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Assembly approves Hamilton Acres rezone for small multifamily, adds 25-foot river setback
Summary
The assembly unanimously approved an applicant-initiated rezoning in Hamilton Acres that allows multifamily buildings and requires a 25-foot waterway setback. The applicant said the project will provide accessible, elevator-served units and included $100,000 in riverbank restoration.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-19 on Aug. 28 to rezone portions of Hamilton Acres from two-family residential to multifamily residential with a 25-foot waterway setback.
Planning staff and the Planning Commission said the change is consistent with the comprehensive plan and would allow modest multifamily development where duplexes currently are permitted. Kellen Spielman and Planning Commissioner Olivia Rodriguez told the assembly the commission unanimously recommended approval after public comment and a consistency check with the borough’s plan.
Applicant Bob Hajdukovich described plans for two three-story multifamily structures with garage parking on the ground floor and accessible units above. Hajdukovich said he has invested in riverbank stabilization, including “over up to a $100,000 planting, vegetation willows…13,000 willows” along the Chena River and requested a 25-foot setback to allow basic landscaping and maintenance access. Supporters at public hearing, including Karen Milam and Charles Bettisworth, testified the units would provide needed single-level housing options for older residents.
Assembly action: Assemblymember Reeves moved adoption; the ordinance passed on a 9-0 roll call. A subsequent motion to reconsider failed.
Why it matters: The rezoning permits multifamily housing in an area identified by staff as suitable for higher-intensity development and couples zoning changes with a setback intended to protect the riverbank. Developers and neighborhood supporters framed the change as a way to add accessible housing stock without broadly changing neighborhood character.
What’s next: The applicant may move forward with detailed site plans and permitting consistent with the multifamily standard and the new waterway setback.
