KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH

KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH
1900 FIRST AVENUE, STE 219 ● KETCHIKAN, ALASKA 99901
● 907/228-6640 ● fax 907/228-6655
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
January 25, 2013
To: Borough Assembly
CC: Dan Bockhorst, Borough Manager
From: Ronald Brown, Director of Assessment
Re: Phase 1 Borough Land Sale Recommendations
Parcel Identification:
Per past Assembly Direction, staff has been asked to prepare an inventory of Borough
owned lands that could be examined for potential sale. Staff members from
Assessment, Planning and the Managers Office conducted a review of parcels currently
owned by the Borough. The initial review excluded parcels that were used as school
sites, dedicated parks, public buildings and exceptionally large parcels of patented
Borough lands.
The result of this initial review generated a list of 175 parcels of land. Further review
with staff representation from Assessment, Planning and the Manager’s Office, reduced
this list to 89 parcels. Several parcels were dropped from the list due to various
reasons such as platting or deed restrictions, existing leases, sales already in progress
or parcels already designated for other planned uses.
Proposed Means of Disposal:
In selecting a means of sale, several options were examined, such as auction, listing
and offering the properties for sale via the Borough website. The primary concerns of
this review were;
a. Maintaining stability in the real estate market. The placement of a large number
of parcels on the local real estate market presents the very real possibility of
“flooding” the market with real estate listings. Staff has already noted that the
local real estate market has a relatively high number of listings when compared
to previous years.
b. Insuring that the taxpayers of Ketchikan Gateway Borough receive market value
on the sale of Borough assets.
KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH
1900 FIRST AVENUE, STE 219 ● KETCHIKAN, ALASKA 99901
● 907/228-6640 ● fax 907/228-6655
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
c. Avoiding the possibility of undermining current market values by the use of
auctions or other non-market means of real estate sales. Typically, such sales
generate low valuations due to the lack of many potential buyers having the
ability to obtain financing or sufficient cash reserves to be capable of participating
in the process.
Consultation with Local Real Estate Community:
Two meetings and several conversations were held with representatives of Re/Max,
Gateway City Realty and Coastal Realty. The current list of properties was shared with
the representatives as well as the proposed means of disposition. The meeting was
informal in nature and the representatives were asked for any suggestions or concerns
they might have as of that date. At the meeting it was requested by the real estate
community that maps be made available for further study. A mapping system was
made for their use via the Planning Department.
As a result of these meetings, the list was segmented down to 46 parcels so that an
extremely large number of parcels would not be “dumped” on the market at a single
point in time.
As well, the local real estate community was asked to provide a proposal for the listing
and marketing of the properties. That proposal has been received and is attached to
this presentation. It is the opinion of the Director of Assessment that the proposal
reflects typical costs and expenses for the sale of vacant land in the industry.
Timing of Sales:
It is recommended that there be a minimum timeframe that the properties would be
offered for sale prior to accepting offers. First, this would help to insure that all potential
buyers had the opportunity to become aware of the offering. Second, it would allow
potential buyers to inspect the property, obtain financing and file an appropriate offer.
It is proposed that all such properties would be exposed to the market for at least two
months prior to any offers being accepted. Only after that minimum marketing time is
achieved should a decision to accept or reject an offer be made. Considering the
difficulties that many people have reported in obtaining financing, it is strongly
recommended that this timeframe be a key element of the land sale program. In fact, if
modified, it may be advisable to extend this timeframe to three months.
KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH
1900 FIRST AVENUE, STE 219 ● KETCHIKAN, ALASKA 99901
● 907/228-6640 ● fax 907/228-6655
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
No offers for properties would be accepted unless they meet or exceed a minimum
asking price. This would be critical to maintenance of the current real estate market and
insuring that the Borough does not “flood” the marketplace with cheap real estate. It
would also be critical to insuring that the taxpayers receive adequate value for these
assets.
Parcels that do not receive an adequate offer within the initial period of marketing would
be maintained as listings with the local real estate community. The listing prices of the
parcels could be modified as conditions dictate in the future.
Public Correspondence:
A Public Forum for Phase 1 of the proposed Borough Land sale was held at 5 p.m.,
Wednesday, December 19th in Conference Room C of the White Cliff Building. Eleven
members of the public were in attendance as well as one Assembly member (Rotecki),
and the Directors of Planning and Assessment.
