HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2023-007 Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan Sponsored by: Staff
Public Hearing: April 4, 2023
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2023-007
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY
COUNCIL UPDATE THE MUNICIPAL LANDS INVENTORY AND
MANAGEMENT PLAN TO INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO
INCREASE DAY USE PARKING AT THE SPRING CREEK
CAMPGROUND, REQUEST AN EASEMENT TO MAINTAIN BEACH
ACCESS TO THE NORTH OF THE CAMPGROUND, AND PLAT THE
AREA INTO ONE PARCEL AND REZONE TO PARK
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public work session
on January 24, 2023 to discuss ways to improve the parking and access at the Spring
Creek Campground; and
WHEREAS, the Seward City Code §2.30.225.b states that "the Commission
shall act in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding the Seward Zoning Code,
Seward Comprehensive Plan, Official Zoning Map, Official Land Use Plan Map, and
other duties as requested by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan
recommends separating the Spring Creek Campground from docks, boat basin,
breakwater, and the rest of Parcel 14524040, retaining the campground and maintaining
the public access to the beach; and
WHEREAS, Spring Creek Campground is the only municipal campground on
the east side of the bay; and
WHEREAS, Spring Creek Beach is very popular with visitors and locals; and
WHEREAS, the Spring Creek Campground area is being used for overnight
parking as well as day use parking; and
WHEREAS, the day use parking area should be expanded and marked with
signage; and
WHEREAS, the public walks along the beach front to the north of the Spring
Creek Campground, which is trespassing on private property; and
WHEREAS, although the Alaska constitution protects the public's access to
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2023-007
Page 2 of 3
beaches below the ordinary high tide, obtaining a public easement from property owners
to the north will further protect the public's right of access and use of the beach, and
ability to connect to the sections owned by the City of Seward; and
WHEREAS, the intended long-term use of this parcel is as a recreational area;
and
WHEREAS,the City should plat the Spring Creek Campground and surrounding
beach area into one parcel and rezone to Park to preserve it as a public recreation area;
and
WHEREAS,protecting the campground and beach now for public recreation by
platting into one parcel and rezoning from Industrial to Park is even more crucial as the
surrounding area develops; and
WHEREAS, the other municipal campgrounds are named"Waterfront Park and
Campground" and "Forest Acres Park and Campground", the official name should be
"Spring Creek Park and Campground."
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Section 1. The City of Seward Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
the City Council add the following recommendations to the Municipal Lands Inventory
and Management Plan:
a) Designate additional day use parking in the Spring Creek Park and
Campground with signage
b) Request an easement from the property owners to the north of Spring
Creek Park and Campground to clarify and further protect legal beach
access for the public
c) Plat the Spring Creek Park Campground area into one parcel and rezone
as Park
d) Officially rename as Spring Creek Park and Campground
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2023-007
Page 3 of 3
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 4th
day of April, 2023.
THE 7F SEWARD, ALASKA
Clare Sullivan, Cha.
AYES: Charbonneau,Ulman, Hornseth, Monaco, Staggs, Verhey, Sullivan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
VACANT: None
A'1"1'EST:
Brenda Ballou, MMC k s Pec K
City Clerk PvGT1N ^ Cji Ck'vK
(City Seal)
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Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: March 7, 2023
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Through: Jason Bickling, Community Development Director
From: Courtney Bringhurst, Planner
Agenda Item: Resolution 2023-007: Recommending the City Council Update the Municipal
Lands Inventory and Management Plan to Include Recommendations to
Increase Day Use Parking at the Spring Creek Campground, Request an
Easement to Maintain Beach Access to the North of the Campground, and
Plat the Area into one Parcel and Rezone to Park
Background and justification:
On January 24, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public work session to discuss
ways to improve the parking and beach access at the Spring Creek Campground.
The Spring Creek Campground area is currently used for overnight parking as well as day use
parking. The day use parking is designated closer to the beach and limited in size. The Commission
recommended designating additional day use parking adjacent to the current parking to the east,
and marking this area with signage.
The public and Commission also noted that individuals are trespassing on the beach to the north of
the Spring Creek Campground area as it is privately owned. It was recommended that the City work
with the property owner to establish a right-of-way easement that would allow the public to legally
access that portion of the beach. This easement would create continuous beach access from the
Spring Creek Campground area up to the tidelands south of the Seward Airport.
Finally, it was noted that the long-term use of the Spring Creek Campground area and beach is
intended to be that of a recreational area. As such, it should be protected by platting those areas
into one parcel and then rezoning as Park.
Intent:
To provide recommendations to City Council on various actions that can be taken to improve
the parking, establish legal beach access, and protect the future use of the Spring Creek
Campground area.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive 3.6.1.1 —"Improve existing and develop additional recreational infrastructure
Plan: Identify, protect, and preserve scenic and natural areas for recreational
enjoyment
3.6.1.2
• Maintain public access to beaches by continuing City ownership of
tidelands and upland access points
• Develop an acquisition strategy to identify and secure sufficient and
suitable public lands for parks, sports fields, greenbelts, open space,
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trails,trailhead parking and other public facilities, including easements to
access these public lands
• Ensure that Municipal land acquired for or converted to long-term or
permanent-park or recreational uses are officially dedicated as park land
Strategic Plan: N/A
Other:
Recommendation
Community Development Department staff recommends approval of Resolution 2023-007
recommending the City Council update the Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan to
include recommendations to increase day use parking at the Spring Creek Campground, request an
easement to maintain beach access to the north of the campground, and plat the area into one
parcel and rezone to Park
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