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Anchorage planning board declines to vacate Shawn Street right-of-way after contested hearing
Summary
The Anchorage Planning Board voted against vacating a 60-foot Shawn Street right-of-way (case S12860) after staff and multiple municipal agencies said the easement is not surplus to city needs; petitioners and neighbors clashed with the Native Village of Eklutna and staff over future access and possible commercial use.
The Anchorage Planning Board on March 4, 2026 declined to vacate a 60-foot right-of-way for Shawn Street in case S12860 after extended testimony from the petitioner, neighbors and a tribal representative and a staff recommendation to deny the request.
Staff told the board the municipal reviewing agencies — traffic engineering, right-of-way, street maintenance and private development — had raised objections and that the Official Streets and Highways Plan (OSH&P) classifies the reserve as a local street intended to preserve future connectivity. "The applicant has not demonstrated that the right-of-way is in excess of municipal needs," planning staff said, recommending denial.
Petitioner Jonathan Lang, representing Julie Jorlette and Sean and Laurie Barnett, argued the board should find both "legal and buildable access" exists to the lots north of the subject properties via existing 50-foot patent reservations. Lang asked the board to adopt findings that…
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