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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2005-026 Public Hearing 6/25/05 Public Hearing 8/8/05 Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission .... CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2005-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH APPROVE THE SEWARD 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the City of Seward needs a current Comprehensive Plan, as a Comprehensive Plan has not been adopted since 1990; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan being recommended for adoption shall provide guidance on community values and priorities until the year 2020; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan recommended for adoption has been worked on by the Planning Commission, staff, consultants and the public since July of 2000; and ..... WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan also includes a Land Use Plan, which shall be the primary supporting document for any rezones which might be considered; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan reflects the concerns of the public, the Planning Commission and the City Council for orderly development with public safety, health and welfare as the prevailing goal; and WHEREAS, the action items in the plan will enhance the economic and social vitality of the community; and WHEREAS, the City Council anticipates adoption of the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan, which will facilitate implementation of the action items in the years to come; and WHEREAS, amendments to a City's Comprehensive Plan must be approved by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, as per KPB Ordinance 21.01.025., A; and WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: ..... CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2005-26 ....J Section 1. The City Council recommends that the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan be forwarded to the Kenai Peninsula Borough for approval. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward this 25th day of April,2005. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA 'It.,}; J+ Vanta Shafer, Mayor . .... AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: Branson, Dunham, Valdatta, Amberg, Clark, Lorenz, Shafer None None None None ATTEST: "\unu.,, City Clerk .~~.'\~ 0';:- SL-;,..:.t",.; ...~..... .x"'<i,. .."",d7'::",," ';~ .~~;. .l: . ~ 'I' 'R' ~ ,"'" ~ (C' S 1~' (' '. . "'., '- .") , " ", Ity eat/' . \:J)' ". ':"'. .' '" ;~ :' ,': \;) "\ '~'~ . ..' .\'~ r ~' ~.~ ", 1,..!...J <1\ ~ '" . ,~ I,.~'. , r!~1r:~~" ;r' ,.: '.:' \':':::' 'l \ ~,,~.-}-~ ; t' :: < ,:,' 'H;' <:.~~::~<:. .~J:;;~il1.t~;.JII' ...J Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: April 25, 2005 Through: Clark Corbridge, Interim City Manager From: Malcolm G. Brown, Planner Agenda Item: The Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan has been worked on by the Planning Commission, staff, consultants and the public since July, 2000. In the fall of 2002, the Planning Commission began working on a vision statement and adding action items representing community values. The Commission’s concerns have been incorporated into the plan. The only legally binding portion of the plan is the Land Use Plan, which determines future rezones. Several changes from the current Land Use Plan have been recommended. After adoption of the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan, the Land Use Plan will be the primary supporting document for any rezones which might be considered. The Land Use Plan is represented on the three map sheets (Attachment #1) showing all of the areas in the City of Seward. The intent is for the Comprehensive Plan to be available in an electronic format on the City’s website, including the maps. The maps will be available in a pdf format. th The Comprehensive Plan was presented as a public hearing item at the December 7 and th January 4 meeting of the Commission. Several members of the public focused their concerns on the proposed Land Use Map designation of the property at the corner of Railway Avenue and Ballaine Boulevard. Concerns were expressed over potential commercial development and parking issues. The owners of the property in question said they intended to limit commercial development only to types which would be compatible with the area. Land Use Plan: This activity has generated the most public comment. It is paramount to choose zoning districts based on the intent of the zoning districts, as per SCC 15.05.025, Land Use Districts Established, Definitions, pg. 15.8-15.8.2, rather than assigning undue significance to the individual uses which are allowed, as provided in SCC pg.15-64-15- 69. A zoning district is composed of the sum of the uses which are allowed and not allowed, it should not be defined by the presence or absence of several supporting uses, such as guest houses, mother-in-law apts., etc. Many of the uses in the districts have been added, deleted, and/or amended over the years and will continue to be revised to adapt to the needs of the community. The statements of intent for each district have remained largely unchanged since codification many years ago. The danger with prioritizing the zoning of an area based on a few of the allowed/non- allowed uses is that the City's land use regulation decisions start to appear to be based on preferential or discriminatory treatment for a select group, rather than being based on overall benefit for the community. Naturally, avoiding the presence or appearance of preferential treatment is more challenging in a small community than in a large city, but the effort that goes into the process and the final products all contribute to sustaining Seward's values. Format: The Comprehensive Plan has two volumes. Volume I provides the community vision, values and goals, objectives and action items. These provide guidance for current and future community priorities and concerns. Volume II provides the descriptive information necessary for research. This type of information is helpful for writing grants, staff reports and preliminary plans for commercial, public and civic activities. Volume II is also helpful for obtaining an overall understanding of the features available throughout the community. This information is useful for both visitors and residents alike. Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval: Although the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) has delegated land use authority and zoning powers to the City of Seward and the other municipalities within the Borough, they still retain the right and authority to approve amendments to the communities comprehensive plans, as per: “KPB21.01.025. Comprehensive plans--Amendments. A.All amendments to a comprehensive plan for a city must be adopted by assembly ordinance except for minor amendments made by the city council in accordance with this section.” The City of Seward 2010 Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the KPB, and since the new plan is a major amendment to that plan, it must also be adopted by the Borough. Staff does not foresee any difficulties with the adoption of this plan by the Borough. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A 1. Comprehensive Plan (1990) _X _ ___ ___ The Comprehensive Plan states that “an overall update of the Comprehensive Plan will be completed in 1995. Significant elements of the Plan – including demographic/socio- economic analyses, specific master plans for physical improvement projects specified within the Plan and the findings of other key planning initiatives undertaken by the Borough/State of Alaska/Federal government – will be modified as new information becomes available and additional planning initiatives are completed (pages 49-50).” 2. Strategic Plan (1999) X _ ___ ___ The Strategic Plan also encourages updating of plans with the following statements, ?Maintain Comprehensive and Land Use Plans that reflect and achieve the community’s vision ?Revise the Comprehensive Plan so that it is consistent with this Strategic Plan ?Annually review, update, and affirm the Comprehensive and Land Use Plans ?Revise the Comprehensive Plan to include infrastructure and growth plans. FISCAL NOTE: No direct costs are associated with approving the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Approved by Finance Department:__________ RECOMMENDATION: Council approve Resolution 2005-26 recommending that the Kenai Peninsula Borough approve the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan. CITY OF SEWARD 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Volume I 90 July 29, 2005 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SEWARD, A-LASKA Prepared For: The City of Seward, Alaska Prepared By: The Seward Planning and Zoning Commission --With Technical Assistance Provided by— Sandy Wassilie of High Tide Writing Seward, Alaska Adopted By the City Council of the City of Seward August 8, 2005 by Resolution 2005-26 Adopted By the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly January 3, 2006 by Ordinance 2005-48 Introduced by, Mayor Date; 12 6/05 Hearing: 110 Action: Enacted as Amended Vote: 9 Yesi 0 N KENA.I PENINSULA.BOROUGH ORDINANCE 2005-48 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2020 SEWA D COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS THE OFFICIAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THAT PORTION OF THE BOROUGH WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES of THE CITY OF S WARD WHE AS. the existing Seward Comprehensive Plan was adopted i 1990; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward has prepared an updated comprehensive plan for that area of the Borough within the boundaries of the City of Seward; and WHEREAS, the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan has been a project of the Seward Plying Commission, City of Seward staff; consultants and the public since July of 2000; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan reflects the concerns of the public, the Seward Planning Commission, and the Seward City Council for orderly development, with public safety, health and welfare as the prevailing goal; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adoption to the Seward City Council by passing Resolution No. 204-1 ; and WHEREAS, City of Seward Resolution 20 5--26, "A.Resolution of the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, Recommending that the Kenai Peninsula Borough Approve the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan" was passed on April 25, 2005; and WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough shall provide for planning on an are wi e basis in accordance with AS 29,4 ; and WHEREAS, amendments to a clty's comprehensive plan must be adopted by assembly ordinance in accordance with KPB 21.01. 25.A; WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission reviewed the plan during its regularly scheduled meeting of November 28, 2005 and recommended ena.ct-ne .t by unanimous consent; Kenai Peninsula Borough,Alaska } eiv 'ex( Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] ordinance 2005-48 Page I of NOW, THEREFORE, 113E IT ORDAINED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA.BOROUGH: SECTION I. That the assembly adopts the "'City of Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan" recommended for approval by the City of Seward on April 25., 2005, as the official Kenai Peninsula Borough Comprehensive Plan for that portion of the Borough within the boundaries of the City of Seward. SECTION 2. That KPB 2.56.050 is amended as follows: 2.56-050 Sew ard comprehensi ve plan [LAND USE PLAN] adopted. The assembly adopts the .....Of Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan" lCity of Seward 2010 Comprehensive Plan] prepared by the City of Seward and recommended for approval [APPROVED] by the Seward City Counc11 in Resolution 20 0 5-2 6 [9 0-099]. or Apn* 2 ,.2005 [in August, as the official borough comprehensive plan [LAND USE FLAN] for that portion of the borough within the boundaries ofthe City of Seward. SECTION 3. That this ordinance takes effect immediately upon its enactment. ENACTED D Y THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS 3 D DAY OF JANUARY, 2006. Ron o , Assembly 'resident ATTEST: i xxyy §hef�y Biggs, rough l *'' ��`##. LU * , 1984 NINON * May 3,2006 The incorrect date of April 25, 2005,was used by the Borougb for the approval date of City of Seward Resolution 2 -2 . The correct date