ADLC Board of Adjustment approves 0.5-acre memorial parcel on 'A' Hill; county to acquire donated lands

The ADLC Board of Adjustment on July 9 approved a variance allowing the Nelson family to create and retain a 0.5-acre parcel on the community landmark known as the “A” Hill while donating the remainder of their parcel for public open space. Planning Director Carl Hamming presented the staff recommendation and said the proposed 0.5-acre parcel would measure roughly 147.58 feet by 147.58 feet. Hamming noted that burials on the parcel would be prohibited under Resolution 24-21, which requires a minimum one-acre parcel for private-property burials.

Ken Connors, the Nelsons’ attorney, told the board the family intends the half-acre to host a memorial cross and will record covenants, conditions, and restrictions to prevent residential or commercial development on the donated land. Connors said the family does not plan any burials and expects the county to preserve trail access; he also confirmed the planned cross would comply with the district’s 35-foot height limit. "They are basically just trying to do what they want to do as well as donating all the other resources and funds," Connors said.

At the public hearing Joe Romero of the Pintler Athletic Center outlined how funds related to the transaction will be used for local recreation projects and asked the board to approve the request so the parties could finalize the sale and donations. Joe Ungaretti moved to approve the variance (motion text referenced relief from Sec. 24-64 of the Code of Ordinances of ADLC); Kayla Wyant seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting packet labeled the request as Variance 25-004; the motion paperwork referenced Variance 26-004 (this discrepancy is noted in the official minutes and in the audit below).