Staff presented the list of properties, current proposals as to the methodology for sale
and accepted public comment. Comment from the attendees was limited to two of the
46 properties on the list. Both of the properties mentioned are waterfront parcels
located at Mountain Point. There were no comments or concerns expressed by the
public on any of the other 44 parcels noted on the list.
Comments were collected at the meeting, and by e-mail and letter after the conclusion
of the meeting. A total of eleven (11) comments were collected for proposed sale #43
and another three (3) comments were collected for proposed sale #45. A complete
copy of all of the comments provided by the public is provided in this presentation.
Current Status:
The preparations for Phase 1 of the proposed Borough Land Sale have progressed to
the point that a final proposal for the sale is feasible in the short-term. There are three
significant issues that will require Assembly attention and approval prior to actual any
actual offering of the parcels.
1. Approval of the final list of properties to be sold.
2. Approval of the methodology for sale and the proposal by the local real estate
community to market the properties.
KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH
1900 FIRST AVENUE, STE 219 ● KETCHIKAN, ALASKA 99901
● 907/228-6640 ● fax 907/228-6655
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
3. A methodology must be established to evaluate offers received for the properties
when received. Most notably;

Who will evaluate the adequacy of any offers?

How will the determination to accept or reject an offer be made?
PROPOSED SALE PROCESS
ASSEMBLY DIRECTION TO
KGB STAFFL
INTIAL REVIEW OF KGB
ASSETS BY STAFF
INITIAL LIST OF POTENTIAL
PROPERTIES TO BE SOLD
PRESENT PROPERTIES
AND CONCEPT TO LOCAL
REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY
REVIEW PROPOSAL PER
MEETING COMMENTS
FINAL PROPOSAL TO
ASSEMBLY FOR
APPROVAL
POSTING OF SALES TO
MARKET
TWO MONTHS
OR MORE
ACCEPTANCE OF
OFFERS / BIDS
NOTIFICATION OF
HIGHEST BIDDER
Timing: Once approved, the parcels will be marketed via the local real estate community. It is proposed that the parcels would be “marketed” for at least a period of two months. Offers would be accepted during this time period, however no acceptance or evaluation of them would be made until the minimum marketing period is achieved. Method: Realtor Sales ‐ After the two month period between listing and acceptance of initial offers, staff and/or assembly approval would be required prior to closing of a sale. Any listings not sold, would be maintained and listing prices may be reviewed periodically.
MARKETING PROPOSAL FROM REALTORS PHASE 1 PUBLIC FORUM COMMENTS PROPOSED LAND SALE #43 Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Joron Whitton <joron@kpunet.net>
Thursday, December 13, 2012 2:43 PM
ronb@kgbak.us; 'Whitton, Ronald J (DPS)'
Mountain Point Lot
Dear Mr. Brown, I wish to send my support to keep the lot open and accessible to the general public of Ketchikan. The importance of the lot, especially to the immediate residence of the surrounding area, is invaluable for many reasons. The lot provides as a turn‐around for vehicles towing large trailers or boats, if the lot were inaccessible the nearest and safest way to turn around while heading south would be to take Franklin Rd. continue on Roosevelt Dr. and exit back on South Tongass Hwy. The Mountain Point Boat Launch often becomes over crowded during the summer months and fishing derbies. The lot provides as extra parking space that is safe and off the highway. Many people have wood stoves and require adequate space for cutting up logs. The lot has the space for people to do this and with the pathway leading down to the beach pulling logs from the water that have been towed in is easy. The lot is incredible as a viewpoint, whether for watching the whales go down the narrows, waiting for the sunrise or even checking out the full moon. In the event that the Mountain Point Lot should be sold; what do the residents get? How will selling the lot benefit the people of Ketchikan, or is this just a quick way for someone to make a quick fistful of cash? The Mountain Point Lot is far more valuable as a public lot than if some private bidder (who might not even live in Ketchikan) were to buy the land. Sincerely, Ronald Whitton Happy Holidays 1
Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Beverly Zaugg <bev.zaugg@att.net>
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 10:03 AM
ronb@kgbak.us
Meeting regarding site of old So Tongass Community Club
Mr. Brown,
Just wanted to offer my support in keeping the site of
the old Mt. Pont Community property open for the use of the
public.
