Wasilla planning commission approves small assisted‑living facility, KinWell

The Wasilla Planning Commission on Jan. 13 approved a conditional use permit allowing a small assisted‑living facility to occupy roughly 2,000 square feet of an existing commercial building at Wasilla Air Park (300 West Watson Avenue). The permit, CUP 2505 (Resolution 2601), authorizes a residential care use limited to a maximum of five residents with one to two staff on duty and was approved by roll call vote after staff recommended approval with conditions.

The proposal was presented by the city planner and by applicant Kira Thompson, who said she owns the Swanson Mall and the existing daycare operating in the same building. Thompson said the assisted‑living operation will be called KinWell Assisted Living and will operate independently from the daycare (Carousel Kids Learning Center LLC) in a separate portion of the structure. "It's gonna be called KinWell Assisted Living," Thompson said, describing a small‑scale, family‑style operation with homemade meals, common areas and private spaces for residents.

Staff's report noted the facility would occupy about 2,000 square feet and that the remainder of the building continues to house the daycare (about 4,500–4,600 square feet as described by the applicant). Staff reported mailed notice to 62 surrounding property owners within 1,200 feet and sent requests for comment to 27 utilities, departments and agencies; no public opposition was recorded in the packet. The planner identified open conditions required before occupancy, including compliance with fire, building and life‑safety codes as determined by the fire marshal's office (recorded in the record as "Matt Sueborough Fire Chief's Office"), any required building permits, documentation of adequate wastewater disposal if the existing private septic system is to be used, and submission and approval of an updated parking plan.

The commission asked clarifying questions about the site (identified by Commissioner DeYoung as the building behind Hooligan), parking mitigation (discussion of physical barriers such as jersey blocks or barrels), ownership records (questions about TW Holdings and whether Thompson is recorded as owner), and the timeline for state licensing. Thompson said she planned administrator training beginning in February and anticipated submitting for state approval after architectural and contractor work; she estimated a six‑to‑eight month timeframe before receiving state approval and said no residents would move in before all approvals were complete.

Commissioner Stafford moved to approve CUP 2505 (Resolution 2601); Commissioner Brown seconded. The planning clerk called the roll: Stafford — Yes; Brown — Yes; Langel — With reservations, Yes; DeYoung — Yes; Seals — Yes. The motion carried and the resolution was approved and adopted. The commission and staff emphasized that all resolution conditions remain binding and must be satisfied prior to occupancy.

What happens next: the applicant must complete required plan review and building permit work, address any fire marshal requirements, demonstrate adequate wastewater disposal (if using private septic), and obtain any necessary state licensing and approvals before occupancy. The planner indicated staff will ensure the required conditions are checked before the use may begin operating.

The meeting packet and minutes list the item as Conditional Use Permit 2505, Resolution serial number 2601; specific permit, building‑permit and state licensing steps were described as prerequisites to occupancy and are recorded in the commission's conditions.