of approval was August 8, 2005. This disclaimer found and noted by Donna Glen ,Planning Assistant Ordinance 2005-49 New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]TE Kenai Peninsula Borough,Alaska Page 2 of 2 Sponsored : Planning and Zoning Commission Y� r CITY of SEWARD, ALASK ►. RESOLUTION2005-26 . RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY Off' 'S W. RD, A ►SKA., RECOMMENDING THAT THE KENA I PENINSULA o o G APPROVE THE SEWA RD 2020 COMPREHENSIVEPLAN WHEREAS,S, the City of Seward needs a current Compr hcns've Plan, as a Compr hen.Sire Plan has not been adopted since 1990; and WHEREAS,'the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan being re o=-iend d for adoption shah provide guidance on co=unity values and prior'ties until the year 020; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 ComprehensIve Plan reco=ended for adoption has been worked on by the Planning Con mission, staff, consultants and the public since July of 2 00 0- and WHIEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan also includes a Land Use Plan, filch ha the pr n.ar suppor in document for any rezones vhic ern fit be :{_.._,. . considered; and WHEREAS,S, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan reflects the concerns of the public, the Piannln Coi=ission and the City Council for orderly development with public safety, health and welfare as the prevailing goal; and WHEREAS, the action items in the plan will enhance the economic and social vitality of the cony,-.sty; and WHEREAS, the City Council anticipates adoption of the ' Seward 9.020 Comprehensive Plan, which will facilitate implementation of the action items in the years to come; and WHEREAS, amendments to a Cit 's Comprehensive Plan must be approved b the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, as per KPB Ordinance 1.0 .02 ., A; and WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with. NOW.- THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED Y THE CITY COUNCIL-OF r--. fir' A CITY of S W , ASKA .that: ,; i CITY of SEWS,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2005-26 Section .1 The City Council recommends that the Seward 2020 C ornprehens lvc Plan be forwarded to the,Kornai-Pem'nsu a Borough for approval. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect 1=cdiat ly upon its adoption. PASSED AND .P OVE the City Council of the City of Seward this. 8th day o August, Zoo . THE CITY OF S WAD,AL SKA w Vanta Shafer, Mayor AYES: Branson, unharn,,, Vald tt , Amb r , Clark, Lorenz, Shafer NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None VACANT: None ATTEST: City Clerk.. 't AF O edlisp,- � f' p S rrLA lit RD �1D } A3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE.......................................................................................................................2 1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................4 1.1 A GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE SEWARD 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ......................4 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN................................................4 1.3 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE SEWARD 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ........................ 6 2.0 SEWARD COMMUNITY VISION AND VALUES ............................................... 10 2.1 COMMUNITY VISION........................................................................................... 10 2.2 COMMUNITY VALUES ......................................................................................... 10 3.0 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTION ITEMS.................. 18 3.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................. 18 3.2 LAND USE......................................................................................................... 19 3.3 HOUSING .......................................................................................................... 21 3.4 TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................. 22 3.5 PORT AND HARBOR DEVELOPMENT..................................................................... 23 3.6 RECREATION..................................................................................................... 25 3.7 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ...................................................................... 26 3.8 NATURAL HAZARDS ........................................................................................... 28 3.9 QUALITY OF LIFE ............................................................................................... 29 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 1 2005 PREFACE This document was prepared for the City of Seward over the period 2000 - 2005. Development of the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan (2020 Plan) was based on continued involvement with the City of Seward as well as research and review of the existing documents by the consultants. The elements of the 2020 Plan incorporate information gathered during public meetings, Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, and information from numerous background documents. The 2020 Plan will be presented to the City of Seward for public review in 2005. City of Seward P.O. Box 167 Seward Alaska 99664 City Council Vanta Shafer Mayor Margaret Branson Vice Mayor Willard Dunham Council Member Robert Valdatta Council Member Kevin Clark Council Member Linda Amberg Council Member Dorene Lorenz Council Member Planning and Zoning Commission Marianna Keil Chair Tom Smith Vice Chair Lynn Hohl Commission Member Carol Griswold Commission Member Sandie Roach' Commission Member Steve Schafer Commission Member 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 2 2005 City Administration Clark Corbridge City Manager Malcolm Brown Planner Donna Glenz Planning Executive Assistant Special thanks to Rachel James, former Planner and Kristi Larson and Nina Daley, former Planning Commissioners. Citizens of Seward The involvement of many Seward residents in preparation of the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan is gratefully acknowledged. Kenai Peninsula Borough 144 North