Platting board continues Feather Lake, approves Ursula Acres and Blair Residence

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Platting Board on Feb. 4 continued the Feather Lake preliminary plat to the March 19 meeting at the petitioner’s request and approved two other plat actions: Ursula Acres (two lots) and the Blair Residence drainage-easement revision.

Feather Lake: Planning staff (Kami/Kimmy Reynolds) reported that the petitioner requested a continuance to March 19 to add one additional 10-acre lot and finalize design details. Dana Rumfelt of Lavender Survey and Mapping, representing the petitioner, said wetlands work has been done and that the Corps of Engineers permit is approved pending final filing. Board member (speaker 3) moved to continue the plat to March 19; the motion was seconded and passed.

Ursula Acres: Staff reported the two-lot Ursula Acres preliminary plat (~39.98 acres) included a 30-foot easement dedication for West Sunshine Road and a topographic narrative; Alaska Department of Fish and Game noted potential fish-bearing tributary and that a fish-habitat permit may be required. No agency objections were recorded at the time of the staff report. Nick, the surveyor, thanked staff and offered to answer questions. The board approved the preliminary plat contingent on staff findings of fact and conditions 1–8.

Blair Residence: The board considered a request to vacate an existing drainage easement on Lot 4 and dedicate a new drainage easement along Lot 3. Planning staff read three public objections raising concerns about erosion, previously filled easements, and potential flooding of neighboring lots. Neighbor Steven Duffin testified that prior fill on Lot 4 caused standing water and tree loss on his Lot 3. Dana Rumfelt, representing the petitioner, said PD&E had been on-site, that the replacement easement was larger and requested by PD&E, and that the petitioner intended the change to improve drainage. Board members asked for elevation and contour clarification; Fred Wagner showed contour imagery and PD&E commentary on the record. After discussion, the board approved the preliminary plat for Blair Residence contingent on staff recommendations 1–6.

The board reviewed scheduling and staff reminded members that the next packet includes three cases for the Feb. 18 meeting; the chair then adjourned the meeting at 2:04 p.m.

Actions recorded at the meeting include the continuance of Feather Lake to March 19 and approvals of Ursula Acres and Blair Residence, all with the staff-recommended conditions noted in the staff reports.