It is a beautiful restful spot with easy access to the S.
Tongass Highway.
Sincerely,
Beverly Zaugg
Mt Point Home Owner and
Resident for almost 60 years.
58 years to be exact
1
Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Robert Reif <wl7cbj@gmail.com>
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 10:38 AM
ronb@kgbak.us
Mile 5.9 of South Tongass Highway
Mr. Ronald E. Brown.
It has come to the attention of the Mountain Point residents in vicinity of mile 5.9 along the South Tongass Highway that a piece of property owned by Ketchikan is up for sale. This property once was a sight for a community center years ago as I have been told by some residents in the neighborhood. The sale of the property will remove an access point to the water for all users of the site.
This property I myself have used to launch a kayak a few times or stand on the rocks to fish for king and coho salmon. The view from this area on any given day is spectacular. This is a nice place to take in the scenery or watching the charter fleet catch salmon and maybe see orcas also chasing after salmon. As access to the water is convenient, fire wood is gathered from this spot of beached logs in the area. This location is a treasure to the community in all its uses and its unique location to the water and the highway.
I feel that the sale of this property would be a great loss to many in the community and that many users of this public access point to the waters of Tongass Narrows would no longer be able to enjoy the benefits. I would encourage Ketchikan residents to come and discover what make this spot special to so many in the area. You might find a new place to go fishing from or even some photo moment. One family I know like to use the spot for their annual family photo. I feel that this matter needs to be reconsidered looking into the possibility of making this area a public use and access point to the surrounding water resource in the Area. Thank you
Robert Reif
1
Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jere Stewart <djere72@gmail.com>
Saturday, December 15, 2012 12:27 PM
ronb@kgbak.us
Sale of lot at 5.9 South Tongass
Mr. Brown
I am a resident who lives in close proximity to the lot at 5.9 South Tongass. It has come to my attention that
this property is slated to be sold by the borough.
I would like to voice my support for this property to stay public and not be sold. This is one of the few lots on
the south end that allows for the public to access the shore for fishing, whale watching, wood cutting, launching
of kayaks etc. I have lived in Ketchikan for 30 years and remember using this lot for some of the above
mentioned activities.
So again I ask that this lot not be sold. So that others may enjoy the opportunities that this lot provides to the
public.
Don Stewart
S. Tongass Resident
1
Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jessica mathews <jessicamathews68@gmail.com>
Friday, December 21, 2012 7:42 PM
ronb@kgbak.us
Borough Phase I properties #43 and #45
Dear Mr. Brown,
Thank you for allowing me to present my request to have two properties removed from the potential listing of
Borough properties that might be offered for sale.
Recently I learned that Mountain Point property #43 was being considered for sale and I would respectfully
request that it remain open for public use.
This property has been used by the public in one fashion or another for several decades. As you know, this
property was owned by the Mountain Point Community Club, the state and now the borough. As such, many
people have had the benefit of this wonderful location for many years and it is my hope that this access will
continue for many years to come.
Tourists, locals and the Mountain Point residents have used this location for a myriad of activities over the
years. I have personally been able do many things. I can say that this location is used every day by
someone. By keeping this property open for public use it will be enjoyed for years to come. The list of things
that can be done at this wonderful site is not endless but it is pretty long. To name a few things that people can
do include beach comb, pick berries, sleep on the warm rocks, fish, jump in and out of the boat during the
derby, have pic nics, whale watch, eagle watch, kayak, collect and cut up firewood, swim, skip rocks and just
throw rocks, walk your pet, learn to ride a bike, play in the snow, archery practice, learn about marine life, take
nature pictures, family pictures and just enjoy the view. When a family has an issue or concern it can be a spot
to sit and talk and sort out the craziness of life.
North of Ketchikan there are many recreational areas that many people enjoy, however, on the south side of
Ketchikan there are only a few places for recreational pursuits. The Mountain Point site allows for an intimate
experience for family and small groups, many people pull in all day and enjoy the view while having a bite to
eat, children can safety play while their parents fish. This little area gets a high level of use. This stretch of road
has limited parking so it offers overflow for gatherings, as well as a place for snow removal. It is a great
location for photography, from this one site many pictures have been posted and shared by Carl's photos,
Wolf Point photography, residents and tourists. This location has been published in Fish Alaska magazine--highlighting its excellent fishing potential.
