Historic preservation commission says it cannot concur with DOT’s Mini Street finding, sends letter

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Dec. 2 to send a formal comment to the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) saying it cannot concur with DOT’s finding that the proposed Mini Street improvements would have no adverse effect on historic properties. Commissioner Patty Pearsall moved the commission adopt a draft letter urging DOT to provide the contractor’s report, maps and supporting materials; the motion passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote.

The commission’s letter, drafted by the chair and discussed at the meeting, says commissioners were not given the contractor’s report and therefore have “no way of confirming if the contractor’s efforts were adequate or their recommendations justified,” and that without the report the commission ‘‘cannot concur with DOT’s findings regarding identification of features or their eligibility for the National Register.” The draft also notes the commission believes a strong case could be made that the Slaterville neighborhood — including the Mini Street corridor — may be eligible as a historic district.

Commission members said the packet presented text from the nomination and lists of photos and maps but lacked the contractor’s original report, which the commission said is necessary to evaluate DOT’s methods and conclusions. Commissioner Josh (Joshua) seconded the motion to send the letter; the clerk recorded the unanimous vote.

The chair and staff said the commission can request DOT resend procedural correspondence directly to the commission in future so the commission receives materials in a timely manner. The chair and staff also said DOT remains responsible for complying with Section 106 review procedures and that the commission’s request is to see the underlying documentation before issuing concurrence.

The commission’s action is procedural: it requests more documentation and registers non-concurrence pending review. It did not veto or halt project permitting; DOT retains responsibility for any further planning or approvals. The clerk will transmit the adopted letter to DOT and staff said the commission may amend or supplement the comment after reviewing the contractor’s report if it is later provided.