit language had been an error.

The petitioner’s representative, Dana of Lavender Survey and Mapping, told the board the applicant accepted the conditions of approval and asked whether the board had any questions: “We accept the conditions of approval. Is there any questions you guys have for me directly?” The board asked no further questions.

A motion to approve the preliminary plat of Northern Sky Estates, contingent on staff recommendations, was made by Planning member Chris and seconded by Planning member Sandra. The chair stated there were no objections and that the motion was approved; no roll‑call vote or tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

The staff report said 56 public notices were mailed on March 25, 2025; staff recorded two later public comments that raised no objections. The proposal was described in the staff presentation as having legal and physical access for both lots and including a topographic narrative submitted pursuant to borough code.

Planning staff reminded the board that future technical clarifications remain in the conditions: the right‑of‑way extension at Big Dipper Drive to allow an acceptable turnaround and the formal dedication of the public‑use easement intended to provide access to the adjacent parcel. The staff report and associated exhibits were cited as the basis for the recommendation.

Planning staff said no federal, state, borough department or utility objections were recorded in the staff file as of the report, and that public comments received after the report were nonobjections. The board did not add conditions beyond staff recommendations.

The board adjourned after handling the Northern Sky Estates item and other routine business; planning staff noted the board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 1 and warned the assembly’s 4:00 p.m. meeting that day could create a time constraint for finishing business.