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Resident urges review of 'Eagle Exit' annexation; commissioners agree to follow up
Summary
A resident told the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission about efforts to separate from Anchorage (called 'Eagle Exit' and an annexation petition). Commissioners agreed to schedule an informational session and consider a draft resolution for the assembly; staff noted ballot deadlines in August.
Ken McCarty told the planning commission on June 15 that a group is exploring options to separate from Anchorage or pursue annexation to the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough, and he urged the commission to consider the proposal more fully.
"What this is is a condensed version of close to 800 pages," McCarty said, describing materials he provided for commissioners. He said the group had considered two avenues — an effort called the Eagle Exit and an annexation request to the borough — and that prior procedural steps had been taken with the boundary commission and the borough assembly. McCarty asserted the packet he presented shows "a little over $19,000,000 would come into the borough" and that "27,000,000 goes to the school district," figures he said could benefit the borough and schools if the change proceeded.
Commissioners and staff discussed next steps. Several commissioners said they wanted more time and a more structured informational session rather than only a three‑minute public comment. Planning Director Alex Strahan suggested the commission could hold an extended informational presentation under staff or commission business and prepare a draft resolution for the assembly. He noted ballot timing constraints: "I know to get anything on the ballot has to be, I think, the 2nd meeting in August," he said, indicating schedule pressure if the commission wanted to move quickly.
Commissioners agreed to place the item on a future agenda for a longer presentation and to consider drafting a resolution that could be forwarded to the assembly if the commission supported it. A clerk‑style roll call in the transcript confirmed at least some commissioners will put the topic on the July 20 agenda for further discussion.
What happens next: staff and commissioners said they will arrange a detailed informational session and may bring a draft resolution for commission consideration; any ballot or assembly action would follow separate assembly review and required deadlines.
