No Public Input for Multi-Family Developments

There is still no process for public input for multi-family development permits in the Mat-Su Borough. The Assembly voted against a new ordinance proposed by District 1 Assemblymember Tim Hale that would have allowed a public process.

The Planning Commission recommended against the ordinance, but did not provide the Assembly with further information about their decision. The Commission’s discussion last month centered around the additional time it would take to adjudicate the permit.

Planning Director Alex Strawn says the notice would add a month to six weeks to the permit process. A completed permit is currently handled within 10 days. Members also discussed limited housing stock and a growing population. These concerns were the crux of the opposition’s arguments at the Assembly meeting. 

Mat-Su Home Builders Association representative Steve Pannone says the additional time would mean fewer homes built with already limited housing availability and would impact vulnerable populations. 

“It has a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Individuals and families already struggling with housing insecurities will be disproportionately affected by the ripple effects of reducing housing availabilities and affordabilities [sic].”

District 3 Assemblymember Dee McKee notes that builders often plan for several years and that six weeks shouldn’t hurt the timeline. Developers may submit permits year-round. 

At this time, anyone may request information about a permit if they hear about it, but there is currently no direct way to share the information with the public. Strawn says he keeps neighboring landowners apprised of the permit progress if they request it. And the Department will continue to take matters of public health, safety, and welfare into account, the only conditions currently allowed to be placed on the permits. 

District 7 Assemblymember Ron Bernier says he does not want anyone dictating what landowners can do on their own property. 

“I’m going to oppose this just because, as a property owner, if I’ve got somebody trying to tell me what I can and can’t do on my own property, I’m either going to sic the dogs on you or sic the kids on you. One or the other.”

Several Assembly members discussed the differences between a small development versus a much larger development. District 2 Assemblymember Stephanie Nowers presented an amendment to delay the vote until more information could be gathered. But that was voted down too.