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Commission fails to recommend sale of Excursion Inlet parcel after floodplain, access concerns
Summary
The commission considered a resident's request to negotiate purchase of a borough parcel at Excursion Inlet but voted 2–4 against recommending sale after questions about floodplain/uplands, adjacent cabins and public notice; commissioners asked for more on-the-ground information if the matter returns.
The planning commission declined to recommend that the assembly consider selling a borough-owned parcel at Excursion Inlet after commissioners raised concerns about tidal influence, uplands, and impacts to adjacent cabin owners.
Samuel Irwin told the commission he wanted the parcel as a stopping point for fishing trips and to build a small storage shed. Irwin said he lives in Juneau and has only floated past the lot; he told the commission he would be willing to participate in a negotiated sale or open bid process.
Commissioners asked whether uplands exist on the parcel and noted satellite imagery suggests the lot includes river floodplain and beach at higher tides. Commissioner 4 (who voted no) said selling wetlands and tidelands without confirming uplands or talking to adjacent landowners was inappropriate. Planning staff confirmed postcards were mailed to adjacent property owners but said no responses had been received.
The commission moved to recommend the assembly classify parcel B-EXN-120500 for sale and as personal recreation use, but a roll-call vote recorded two yes and four no, causing the motion to fail. Commissioners asked staff to include the planning commission’s concerns in any record and to invite more site-specific information (photos, elevation survey) if the matter returns to the commission.
Why it matters: The parcel is adjacent to private cabins, may include tidal/floodplain terrain, and selling it without confirming uplands could affect adjacent-property access and public trust resources.
What’s next: The motion failed; commissioners suggested the applicant or staff supply additional on-site photos, surveys or other evidence of uplands should the assembly ask for a recommendation again.
