M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Gary Superman, Assembly President

Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Members

THRU: Dale L. Bagley, Borough Mayor

Max J. Best, Planning Director

FROM: Paul Ostrander, Land Management Officer

DATE: May 26, 2005

SUBJECT: Resolution 2005-050: A Resolution Reclassifying Certain Borough Land Located in the Russian Gap Area of Cooper Landing, Section 25, T5N, R3W, S.M., Alaska as Recreational, Pursuant to KPB Code Of Ordinances,

Chapter 17.10

In 2003 the subject site was tentatively selected for the development of senior housing and reclassified from Recreational to Institutional per Resolution 2003-093. When considering Resolution 2003-093 the Cooper Landing Advisory Planning Commission recommended that if the Cooper Landing Senior Citizens did not use the site for their purposes that a resolution to re-classify the parcel back to recreational be considered. That recommendation led to an added whereas in Resolution 2003-093 stating "if the senior development plan is found not to be feasible, the land will revert back to the borough and revert back to its original classification". After completing numerous test wells on the parcel, the Cooper Landing Senior Citizens felt development of the site was not feasible for their purposes. The administration now feels obligated to offer the subject resolution for your consideration.

However, the administration feels that the development of this property is compatible with the nature of the adjacent residential land use of Russian Gap and the adjacent senior high school site. The 1996 Cooper Landing Land Use Plan in reference to the subject states: "These lands do not qualify for preservation or residential priority at this time." Since the plan was released, access has been constructed, electric and telephone utilities have been installed, and through topographic survey it has been determined that more than 10 acres is suitable for development. This site provides for a southern exposure with a partial view of Kenai Lake. The availability of water has been determined through exploratory water wells. Although the Cooper Landing Senior Citizens did not feel that the water supply was capable of supporting their needs, consulting professional engineers support the conclusion that the water supply is capable of supporting development. The additional information that has been obtained and the accompanying infrastructure development support the current classification of institutional.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing for subject resolution during its regularly scheduled meeting of May 9, 2005. Their recommendation and meeting minutes will be provided for the Assembly in a separate memorandum.