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Planning & Zoning roundup: plats, leases and zoning moves forwarded to Assembly
Summary
The commission approved preliminary plats for the CBW Deep Water Port and Woodbury subdivisions, recommended a JAG Marine Group lease, approved an ordinance to establish Timber Management zoning for Earl West, and approved a right‑of‑way vacation request; most motions passed unanimously or by polled vote.
At its Jan. 22 meeting, the Wrangell Planning & Zoning Commission advanced multiple land‑use items to the Borough Assembly and approved several administrative actions.
What passed: The commission approved findings of fact and the preliminary plat for the CBW Deep Water Port Subdivision (creating Parcels A and B) and approved the Woodbury Subdivision preliminary plat (Lot 5A into Lots 5A‑1 and 5A‑2). Commissioners voted unanimously on both plats. Staff noted the CBW plat requires an easement between Parcel A and the Zimovia Highway right‑of‑way to preserve future access and utilities, and the Woodbury plat requires a driveway permit for Bennet Street.
The commission also recommended that the Borough Assembly approve JAG Marine Group’s request to lease multiple waterfront parcels and tidelands at the Six‑Mile Deep Water Port to support a proposed shipyard; the motion passed in a polled vote with all commissioners in favor. Staff said infrastructure upgrades will be necessary to support JAG’s operations and that JAG has expressed interest in local workforce development and potential housing partnerships to secure residential units before on‑site staffing increases.
On a privately petitioned item, the commission approved a request from Frank Warfel Jr. to vacate a portion of the A Street public right‑of‑way to consolidate adjacent parcels. Warfel said he would cover survey costs. Staff summarized a 25‑year history of unresolved property access issues in the area; neighbors were consulted and an initial objection by adjacent owner Richard Kerr was withdrawn after modifications to the proposal. An amendment to table the item failed; the original motion to approve the vacation passed by majority (Watfel, Hutchinson and Privett yes; Chair Henson and St. Clair no).
The commission also moved to recommend adoption of Ordinance No. 1089 to establish a Timber Management zoning designation for the Earl West subdivision as an initial zoning for entitlement lands. Staff clarified that Timber Management zoning would not preclude recreational use or timber contracts (those would require Assembly approval), and noted State Division of Forestry harvest plans in the area. The ordinance recommendation passed by polled vote with all commissioners in favor.
Nominations and adjournment: Jill Privett nominated Terri Henson as Chair and Jill Privett as Vice Chair; nominations were approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Next steps: Plat approvals and lease recommendations are forwarded to the Borough Assembly for final action where applicable; staff identified required easements, permits and infrastructure evaluations as follow‑up items.
