Zoning plan worked over

PALMER -- The Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission's work is far from done. This was a recurring theme during last week's public hearings on the proposed core-area zoning ordinance. Now it appears that is happening.

Planning commission has scheduled additional special work sessions to address topics raised by the public. Sandra Garley, borough planning director, said Tuesday that the planning commission held work sessions on Saturday and Monday to review public comments.

"There is no way the commission will be able to go before the borough assembly with this on March 12," Garley said Tuesday. "They have three work sessions scheduled through March 7. It will take a minimum of 10 days afterwards to be ready to present to the assembly."

The commission, Garley said, needs time to address the concerns raised at the public hearings of last week.

"They [the commission] are tackling the list of topics raised by the comments, rolling up their sleeves and working hard," Garley said. "This is not a rubber-stamp process."

That seems to be the sentiment of the borough assembly as well. During the assembly's Tuesday night meeting, assembly member Talis Colberg said the commission should have the extra time they need to address issues brought up by the public.

While other assembly members concurred with Colberg, Borough Mayor Tim Anderson reminded the group that the document is just a start, and that it would likely be amended over the next year.

"There is too much emphasis on a perfect document right out of the planning commission," Anderson said. "That just doesn't happen."

Planning commission member Chris Rose Wednesday outlined several topics the commission is addressing in the course of the work sessions.

"We are looking at the issue of grandfather rights," Rose said, addressing a frequent objection to the proposed ordinance. "We want to see if we can modify it

to allow people to rebuild and continue non-conforming uses after fire or destruction."

The planning commission, Rose said, plans to review several aspects of the code, along with the general wording of the code to ensure that it is easily understandable.

Rose said the commission will examine the way the code distinguishes between airparks, airstrips and airports, and make sure the code clearly reflects that such designations do not affect residents' ability to use airstrips. Definitions of home businesses and home occupations will be refined, and potential traffic issues associated with commercial designation of main arterials such as the Palmer-Wasilla Highway will be reconsidered.

The definition of accessory uses, Rose said, will be refined and simplified. Wildlife corridors through the core area will be considered, and buffer zones between transitional districts and industrial districts will be considered.

"We do not want the possibility that we have people living in houses located right next to an industry," explained Rose.

The commission expressed their thanks at last Friday night's public hearing in the Palmer High School theater for the constructive input they are now using to improve the proposed ordinance.

Although the overwhelming majority of speakers at Friday night's public hearing echoed the anti-zoning sentiments from last Tuesday's audience, there were also strong voices in support of the zoning ordinance. Of the more than 70 speakers heard during the hearing, 16 spoke in favor of zoning of some kind, considerably more than Tuesday's three zoning supporters.

Although thanks were expressed, little was said about the darker side of the public hearings.

Errol Hamann's contribution, directed to the commissioners themselves, was specific.

"Should you ever come up with a zoning ordinance without presenting it to the people for a vote," Hamann said,"I will donate the tar and feathers."

Pat Forbes promised citizen action.

"If it is true that you wish to continue this zoning and there is nothing we can do until we are harmed, be assured that at that time every resident will certainly come together as a cohesive force and take those necessary steps which mean that you may win the battle, but you will lose the war."

Cries of "Lock and load" from the rear of the theater followed Forbes to her seat.

Garley advised the public is welcome to attend the planning commission's work sessions, although no public testimony will be accepted.

Sessions are scheduled for Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., and Mar. 7 at 6:30 p.m. All meetings will be held in the borough assembly chambers.

The public is also welcome to submit comments in writing via e-mail to hbovat@msb.co.mat-su.ak.us, through the borough Web site at www.co.mat-su.ak.us., or by fax to the planning department at 745-9876.