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Planning board approves Port of Anchorage preliminary plat after debate over 'floating' DOT right-of-way note
Summary
The Anchorage Municipality Planning Board approved a preliminary plat for about 48 acres at the Port of Anchorage that creates two new tracts, one intended for parkland; residents objected to a plan note referencing a 'floating' DOT right-of-way for a possible future bridge, and staff said the note documents an existing easement rather than creating a new obligation.
The Anchorage Municipality Planning Board on July 1 approved a preliminary plat for a roughly 48‑acre subdivision at the Port of Anchorage that will create two new tracts, one of which is planned for parks and recreation. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions, including dedication of 30 feet of right-of-way, and the board voted to approve the plat for a 24‑month period.
The matter drew public comment from Bob French, a Government Hill resident, who urged the board to remove a plan note that references a floating right-of-way for a proposed bridge. "I can tell you a lot of the toll revenue plans that were produced by Wilbur Smith associates. Frankly, fraudulent as an engineer, I can tell you that it's what call reverse engineering," French said, arguing the bridge is not in state transportation plans and currently lacks funding.
During board questions staff said the plat note does not create a new right or a separate eminent‑domain authority; it records an easement carried forward from earlier plats and state documents. A staff speaker explained the floating right-of-way is an informational notation that reflects an existing easement on a state (DOT) plat rather than a newly imposed municipal obligation.
Petitioners' representative Jeremy Hurst said the petitioner had no substantive objections to the staff conditions and confirmed the applicant would accept the recommendations in the report. Port representatives asked that staff and the Alaska Department of Transportation discuss the wording so a note would not unintentionally undermine the long-term viability of the proposed park should a fully funded project ever proceed.
Board members debated whether removing the plan note would make a practical difference. "Even if we were to do that, it would only be for entertainment purposes because it exists on the state plan, which supersedes us," one commissioner said, noting the state plat remains controlling for that easement. Given that explanation, the board moved and approved the preliminary plat with the staff conditions.
The rezone of one track to parks and recreation is scheduled for a subsequent rezone hearing Monday, staff said. The board closed the public hearing on this item and proceeded to the next agenda items.