During the recent meeting hosted by the Borough, about the properties in the phase one group, only this
property and one other, Helen's cove #45, were asked to be removed from the listing. Both were in the
Mountain Point area and speak to the importance these properties hold for the local community. The benefit to
the majority clearly call for the properties to remain open to the public. The small tax revenues that might be
gained by selling this property do not out weigh keeping this community asset as it is or deemed a pocket
park. Leaving both properties as is would keep property values for numerous properties high while also
offering quality of life intangibles for locals and visitors. As said at the meeting, money is not everything, for
the borough or the local residents, but these little properties offer priceless value to families and this island
community.
1
Thank you for your time and allowing this opportunity for public comment. If you have any questions or
concerns, feel free to contact me at your convenience. I hope that the Borough removes both properties and will
allow them to remain open to the public.
Respectfully,
Jessica Mathews
2
Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Christina Routt <crroutt@aol.com>
Friday, December 21, 2012 11:10 AM
ronb@kgbak.us
Parcel on South Tongass
Dear Sir,
I have recently been made aware of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough's wish to make available for public sale the parcel of
land on South Tongass Hwy. I am saddened at this proposal in the fear that the lovely space will be lost forever to the
public and tourist such as myself. No longer being an asset to your community. I understand the issue of taxes and up
keep but I am sure that the community itself would be ever so willing to provide litter pick up, as the Adopt a Highway
program. This area has brought great joy and wonderful memories of my family when visiting there. I can remember the
children searching for shells, the older kids climbing trees and my mother and I whale watching from the steps. No matter
what time they were also somebody fishing from the rocks or putting in their kayak.The property if it were to become
unavailable to the public, locals and tourist alike, another piece of beauty and nature would be lost to our future
generations. I implore you to reconsider this proposition and keep this unspoiled piece of Ketchikan as it is for all to
treasure.
Thank you for your time and consideration, I know you will make the right decision and keep what is, is.
Christina Routt
200 Selma St
Versailles, Ky 40383
1
Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Drew Mathews <drew0030@gmail.com>
Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:42 PM
ronb@kgbak.us
lot 43 Mt. Point community center lot.
IMG_1994.JPG; Elk 2010 016.JPG; 9-24-11 001.JPG; DSC00265.JPG; DSC00290-1.jpg
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter in regards to the proposed sale of lot 43, the old Mt. Point Community Center site. I am
opposed to the borough selling this lot as it is one of the few places on South Tongass Highway that the public
can use and access the ocean. The north end of town has a lot of areas for recreational opportunities, but the
south end is limited.
A few years ago the beach access fishing from this site was written about in an article that promoted fishing in
Ketchikan in Fish Alaska magazine. I had walked over to the beach and had caught a few pink salmon and
taken them back to my neighbor for dinner then returned to catch some more for my family’s dinner. I quickly
hooked another fish and was enjoying the fight and unknown to me at the time an outdoor writer had taken my
photo fighting the fish. This photo was used in the article and the writer did a very nice job of promoting our
little fishing community and the opportunity for visitors to fish from the beach and be successful.
This beach provides some of the best beach fishing and attracts both locals and tourists visiting our town. Many
of the young men and women that live out south use this beach to fish from. There are very few other places for
them to do this safely as most beaches south of town are too steep for kids to fish from.
Living near the site, I have spent more time on this lot than any other place in Ketchikan besides my home and
office. We take our yearly Christmas photo there, teach our kids to ride bikes, fish, launch our kayaks, enjoy
campfires, collect old bottles and glass, let the dogs swim and teach them how to retrieve, teach kids how to
shoot bow and arrows, take some very wonderful photos of all types of wildlife and marine mammals. I use the
beach to drop off my family or pick them up on my boat to go fishing and have even used the lot many times to
park my boat trailer to allow more space for others launching their boats at Mt. Point Boat Ramp to park their
vehicles. My kids swim there every year as do many other kids from around town. Parents can sit on the beach
and watch their children fish or play and enjoy the ocean breeze and the wonderful sightseeing.
