Planning board approves extension, adds three phases to Grizzly Hills 2 amid resident concerns about roads

The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Planning Board approved an extension to Feb. 14, 2029, and the addition of three phases to the Grizzly Hills 2 preliminary plat, planning staff said.

Planning staff member Chris Kurland told the board the master plan—covering about 117.17 acres north of East Dale Circle and east of North Covington Street—was originally approved in February 2020 and that an administrative extension through Feb. 14, 2028, had been granted in February 2026. "Staff recommends approval of the extension to 02/14/2029 and the addition of 3 phases to the preliminary plat of Grizzly Hills 2 master plan," Kurland said.

The recommendation cited borough code governing extensions (MSB Title 43) and noted that design features of the preliminary plat have not changed. Staff reported no objections from federal or state agencies or utilities and said pre‑design and engineering staff had no objection to the additional phases or the deadline extension. The planning report also noted that the borough has identified extension of Covington Street North to Wasilla Fishhook as a priority for future road buildout.

Resident Jennifer Deason spoke during the public hearing. "I'm not opposed to the continuation," she said, "but my issue is that this board keeps approving subdivision after subdivision, and your counterparts on the road side of things are not keeping up with your approvals." Deason said she was told the Texel extension is not expected to start until 2027 and urged better coordination between planning approvals and road construction.

Planning member Gary Gilson described why developers seek additional phases and more time: "They just wanna be able to break it up so that they can do a smaller phase, not expend so much money, and not flood the area with lots that aren't being absorbed," he said, noting rising building costs and slow absorption as drivers of the request.

Board members and staff also discussed secondary issues raised in the staff report and public comment: whether cluster‑box unit locations (CBUs) are a platting issue or a separate encroachment/USPS coordination matter, and how dedicated open space or lots typically transfer to homeowners associations after phases are recorded. Staff noted CBUs are not required under Title 43 and that encroachment permits and coordination with the United States Postal Service are handled separately.

A planning member moved to approve the extension to 02/14/2029 and add three phases to the Grizzly Hills 2 preliminary plat, contingent on staff recommendations 1–7; the motion was seconded and passed with no objections recorded on the transcript.

The board’s approval allows the developer additional time to stage buildout of the subdivision; there was no vote tally recorded in the transcript. The planning board proceeded to other business and adjourned at 1:32 p.m.