Seward Town Site committee approves replat of multiple parcels for Walker family

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Plat Committee convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss a significant replat proposal aimed at consolidating multiple parcels in the Cliff Addition to the Seward Town Site. The proposal seeks to combine six parcels and three vacations into a single approximately 1.96-acre lot, which is compliant with the Kenai Borough Code but presents an irregular shape bordered by Vista Avenue, Mill Street, Chamberlain Road, and Ravine Street.

The plan includes the vacation of three portions of right-of-way, specifically two portions of 20 feet and part of First Street, all adjacent to the applicant's owned lots. The committee noted that the vacation would not affect the overall block length and that no new right-of-way is being proposed. The applicant, representing AK Lands and the Walker family, emphasized that the replat aims to address the area's extreme topography while meeting single-family residential zoning requirements.

During the meeting, staff reviewed an exception request concerning the minimum street width requirement of 60 feet. They recommended granting this exception, arguing that strict compliance is unnecessary given the area's extreme slopes, minimal traffic, and existing infrastructure. The committee was advised to make findings that support the exception request before voting.

After a brief public comment period, which yielded no responses, the committee moved to grant preliminary approval for the replat based on staff recommendations and compliance with borough code. The motion also included a separate vote on the exception request, indicating a structured approach to the decision-making process.

This meeting marks a crucial step in the development of the Cliff Addition, reflecting the committee's commitment to balancing private interests with public safety and welfare in the face of challenging topographical conditions.