Over the years I have met many wonderful people on this site that I would have never met if it were not for this
site being open to the public. Two years ago I started using the site for archery practice. Each day I would go
over there, ensure the site was not being used and start practicing for an Etolin Island elk hunt. While doing so,
unknown to me at the time, there were two young girls watching me from a nearby house. I later found out that
I had sparked the interest of these two girls to want to shoot archery. This year I took my daughters bow over to
the two girls and told them to practice pulling it back to get strong enough to pull the bow then I would take
them out to the lot (43) and teach them to shoot the bow. Last week the girls said they were ready and hope to
soon use the lot to teach them archery. I hope to be able to continue this mentoring, but the sale of this lot would
limit my ability to do so.
Next door to me is a group of three kids that recently lost their mother. The young boy truly needs a mentor and
this is one place I can take him and my son to hang out and mentor them.
1
Last spring my daughter was getting prepared for her 8th grade survival trip with the school. She wanted to learn
how to start a fire from stuff found on a beach. One guess as to where we went. Both she and my youngest (son)
were able to gather fire starter and make their first solo camp fires. This training proved successful as she had
not problems starting daily camp fires on her trip.
Some of the people that I have met on the beach include Jim Lewis and Mike Smith, both local photographers.
Not only have many of us been able to enjoy their photos, taken at this beach, they inspired me to take up
photography. Many of Mike’s photos from this beach adorn our beloved Sitnews. This lot is by far the best
place to take sunrise and moon rise photos in Ketchikan. It is also a great location for people to pull over and
whale watch or view sea lions.
The location is one of the few turn outs on South Tongass Hwy. and is used as a turnaround for traffic, a place
for road maintenance crews to park their vehicles and equipment, over flow parking for gatherings at local
residences, and over flow parking for the Mt. Point Boat ramp.
Many a boater will drive out to this lot to check the sea conditions and use the lot to turn around to go back to
the boat ramp. Worried wives use the lot to watch for the return of their loved ones.
The borough stands to gain some income from the sale of this lot, but they need to realize the sale of the lot will
affect some properties value from the area. It would affect the resale value of some of the homes and should
decrease the value, thus the tax on those properties. Now less tax for me sounds good, but not at the cost of
losing such a well used community gathering site.
Over the years I have seen many people cut their fire wood on this lot. I have done so as well and I don’t even
have a wood stove, but I do have a truck and a saw and a young man that needs to learn to work so I cut wood
for my friends.
Hundreds of people use this lot every year and there is rarely a day where the lot is not used by someone. The
uses are many and the loss of the lot would be a great loss to those that use the site. Please consider removing
this site from the proposed sale and let the public enjoy it for many years to come
Attached are just a few of the thousands of photos from that site that I have taken and I sure hope to continue to
enjoy it. Also is the first elk I ever killed as a result of archery practice on this lot.
Drew Mathews
907-225-8382
2
January 7, 2013
Dear Borough Assembly,
I would like to comment on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s proposed land sale.
Generally I am in favor of getting more affordable land into public ownership but
there are 2 lots that I would like to request you take off the land sale list.
Lot 43 was once the site of the South Tongass Community Club and has continued
to be a community beach access site ever since. We have used it as such several
times.
Lot 45 maybe lesser known but may be even more important to keep in public
ownership than lot 43. It is my understanding that when it was conveyed to the
State, an easement was added specifically to ensure public access to the gently
sloping gravel beach and to protect the natural drainage of the mountain above it.
It was given to the Borough with the easement intact. When my husband and I
purchased the house across the street from this lot, it was with the understanding
that it was a public access right of way and the drainage and this property would
remain an undeveloped Borough lot. Considering the fact that the land owners of
the Mountain Point uplands would like to someday develop their lots, the
drainage becomes even more important. I am not sure of the process, but
because of this easement I’m surprised the planning department didn’t take this
lot off the list before it was published. I hope that once you look at the
topography of the area, the history of the property, and the public comments,
your decision will be to remove Lot 45 from this and any future land sales.
