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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09232024 City Council Work Session Laydown - LawrenceNicole Lawrence 13246 Bruno Rd Seward, AK 99664 Nicole@SewardProperties.com 907 491 0778 9/23/24 Seward City Council 410 Adams Street Seward, AK 99664 Dear Seward City Council Members, CC w s °`(°((/"'v) I am writing to respectfully request your consideration of allowing property owners within the Seward city limits the option to install private wells and septic systems. I believe this would offer numerous benefits to both individual property owners and the community at large. Below, I have outlined several reasons why this policy change would be beneficial. 1. Cost Efficiency for Property Owners Installing a well and septic system can be a more affordable long-term solution for many property owners compared to being connected to city water and sewer services. For those who live in areas where extending city utilities is prohibitively expensive, allowing private systems could relieve the financial burden of maintaining those services. This flexibility would encourage property development and revitalization of existing properties, further boosting the local economy. 2. Environmental Sustainability Modern well and septic systems are designed with advanced technology that significantly reduces their environmental impact. These systems can be engineered to ensure clean, safe drinking water while properly treating and managing waste to protect local ecosystems. With stringent regulations and oversight, Seward can ensure that these systems are safe and environmentally responsible. By allowing private water systems, the city could potentially reduce its overall water usage and minimize stress on municipal infrastructure. 3. Increased Autonomy for Homeowners Many property owners in rural areas outside Seward already rely on wells and septic systems. Extending this option to those within city limits provides greater autonomy and independence, allowing homeowners to take more control over their water supply and waste management. This option would be especially beneficial for those with properties in locations where access to city utilities is cost -prohibitive. 4. Future -Proofing for Growth As the City of Seward continues to grow, the demand for water and sewer infrastructure will increase. Allowing some properties to have private wells and septic systems would help ease the strain on the city's water and sewer systems, which could be particularly important during peak tourist seasons or periods of rapid development. This approach could serve as a buffer, preventing overextension of the city's resources while supporting sustainable growth. 5. Precedent in Other Municipalities Many municipalities in Alaska and across the country allow for the installation of private wells and septic systems within city limits under certain circumstances. These communities have found ways to balance growth, environmental protection, and property owner needs through well -regulated policies that ensure safety and sustainability. Seward could look to these examples for guidance in crafting its own regulations to ensure public health and environmental integrity. In conclusion, permitting private wells and septic systems within city limits would offer property owners greater flexibility, reduce long-term costs, and support sustainable growth. I encourage the city council to consider exploring this option further, perhaps by developing clear guidelines for where and under what conditions such systems would be allowed. Doing so would be a progressive step toward accommodating the diverse needs of our community while protecting the environment and maintaining Seward's quality of life. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and to further discussions on how we can move forward together in fostering a more adaptable and prosperous future for all Seward residents. Sincerely, Nicole Lawrence