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Commission opens debate on rezoning 81-acre city parcel; moves into adjudicative session
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Summary
The commission discussed a proposal to rezone part of an 81-acre city-owned parcel at 10060 Kenai Spur Highway from conservation to suburban residential, heard neighbor objections and city-manager support, considered an amendment to rural-residential zoning, and then entered an adjudicative session to perform findings of fact before resuming deliberations.
The Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission on April 29 opened a public hearing on Resolution PZ2026-08, an administration-requested rezoning of a portion of an 81-acre city-owned parcel at 10060 Kenai Spur Highway from conservation to suburban residential.
Planning staff said the Federal Aviation Administration granted a deed-of-release in 2025 that removed aeronautical restrictions on the parcel and that approximately 10–15 upland acres of the 81-acre tract may be suitable for low- to medium-density residential development. Staff noted city utilities are available at Princess Lane and Magic Avenue and recommended the commission forward a recommendation to city council. The staff report described the parcel’s large drainage areas and wetlands and said a majority of the parcel would remain open space.
Neighbor Lisa Coates, who said she lives at 410 Magic Avenue adjacent to the site, said she is not opposed to development generally but urged rezoning that recognizes wetlands and rural character. Coates asked the commission to consider replatting and zoning the buildable portion as rural residential-1 (RR1) rather than suburban residential, citing undeveloped gravel roads, potential smoke impacts from a nearby fire-training facility, stress on infrastructure, and habitat for wildlife.
City Manager Terry Eubank urged rezoning a portion to suburban residential to reduce barriers to housing development, citing a 2025 community survey that found 74% of respondents see a housing availability and affordability problem and arguing that smaller minimum lot sizes make subdivision more economically feasible. Commissioners discussed dwelling-unit allowances and minimum lot sizes across RS, RR, and RR1 zones, traffic and road upgrades, and whether an amendment to rezone to RR (rural residential) would better balance resident concerns and development feasibility. A commissioner moved and a second supported an amendment to change the proposal to RR.
Before a final vote, a commissioner moved to enter an adjudicative session under Alaska Stat. 44.62.030(1)(d) to perform judicial functions and make findings of fact; the motion was seconded, unanimous consent was granted, and the commission recessed for the adjudicative session with the intent to return to regular session for further action.