Binkley Soldotna, Alaska 99669 Consultant Sandy Wassilie of High Tide Writing P O Box 1576 Seward, Alaska 99664 (907) 224-3950 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 3 2005 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 A GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE SEWARD 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 5 The 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan (2020 Plan) is organized into two volumes. Volume I identifies the goals, objectives, and implementation action items, updated and developed for each comprehensive plan element. Volume II presents background information and planning issues identified for each of these elements. The nine comprehensive plan elements include: economic development, land use, housing, transportation, port and harbor development, recreation, public facilities and services, natural hazards, and quality of life. The planning issues are community issues that have developed over time and are necessary to consider in implementing new projects that follow from the plan. The intent of Volume I is to provide a readily useable guide to aid the City of Seward and its citizens in the preparation, adoption, amendment, revision, and implementation of specific plans, programs and regulations that derive from the vision embodied by the goals and objectives. In this introduction, the accomplishments of the 2010 Plan are listed as a baseline from which to proceed. The overall community vision and values follow immediately from the introduction. In the final section, the heart of the 2020 Plan, the goals, objectives and implementation action items are listed for the each of the plan elements. Volume II briefly describes the history, setting, and demographics of Seward, and then presents the background and analysis of each plan element identified in Volume I. The intent of this volume is to supply important supplemental information to assist the City of Seward in attaining the goals and objectives set forth in Volume I. 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 4 2005 The community of Seward has seen a significant amount of change since it was established as a port and selected as the southern terminus for the Alaska Railroad in the early 1900s. Over the past decade, the community has experienced the arrival of the cruise ship industry, increases in charter boat and railroad bookings, the opening of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), and intermittent coal shipments to Korea. These changes have had significant effects on the land use, economy, and character of the community. The continuing challenge is to retain Seward's unique historic, small-town character, while pursuing modern economic development opportunities and accommodating changes in business services, public facilities, and affordable housing. The 2020 Plan is the community's guide for managing this process. Seward is among the most active communities in Alaska in planning projects using the public process. The 1998 community vision project, which culminated in the development of the 1999 strategic plan, recommended revising the comprehensive plan in accordance with the goal: "Maintain Comprehensive and Land Use Plans that reflect and achieve the community's vision." The city has utilized the information gathered in previous community surveys, plans, the Partnership 2000 process, and the strategic plan visioning process to revise the present comprehensive plan. As dictated by the Seward City Code, the 2020 Plan contains both advisory and binding elements. The advisory elements include strategies for improving public services and facilities, promoting economic development, and maintaining and enhancing the quality of life. The binding element is the land use plan, which can be changed only by amendment, upon petition by the land owners or at the initiation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The land use plan forms the basis for updating land use regulations and policies. Title 29 of the Alaska State Statutes requires that zoning regulations be based on a current comprehensive plan. The updated 2020 Plan helps to evaluate discrepancies between existing land use and what the plan has identified as preferred land use; thereby dictating what changes should be made to the existing zoning ordinance. Additional purposes for updating a comprehensive plan are that it will: • Anticipate trends in the community; forecast needs for land use, city infrastructure, public services, and economic development; and develop strategies to achieve community goals and objectives. • Provide guidance on how land use and infrastructure decisions can create opportunities for economic development. • Guide the city on how to best use lands it owns through municipal entitlement under the Alaska Statehood Act. • Develop priorities and justify funding requests to the local community, Alaska State Legislature, United States Congress, and public agencies for capital and transportation improvements. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 5 2005 • Maintain the health and safety of residents and visitors. • Coordinate and involve public agencies affecting the economic and social life of Seward. • Preserve and enhance the town's best features. • Foster participation of Seward residents in making public decisions, evaluating community progress, and developing community consensus on the future of the city. This plan has been prepared with the assistance of the Planning and Zoning Commission, community members, and representatives of relevant organizations through a series of public meetings. In the spirit of achieving long-term objectives for the greatest common benefit, the 2020 Plan addresses private as well as public lands, facilities, and services. It anticipates future needs and opportunities for the city. It is designed to ensure that Seward is a better place for people to live and work. 1.3 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE SEWARD 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Goal: Strengthen and diversify the economy of Seward by working with the private sector and other governmental units. • Completion of construction of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) 0 • Completion of