Assembly introduces rezoning for Benton View (mile 17), sets second hearing for Feb. 3

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on Jan. 21 introduced Ordinance 2059 to rezone lots 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the Benton View subdivision (mile 17) from Future Development (FD) to Suburban Residential (RS) and scheduled a second public hearing for Feb. 3, 2025.

Planning Director Frank Maloney described the subdivision and the rezoning request, noting that FD is used as a transitional or recreation-oriented holding zone and that the requested RS zoning would change residential density from one dwelling per lot to two and impose minimum lot sizes and standard residential setbacks. “The proposal is to rezone to a residential zone,” Maloney said, and added that the planning commission had recommended approval after finding the rezoning compatible with the borough comprehensive plan.

Assemblymembers asked staff about adjacent FD parcels and whether the rezoning would create a spot zone. Maloney said most property north of the area remains FD and that rezoning the full chunk makes spot zoning unlikely; he also described topographic differences on Lot 4, which will remain FD because of steep slopes and access to beach frontage.

Assemblymember Matson moved to introduce Ordinance 2059 and set a second public hearing on Feb. 3, 2025; Assemblymember Bailey seconded. The clerk’s office reported that property-owner notifications were mailed with no responses received. The roll call approved the introduction 7–0 and the item was set for the hearing on Feb. 3.

The packet notes that proceeds from any future sale of the property remain to be determined by the assembly; staff suggested replenishing the land-trust account for the land’s original value ($1,000,000) and letting remaining proceeds be allocated by the assembly. Final disposition of sale proceeds and the ultimate zone outcome for adjacent parcels were not decided at the hearing.