A conceptual plat to result in 53 lots at 600 Yaw Drive, a minor subdivision at Ring Island, and a zoning text amendment to allow for onsite marijuana consumption facilities were approved by the Planning Commission at its regular meeting Wednesday.
The Commission also adopted findings about its denial of a variance request at 112 and 116 Nancy Court, last addressed in the April 2 meeting.
In her planning director’s report, Amy Ainslie said the department will send out mail on Wednesdays instead of Fridays, after receiving reports of delays in mail notices sent to residents affected by agenda items.
All Commission members were present and voted unanimously.
Yaw Drive 53-Lot Conceptual Plat
The Commission reviewed preliminary plans filed by Lucas Goddard of Baranof Island Housing Authority for turning a largely undeveloped 11-acre parcel at 600 Yaw Drive, in the R-2 MHP multifamily and mobile home district, into 53 lots.
Goddard testified that the project is in partnership with Sitka Tribe of Alaska, which would own half of the lots for its subsidized housing program for tribal citizens. BIHA would own the other lots, selling some and developing the rest for renting or selling.
The Commission identified trash management as the biggest area of concern. Goddard responded that he’s managed trash responsibly by trimming nearby foliage and securing personal trash through use of clamps or bear trash cans.
Wendy Alderson and Stacy Mudry suggested a centralized trash collection system to avoid over-reliance on individual trash management.
Commissioners also brought up the property’s proximity to the Cross Trail. Goddard said the property intersects with an easement of the Cross Trail, which is not an official section of the trail, but Katie Riley said that it’s still used as part of the Cross Trail, and she would like to see “some thought go into a solution here.”
In a public comment, Thomas Young Circle resident Beau Hendrick said he’s concerned about BIHA running out of money halfway through the project and leaving the area in worse condition than before. He also said BIHA currently owns undeveloped lots in that area, so he doesn’t see the need for an additional 53 lots.
Cliff Richter, BIHA’s executive director, told Hendrick that BIHA is waiting for bids from contractors before presenting a final plan. BIHA is “not going to put a shovel in the ground until we have an idea of what we can afford,” Richter said. “We will not bite off more than we can chew.”
Goddard also noted that the undeveloped lots are intentionally left vacant so BIHA can sell them to finance the Yaw Drive development.
The conceptual plat was approved, and BIHA representatives will meet with the city regularly moving forward to finalize their proposal.
Ring Island Minor Subdivision
Paul Blankenship and Justin Brown filed a preliminary plat to subdivide their co-owned property at Ring Island, in the General Island district, into three lots.
All three lots would have access to power and water lines, and a proposed septic system would service Lots 1 and 2. Only Lots 1 and 2 have dock access, which worried commissioners in case Lot 3 is sold to a different owner in the future.
After city staff said they would work with applicants in developing easement policies if needed, the preliminary plat was granted.
On-site Marijuana Consumption Zoning Text Amendment
Elizabeth and Marty Martin applied to allow for on-site marijuana consumption facilities in the zoning code. They plan on constructing a marijuana retail facility with an outdoor on-site consumption area, though that was not included in the agenda item.
The legal guidance includes the 2019 Alaska state law that allowed for on-site marijuana consumption facilities, which Sitka has not adopted. It includes daily serving limits and the stipulation that people can use only marijuana products purchased from the facility that day.
Sitka’s current code prohibits the public consumption of marijuana, so the proposed change would establish an exception for on-site marijuana facilities. The commission agreed on such facilities' benefit to public health by reducing illegal marijuana consumption in public spaces, especially during the tourist season.
The text change was approved and will be sent to the Assembly for review.