Smalloat Harbor Renovation Project h � iM[ • Completion of Army and Air Force military h ' recreation camp enhancement projects • Pavement of harbor parking lots 1 . p g • Development of the northeast boat launch ramp and parking lot • Construction of a new cargo dock by Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) • Construction of a new Seward depot by ARRC • Development of the Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery • Continued development of the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) LAND USE Goal: Maintain Seward's Land Use Plan as the primary local tool to ensure quality community land use arrangements, growth, and development to the year 2010. • Creation of an Urban Residential District to allow mixed residential development close to commercial uses and employment • Development of lodging (bed and breakfast) regulations that ensure facilities are 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 6 2005 operated in conformance with local life safety codes with minimum impact on adjacent residential uses • Adoption of the Community Cemeteries Management Plan • Adoption of SMIC Development Plan • Adoption of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan • Adoption of the Small Boat Harbor Management Plan • Adoption of the Municipal Lands Management Plan • Adoption of Floodplain Management Ordinance TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES Goal: Maintain Seward's Transportation Plan as the primary local tool to ensure safe and convenient transportation facilities that address the needs of Seward residents, businesses and visitors to the year 2010. • Completion of Sidewalk Projects, Phases I and II including construction of downtown sidewalks, a sidewalk on one side of Fourth Avenue from Jefferson to the Small Boat Harbor, and a sidewalk on Fifth Avenue from downtown to the post office • Construction of Sea Lion Avenue as new access route to the Army/Air Force recreation camp and the elementary school • Completion of Lowell Creek bridge repairs • Relocation of Fourth Avenue between North Harbor Street and Port Avenue PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES Goal: Continue to improve the quality of public facilities and services made available to the residents of Seward. Utilities • Installation of high mast street lights in the harbor area • Installation of harbor sewer pump station • Acquisition of a back-up generator and substation upgrade • Continued placement of utility lines underground throughout town Waste Management • Development of the Seward Transfer Facility and inert waste landfill by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Health Care & Social Services • Demolition of the Seward General Hospital and physical therapy clinic, and construction of Providence Seward Medical Center • Acquisition of and relocation to SeaView Plaza by SeaView Community Services 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 7 2005 (formerly known as Seward Life Action Council) Public Safety • Purchase of a new emergency rescue vehicle, new pumper truck, and air packs for the Fire Department • Replacement of all Fire Department hose and surplus of used hose to other city departments • Acquisition of a thermal imager camera by the Fire Department • City acquisition of land south of the Fire Hall • Replacement of Fire Hall roof • Purchase and installation of a new emergency generator to power city offices and police dispatch during a power outage • Designation of emergency tsunami evacuation routes; purchase and installation of directional signage for these routes throughout town • Completed revision of City of Seward Emergency Preparedness Plan Governmental Services • Continued review of sites to identify an alternative location for the city shop facility Parks and Recreation • Completion of a pavilion and improvements to Two Lakes Park • Construction of a pathway from the elementary school to the ball fields • Continued efforts to refurbish the Seward Community Cemetery • Relocation of the Teen &Youth Center to the Community Center Building • Construction of Citizen's Field ball field • Acquisition of land and development of Gateway Park on Dora Way • Development of the BMX bicycle track on city land adjacent to the Forest Acres Campground • Continued development of Waterfront Park: extension of waterfront pathway to the harbor; installation of interpretive signs; American Disability Act (ADA)-accessible restrooms and camp sites; full-service water and electric utility hook-ups; picnic tables/fire pits/parking barriers, tent camping improvements; construction of a skate park, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit; and installation of a new RV sewer dump station • Initiation of Hoben Park refurbishment • Acquisition of vacant downtown property by the city for a new park (Kawabe Park) on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Adams Street 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 8 2005 Cultural Facilities • Improvements to Seward Community Library including handicapped access, children's library, basement remodel, parking lot paving, automated circulation system, and technology improvements • Historic renovation of the Seward Depot by Chugach Alaska Corporation for use as a Alaska Native cultural center; subsequent use by the Alaska SeaLife Center • Options studied on refurbishing the Jesse Lee Home with local advisory board and recommendations lined out in Historic Structure Report EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Goal: Support efforts to continually improve the quality of educational facilities located in Seward and ensure that these facilities continue to enhance the community. • Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) completed a five-year capital improvement master plan and acquired apartments for students with families • Feasibility study completed on options for a new or remodeled middle school; bond approved for construction of a new building COMMUNITY APPEARANCE Goal: Improve the appearance of the entire community through increased landscaping, beautification and litter control efforts, through more attention to sign control and through promoting the preservation of Seward's historic architecture. (See Parks and