HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2020-004 Sponsored by: Historic Preservation Commission
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2020-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE PRESERVATION OF
LOTS 3, 4-5 AND N Y2 OF LOT 6 BLOCK 16 ORIGINAL TOWNSITE OF
SEWARD AS MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R3)
WHEREAS, Applicant Ristine Cassagranda (Big Mama Love LLC) has applied with
adjacent land owners Peter Cannava and Charles Buswell to have Lots 3, 4-5 and N %2 of Lot 6
rezoned and Ristine Cassagranda listed the possibility of putting in a cell tower or other
commercial uses in her application; and
WHEREAS, The Planning & Zoning Commission passed Resolution 2020-06
supporting this zoning change on July 21,2020; and
WHEREAS, the ordinance introducing this code change will be brought before the City
Council at the August 24, 2020 city council meeting and the public hearing and enactment of this
ordinance will occur at the September 14, 2020 city council meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Historic Preservation Commission supports preserving Lots 3,
4-5 and N %2 of Lot 6 Block 16 as multi-family residential (R3) as part of Seward's downtown
historic district; and
WHEREAS, the commission supports the historic significance of this neighborhood,
which contains the historic 1916 Swetmann House, one of the best examples of Stucco Johnson
homes in Seward, and wants to preserve as much of the historic character of this neighborhood
as possible; and
WHEREAS, The Central Business District allows commercial satellite dishes, towers,
poles, and antennas up to 16 feet in diameter and 75 feet high. Despite best efforts to blend in, a
new cell tower would entail replacing the historic landscaping with gravel and surrounding the
property with a six-foot fence. This is incompatible with this lovely, landscaped, neighborhood
in the historic district and is opposed by several of the adjacent property owners and neighbors;
and
WHEREAS, in addition to the applicant's desire for a communications tower, there are
47 other outright commercial uses allowed in commercial business (CB) zones vs 12 outright
uses allowed in multi-family residential (R3) zones. If the parcels are rezoned, then any of these
other uses would be allowed and many of these uses may not be in harmony with maintaining the
historic character of the downtown historic district; and
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2020-04
WHEREAS, lot coverage is allowed to increase from 40% in multi-family residential
zones to 100% in commercial business zones, which could affect the landscaping that makes this
historic area so beautiful; and
WHEREAS, Seward's goals as listed in the 2017 Historic Preservation Plan are to
promote historic preservation as an economic development tool, and provide incentives to
encourage economic development, community engagement in preservation, and community
appreciation for Seward's history. Economically,the preservation of downtown and historic areas
increases foot traffic and tourism,which enhances the patronage of local businesses; and
WHEREAS, Seward strives to promote preservation in key areas through designation
and promotion of historic districts. Preserving traditions and landmarks and surrounding area
creates a unique sense of place that encourages community building and allows all residents —
old, new, and seasonal—to engage locally and create a connection with their surroundings; and
WHEREAS, the development of the original Historic Preservation Plan in 1996 was
spurred by concern over progressive loss of local historical character, particularly within the
downtown area. Physical preservation, maintaining traditions, and retaining an intangible "sense
of place" were identified as important to the citizens of Seward. Communities that prioritize
historic preservation can create a linkage to the past that engages and inspires people in Seward's
historic prominence, unique location, and accessibility make it one of the few Alaskan
communities with potential to achieve these goals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1.The commission supports maintaining the current zoning of Lots 3, 4-5 and N
%2 of Lot 6 Block 16 Original Townsite of Seward as Multi-Family Residential (R3) in an effort
to preserve Seward's downtown historic district.
Section 2.This resolution shall take place immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission of the
City of Seward,Alaska, this 13th day of August, 2020.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
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Cheryl Seep,Chair
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2020-04
AYES: Kurtz, Benoit, Libbrecht, Seese
NOES: Furlong
ABSENT: Woelkers,Ward
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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Jessica Stallard
Deputy City Clerk
(City Seal)
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