Sincerely,
Ann Widness
5681 S. Tongass Hwy
Ketchikan, AK 99901
907 225-1906
cc: Ron Brown
PHASE 1 PUBLIC FORUM COMMENTS PROPOSED LAND SALE #45 Ron Brown
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jessica mathews <jessicamathews68@gmail.com>
Friday, December 21, 2012 7:42 PM
ronb@kgbak.us
Borough Phase I properties #43 and #45
Dear Mr. Brown,
Thank you for allowing me to present my request to have two properties removed from the potential listing of
Borough properties that might be offered for sale.
Recently I learned that Mountain Point property #43 was being considered for sale and I would respectfully
request that it remain open for public use.
This property has been used by the public in one fashion or another for several decades. As you know, this
property was owned by the Mountain Point Community Club, the state and now the borough. As such, many
people have had the benefit of this wonderful location for many years and it is my hope that this access will
continue for many years to come.
Tourists, locals and the Mountain Point residents have used this location for a myriad of activities over the
years. I have personally been able do many things. I can say that this location is used every day by
someone. By keeping this property open for public use it will be enjoyed for years to come. The list of things
that can be done at this wonderful site is not endless but it is pretty long. To name a few things that people can
do include beach comb, pick berries, sleep on the warm rocks, fish, jump in and out of the boat during the
derby, have pic nics, whale watch, eagle watch, kayak, collect and cut up firewood, swim, skip rocks and just
throw rocks, walk your pet, learn to ride a bike, play in the snow, archery practice, learn about marine life, take
nature pictures, family pictures and just enjoy the view. When a family has an issue or concern it can be a spot
to sit and talk and sort out the craziness of life.
North of Ketchikan there are many recreational areas that many people enjoy, however, on the south side of
Ketchikan there are only a few places for recreational pursuits. The Mountain Point site allows for an intimate
experience for family and small groups, many people pull in all day and enjoy the view while having a bite to
eat, children can safety play while their parents fish. This little area gets a high level of use. This stretch of road
has limited parking so it offers overflow for gatherings, as well as a place for snow removal. It is a great
location for photography, from this one site many pictures have been posted and shared by Carl's photos,
Wolf Point photography, residents and tourists. This location has been published in Fish Alaska magazine--highlighting its excellent fishing potential.
During the recent meeting hosted by the Borough, about the properties in the phase one group, only this
property and one other, Helen's cove #45, were asked to be removed from the listing. Both were in the
Mountain Point area and speak to the importance these properties hold for the local community. The benefit to
the majority clearly call for the properties to remain open to the public. The small tax revenues that might be
gained by selling this property do not out weigh keeping this community asset as it is or deemed a pocket
park. Leaving both properties as is would keep property values for numerous properties high while also
offering quality of life intangibles for locals and visitors. As said at the meeting, money is not everything, for
the borough or the local residents, but these little properties offer priceless value to families and this island
community.
1
Thank you for your time and allowing this opportunity for public comment. If you have any questions or
concerns, feel free to contact me at your convenience. I hope that the Borough removes both properties and will
allow them to remain open to the public.
Respectfully,
Jessica Mathews
2
January 7, 2013
Dear Borough Assembly,
I would like to comment on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s proposed land sale.
Generally I am in favor of getting more affordable land into public ownership but
there are 2 lots that I would like to request you take off the land sale list.
Lot 43 was once the site of the South Tongass Community Club and has continued
to be a community beach access site ever since. We have used it as such several
times.
Lot 45 maybe lesser known but may be even more important to keep in public
ownership than lot 43. It is my understanding that when it was conveyed to the
State, an easement was added specifically to ensure public access to the gently
sloping gravel beach and to protect the natural drainage of the mountain above it.
It was given to the Borough with the easement intact. When my husband and I
purchased the house across the street from this lot, it was with the understanding
that it was a public access right of way and the drainage and this property would
remain an undeveloped Borough lot. Considering the fact that the land owners of
the Mountain Point uplands would like to someday develop their lots, the
drainage becomes even more important. I am not sure of the process, but
because of this easement I’m surprised the planning department didn’t take this
lot off the list before it was published. I hope that once you look at the
topography of the area, the history of the property, and the public comments,
your decision will be to remove Lot 45 from this and any future land sales.
Sincerely,
Ann Widness
5681 S. Tongass Hwy
Ketchikan, AK 99901
907 225-1906
cc: Ron Brown