Recreation for accomplishments meeting this goal concurrently.) • Completion of the Harbor Plaza beautification project • Many private businesses and residences along the Seward Highway/Third Avenue corridor and in the entire community landscaped their properties • Installation of three new community signs: Welcome to Seward, Small Boat Harbor, and Downtown signs along the Seward Highway/Third Avenue corridor • Installation of decorative street lights downtown on Fourth Avenue • Murals painted on city walls; dumpsters painted in campgrounds and boat harbor • Removal of numerous abandoned and dilapidated buildings by both city and private property owners • Revision of the sign ordinance • Improved spring cleanup and initiation of shoreline cleanup events 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 9 2005 2.0 SEWARD COMMUNITY VISION AND VALUES 2.1 COMMUNITY VISION AND VALUES FOR 2020 Building on its impressive heritage and natural setting, the community's vision for itself includes: - an attractive, healthy, vibrant community; a strong diverse economy with quality business, educational and recreational Y � opportunities; a process for orderly growth; .r ti - and an appreciation of local history, culture, and community. 2.2 COMMUNITY VALUES The values of a community reflect and drive the quality of its life. This quality is also impacted by such factors as: ■ geographic and cultural features that are unique to a community ■ the type and quantity of human activities in the area as shown by economic indicators, vital statistics and population data, education and health statistics, and other data ■ the opinions and experiences that the community collectively embodies. In order to maintain or improve the overall quality of life, these underlying community values must be known and respected. The following are key community values identified by the citizens of Seward with supporting directions for the plan. Small Town Feel And Atmosphere We value the "small town feel"and friendly atmosphere. The following items have been identified by citizens as contributing to Seward's small town atmosphere: • people are friendly and you know your neighbors • a comfortable, relaxed attitude • a dynamic historic downtown and a thriving small boat harbor • a high level of citizen commitment to the community • convenient access throughout town; a pedestrian friendly downtown • pride in our history • an attractive community appearance. Natural Environment And Open Space 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 10 2005 We value clean air, clean water and a healthy, natural environment for people and wildlife. We value natural open spaces and the scenic views of the surrounding undeveloped mountains. We value quiet in our residential neighborhoods. • Protect our ecosystem and public health by assessing the need for an air quality ordinance. • Preserve and protect the scenic views of the mountains and Resurrection Bay. • Seek ways to protect the watershed and mitigate development impacts on the slopes of Bear Mountain, Marathon Mountain, Mount Benson and the Mount Alice bench. • Explore the feasibility of establishing buffer zones along waterways. • Encourage education and support enforcement of federal and state environmental regulations. • Require and enforce noise mitigation measures. Community Appearance We value a clean, well-maintained community, beautification through landscaping, and restoration of our historic structures. • Encourage citizens as well as the city to take an active role in beautifying the community. • Maintain a clean, litter-free community. • Support an effective recycling program. • Continue to require landscaping plans for conditional use permits as feasible. • Create a landscape ordinance. • Develop an effective enforcement method for violations of city codes affecting community appearance. • Support activities initiated by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC). • Update and approve the "Seward Gateway Historic Transportation District Plan, 1995 (unapproved)". • Implement aesthetics when designing and maintaining roadways. Recreation We value diverse, year-round, indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities and facilities for residents and visitors of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.I 11 2005 • Implement the City of Seward Parks Master Plan and encourage regular updating. • Include a dog park in the Park Plan. • Protect open space by ensuring that Two Lakes Parks is platted, zoned, and dedicated for park purposes in perpetuity. • Protect open space by ensuring that Waterfront Park is platted, zoned, and dedicated for park purposes in perpetuity. • Support the development of the following infrastructure: bowling alley, ice hockey rink, bike trails, nature trails, and a golf course. Education We value a community that will ensure that pre-K-12 and post-secondary education institutions have the resources and programs to provide quality educational opportunities to our children and residents. • Support the development of adjoining campuses for a pre-K-12 schools complex. • Support the continuation of the Head Start program. • Support the development of local University of Alaska campus and degree programs. • Support infrastructure for research vessels and their investigations. • Support the mission and programs of the Alaska Vocational Technical Center to develop the workforce, including the Summer Academy. • Support educational opportunities which are enhanced by Seward's physical geography and economic activities. • Support the efforts of all educational organizations and government agencies, including the Seward Educational Alliance, Seward Museum, Seward Public Library, National Park Service (NPS), and US Forest Service (USFS), to provide educational opportunities that incorporate community resources into education programs. • Support quality after-school education programs. • Support Community Schools and adult literacy programs. • Support adequate funding for education, including intra-school district sports and art and music programs at the middle school level. Health Care We value effective, accessible, and affordable healthcare. • Explore the feasibility of a borough health care service area. • Support additional beds and short-term stay beds at the hospital. