This map illustrates the unsurveyed properties on the north end of Zarembo Island acquired by Wrangell in April from the Department of Natural Resources, part of over 9,000 acres of land transferred to the borough.
The Economic Development Commission concluded its part of the process for zoning entitlement lands acquired this year by the City and Borough of Wrangell.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources approved transfer of 9,006 acres to the community in April. The entitlement lands include parcels located at Zarembo Island, Mill Creek, Olive Cove, Crittenden Creek, Earl West, Thoms Place and Sunny Bay, as well as other places on Wrangell Island. The properties are largely unzoned and unsurveyed, and commissioners were looking at possible land uses and development prioritization.
Of the selected parcels, commissioners felt Zarembo Island should be the highest priority for development, being a popular destination for hunting, fishing and other recreational use. Economic Development Director Carol Rushmore suggested it might have valuable residential potential.
"It has unbelievable views," she commented. The area overlooks Salmon Bay and receives ample sunshine. However, a new dock would have to be added to accommodate any residents, as the one maintained by the Forest Service is limited to official and recreational use.
"Zarembo may be more in demand than even other areas on the island," commissioner Julie Decker agreed.
Commissioner Mark Mitchell suggested they consider having some larger plots suitable for farmsteads, noting a general unavailability elsewhere of cleared land. The majority of the timber once at the site has since been cleared. He recommended 20- to 40-acre parcels as being amply sized for grazing or cultivating.
Designating use for the entitlement properties remains conceptual at this stage, and the commissioners weighed new options against current usage.
For example, Wrangell had applied for the property at Sunny Bay because the Alaska Crossings program had been making use of it at the time. Rushmore said she would visit with the organization to determine whether they were still using the area.
Otherwise, she pointed out there were some good fishing spots and potential timber resources to consider.
"It's pretty productive ground. It could have possible mariculture sites," Decker said.
Mill Creek would generally be ideal for continued residential use, with one secluded 148-acre block possible for a larger-scale lodge or recreation area.
At Wrangell Island East, commissioner Kim Covalt suggested setting aside some of the property for green space. "We need to set some sites apart," he said.
Neighboring parcels are already zoned for remote residential mixed-use, and the steep or else marshy terrain would generally make development difficult in any case. Current zoning allows for home occupancy, cottage industry, and limited lodges and bed and breakfast operations.
At the moment there are no commercial enterprises in the area, and after talking to current residents Rushmore said they would like to see it stay that way.
"The individuals that we talked to didn't want to see commercial enterprise back there," she said. Their concern was that businesses could disturb the way of life they'd settled there for to begin with.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is also in the process of assessing the sites. Rushmore explained she will draw up a spreadsheet incorporating the viewpoints of both commissions for presentation to the Assembly.
Rushmore also wanted to let the commission and general public know the Alaska Department of Transportation will be holding an open house to present the final designs for the Evergreen Road improvement project. Set for Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. inside the Nolan Center, the engagement will give people the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of the design team.
Reader Comments(0)