Proposed creek-side development stirs controversy

June 4, 2006

By JOEL DAVIDSON

Frontiersman

WASILLA - A Wasilla developer is seeking permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dump gravel fill into 4.5 acres of wetlands near Cottonwood Creek and Wasilla Lake. The request is part of a plan to develop 10 acres of forest and wetlands into commercial offices, retail stores and restaurant space.

Project engineer Matthew Nardini, speaking on behalf of the developer, touted the project as a possible showcase piece for how to responsibly build commercial developments in wetlands, while minimizing the environmental impact.

To this end, he and developer Bru-Nette, LLC, met with local land conservationists and proposed including a vegetative buffer near the creek side of the development. The plan includes a boardwalk and wildlife viewing area where the public can observe fish and birds in Cottonwood Creek without disturbing the stream bank. In addition, the viewing area would include educational signs about the importance of preserving wetlands.

&#8220Most times, you just don't build on wetlands,” Nardini explained. &#8220But the owner saw this as a way to show how to develop responsibly on wetlands.”

Jose Anzilotti, who lives downstream from the proposed project, questioned the developer's motivation.

Anzilotti wrote a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers urging them to deny the fill permit. He argued that the wildlife viewing area is nothing more than &#8220a ruse in order to deflect the focus from the planned destruction of this wetland.”

Anzilotti added that filling in wetland for development purposes is poor planning, especially when there is no clear public benefit to justify the project.

According to a public notice, sent out to nearby residents from the Corps of Engineers, approval to move forward on the development depends on how the &#8220public interest” regarding wetlands is affected.

&#8220That decision should reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources,” the notice states.

Relevant factors considered by the Corps includes, but is not limited to, environmental concerns, aesthetics, cultural values, recreation, water quality and property ownership.

George Taylor, program coordinator for the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District, met with developers on Thursday at their request. He said he was encouraged that they asked for input from a conservation group, but worried about the possible destruction of the last remaining wetlands around Wasilla Lake.

&#8220The wetlands that used to be in place along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway have been filled in by a gravel pit and the bowling alley,” he said. &#8220This is the last piece of wetlands that I can think of around the lake.”

Wetlands provide bird and wildlife habitat as well as fertile waterways for small fish, bacteria and microorganisms, all of which contribute the health of local streams, Taylor said; perhaps more importantly, wetlands hold and purify water.

&#8220They are very beneficial for storm control and water retention when we have long dry spells,” Taylor added. &#8220Water filtration is also a crucial role.”

Nardini said the developer is working to address the environmental concerns. Originally, he said, the project called for filling in more than the proposed 4.5 acres, but after meeting with state and federal officials, they scaled back their request.

&#8220There is a certain amount of acreage that needs to be filled in order for this project to be feasible,” Nardini said,

&#8220We are still negotiating with the Corps.”

Messages left with officials at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were not returned in time for this article, but according to their public notice, the open comment period on the project closes Monday afternoon. Thus far, Nardini said, the permit process looks promising. In nearly a month, he said he only spoke to one person who was adamantly opposed to the development. Other than that, people mostly were curious about it, he said.

&#8220Every project has some conflict and controversy,” he said. &#8220We are expecting that, but I've had mostly no bad comments.”

Depending on public comments, the Corps could require a public hearing before making a final decision on the fill permit.

After meeting with the developers and urging them to build on higher ground to minimize the wetlands impact, Taylor said he has a wait-and-see attitude regarding the project.

&#8220Historically, in the Valley, you don't see developers consult conservation groups,” he said.

&#8220I think these guys are willing to make adjustments - we are just looking at this with bated breath.”

To comment or inquire further about the project, people may contact Jack Hewitt at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by calling (907) 753-2712.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266 or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.