Planning board vacates 30‑foot roadway easement, approves plat with conditions

The Anchorage Planning Board on June 17 approved vacating a 30‑foot roadway easement along the eastern and northern boundary of a proposed lot and approved the associated preliminary plat subject to staff conditions.

Staff said the easement was surplus — it does not connect to other rights of way and would not be needed for future vehicle circulation — and recommended approval with a condition that the petitioner record a shared access agreement (for the neighboring lot at 3345 Lakeshore Drive) before plat recording. Staff also recommended specific drainage and plat note conditions found in the staff packet.

A nearby resident identified in the record as Kristin testified she and other homeowners understood the easement provided a vegetated buffer and said tree clearing had increased surface water into backyards; she asked the board to preserve the easement. Staff and board members clarified that clearing could occur regardless of this action and that a drainage plan and setback requirements will be required during subsequent development review.

Board members said the easement is surplus to public need, that utilities and access would be maintained, and that the vacated area would be incorporated into the lot to facilitate residential development. Mr. Jones moved approval of the vacation and plat; Mr. Mirka seconded and the motions passed. The board recorded the approvals subject to the conditions on Page 5 of the staff report.

The decision includes standard plat recording steps and stipulates that drainage and site plan details will be evaluated in later development review.