Board approves Cove at Jean Lake preliminary plat for 33 lots after public environmental concerns

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board on March 6 approved the preliminary plat for The Cove at Jean Lake, a gated subdivision that would create 33 lots on about 128.37 acres, subject to staff conditions.

Chris Kerlin, planning staff, told the board the proposed subdivision would create "33 lots ranging in size from 1.33 acres to 54.55 acres." He said lots would take access from West Long Lake Road (a state-maintained road) and internal roads would be private. Kerlin reported that a soils report by Bill Klipasaddle concluded each lot meets the borough's minimum 10,000-square-foot usable building area and contiguous septic area requirements. He also noted that 97 public notices were mailed on Feb. 11, 2025, and that six additional comments had been received after the staff report was prepared.

At the start of the item, a planning staff member (Mr. Wagner) clarified DOT involvement: "DOT can make requirements and they can make recommendations. If they require something like the shared access, they control the access. If they're going to require that then we have to make that a condition of approval. If they recommend something, it's kind of up to the petitioner." Kerlin said staff proposed two additional conditions during the meeting: (1) require a private road maintenance agreement to be provided to planning staff and (2) increase the flag width of Lot B4B to 60 feet or greater.

Paul Pilch, surveyor of record, described the site and noted the gated entrance will be set more than 100 feet inside the Long Lake Road right-of-way. He also said a long-standing gravel pit on adjoining land is expected to be reclaimed and may remain as an undeveloped tract. Tim Potter, a nearby property owner, testified in opposition and urged more consolidation of waterfront lots and stronger protections for Jean Lake, saying, "Jean Lake is a small lake, shallow, and does not have an inflow or an outflow," and warning that a concentration of septic systems and changes to shoreline vegetation could increase risks of algae blooms and long-term water-quality decline.

The petitioner's representative said they accept staff recommendations and conditions. A planning member moved to approve the preliminary plat "contingent on staff recommendations 1 through 12." The motion was seconded; after discussion about potential voluntary lot consolidations between neighbors and the developer, the board voted to approve the preliminary plat. Kerlin had stated the plat "is consistent with state statues and borough code" in his report.

Approval is preliminary; final subdivision approval remains subject to the listed conditions, the required private road maintenance documentation, the increased flag width for Lot B4B, and any further permits or approvals required by state or federal agencies.