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 12 2005 • Explore the provision of birthing services locally. • Support co-location of long-term care facility and medical center. • Explore new long-term care facility. • Explore the feasibility of providing veterans care locally. • Encourage medical health care professionals to relocate to Seward. • Pursue affordable health care insurance through borough, state and federal sources. • Encourage cooperation between all health care providers. • Support preventative and rehabilitation social services. • Retain Seward as the hub for social services on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula. • Support Independent Living Center, SeaView Community Services and Seward Senior Center and other similar organizations. Community Partnerships We value the contributions of the various organizations and individuals who work to better our community. • Encourage citizen participation in community organizations. • Initiate an annual meeting to promote networking between local service organizations, individuals, the city and other governmental entities. • Explore active city/borough relationships in areas of mutual interest that impact our community. • Continue supporting community organizations and their private grants that enhance our community. • Approve resolutions of support for endeavors and projects of various organizations and individuals which benefit the community. City Government We value an open, responsive city government based on a high level of citizen input and community involvement. We value a fiscally sound government that provides high quality services. • Compile, distribute, and post on-line a City of Seward directory of information. • Recommend the systematic review and update of the city code. • Develop practical enforcement procedures for common code violations. • Recommend the development of a policy and procedure manual for each department. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 13 2005 • Develop a preliminary review to process conditional use and preliminary plat applications efficiently. • Recommend an annual review of City of Seward Rules of Council Procedure. • Recommend developing an advisory committee for the Parks and Recreation Department. • Explore the possibility of annexing surrounding areas, studying economic and social effects. Public Safety We value a safe community and a feeling of security. • Periodically review, evaluate, update, and conduct simulations of all emergency plans, especially the Emergency Preparedness Plan, training core city staff and community members. • Maintain an effective public safety communications network, including an enhanced emergency 911 (E91 1) system and corrected street addresses. • Encourage annual reporting of crime statistics, analysis of crime incidents, and recommendations for solutions. • Encourage marine safety activities. • Establish alternative north-south routes throughout the community for emergency evacuations. • Identify an appropriate site for a new animal control shelter. • Ensure a high level of fire protection within the community by periodic evaluation and update of the Fire Master Plan • Continue support of Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Anticipate future demands for their services and how to best meet those needs. • Support the installation of ambulance warning lights at the intersection of Third and D Street. • Continuously plan for future police services, including police auxiliary programs, to ensure the highest level of public safety within the community. • Review, update and fund the flood mitigation plan. • Develop an elite mountain rescue corps. • Support Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Bear Safe Community Program. • Adopt regulations establishing a rat free port and community. Land Development We value orderly growth and balanced development that is driven by community consensus in conformance with the land use plan. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 14 2005 • Ensure all adopted codes reflect community values. • Review and update the Sign Code. • Consolidate, review and update all definitions in Title 15 of the city code. • Consolidate and streamline zoning districts and their allowed land uses, encouraging vacation of unnecessary easements. • Establishing criteria for each zoning district, which shall consider drainage; air, noise and light pollution; landscaping and maintenance of vegetative cover; and conflicting uses of adjacent districts. • Create a development packet for each zoning district. • Encourage home ownership opportunities. • Develop a land use plan for the east side of Resurrection Bay. • Seek sites for future cemetery expansion. • Update the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) Plan. • Enable a more viable property use at Fifth Avenue and B Street by relocation of the State maintenance facility to outside of the City. Economic Base We value a stable economic environment, economic diversity, year-round businesses, environmentally responsible industry, and employment that promotes a high standard of living. • Provide modern communications infrastructure. • Explore ways to reduce energy costs. • Develop infrastructure expansion plans for currently undeveloped residential and commercial property. • Promote infill development by encouraging and promoting construction on vacant sites in areas of the city which are already established • Explore incentives to attract more year-round private sector industries to augment the tax base. • Increase public sector (federal and state) employment and program funding. • Support the promotion of sporting, cultural events, conventions and other activities year-round. • Develop an aggressive marketing campaign highlighting the quality of life and diverse resources that make Seward a desirable place to live and establish a business. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 15 2005 • Support Seward schools to attract and retain families. • Support expansion of the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) infrastructure and replacement of its research vessel. • Improve and expand port facilities to attract more maritime trade. • Complete development of SMIC as a revenue source with year-round employment opportunities. • Complete East Harbor expansion and upgrades to existing harbor facilities. • Encourage the prudent management of resources for healthy commercial and sports fishing industries. • Promote and protect wild salmon habitat to reduce dependency on hatchery-raised salmon smolt. • Promote expansion and development of local entrepreneurial businesses. Transportation Facilities We value diverse transportation facilities including road, rail, air, pedestrian, and water routes that meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. Traffic Management • Classify existing and proposed streets according to function and carrying capacity: highway, arterial, collector, and neighborhood street. • Develop a transportation plan for Seward and participate in the borough process. • Designate truck and bus routes to minimize traffic in t.. residential neighborhoods. • Support construction of a new road from the Seward .. Highway to the transfer facility that bypasses the Forest Acres Subdivision. • Support enhanced public transportation throughout the community. • Support construction of uninterrupted access from the Seward Highway to the Seward airport. Parking, Loading Areas, and Transportation Facilities • Develop a downtown parking plan that maximizes the use of existing parking areas, accommodating the needs of business owners, employees, visitors, and residents. • Assure adequate public parking and loading areas for the harbor slip-holders. • Require safe on-site loading areas for service vehicles in commercial and institutional zones. • Require adequate parking for RVs and commercial buses in all appropriate zones. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 16 2005 Road construction • Support adequate funding to maintain safe roads year round. • Support forward funding for major road repairs and upgrades. • Ensure that city code provisions for driveway widths and locations are realistic and safe. • Include sight triangles at major intersections to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. • Vacate undevelopable right-of-ways throughout the community. • Continue to seek borough, state, and federal funding to improve Lowell Point Road, and explore the feasibility of making it a dedicated right-of-way. • Encourage the state to hold local public meetings and include public input in all plans to improve state right-of-ways within the area serviced by the City of Seward Electric Utility. • Work with the Alaska Railroad Corporation to improve local railroad crossings. Sidewalks, Bike Paths and Right-of-Ways • Establish a sidewalk and pathway policy to enhance pedestrian mobility and safety. • Construct heated sidewalks with curbs and gutters along major pedestrian routes, with lighting a priority on those used by elderly people and children walking to and from school. • Support efforts to maintain integrity of the waterfront bike path. • Support efforts to extend the bike path out the Seward Highway. • Require property owners, public and private, either to store plowed snow on their property or have it removed. Air traffic • Establish flight corridors to minimize intrusions on the community's quality of life. Marine • Support the Alaska Marine Highway System. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 17 2005 3.0 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTION ITEMS 3.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 3.1.1. Attract new business and industry to the greater Seward area. 3.1.1.1 Develop an active marketing campaign that highlights the diverse resources and quality of life that makes Seward an attractive place in which to live and to establish a business or industry. • Support efforts of village and regional Alaska Native corporations to expand business activities and services. • Encourage the enhancement of private businesses in downtown Seward as the ! - community's traditional retail core. — • Promote heritage tourism. • Promote winter tourism (see Recreation). IF • Promote year-round sporting events, cultural productions, conventions and other activities. 3.1.1.2 Update and expand infrastructure for commercial and industrial properties that are currently undeveloped or underdeveloped. • Encourage development of land bordered by the Seward Highway, Port Avenue, the coal pile, and AVTEC industrial trades campus. • Extend utilities to Alaska Railroad lands. • Extend the Seward Marine Industrial Center area and the airport. • Improve roads within the industrial zone. • Focus downtown revitalization efforts on vacant and dilapidated buildings. • Support development of modern communications infrastructure. • Continue to support efforts to develop alternative energy sources including natural gas and hydropower. • Improve and expand onshore and offshore maritime facilities (see Port and Harbor Development). 3.1.1.3 Enhance Seward's international role in trade and tourism. • Evaluate costs and benefits of establishing a foreign trade zone. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 18 2005 • Adjust local regulations, where appropriate, to encourage development in international commerce consistent with the community vision. 3.1.2. Increase public sector employment and programs. 3.1.2.1 Support existing public institutions in their effort to maintain, expand and develop. • Continue to advocate on behalf of the University of Alaska in their efforts to expand the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) facility. • Continue to advocate the Department of Corrections and Alaska State Legislature to expand the Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC). • Continue to advocate for the growth of the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC). • Continue to support external funding for the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). • Seek stable funding to maintain the District Recording Office in the Seward location. • Support existing public institutions in their efforts to maintain, expand and develop. • Support the concept, fundraising activities and construction of a new library/museum facility intended to combine, update and expand the programs and services of the Seward Community Library and the Seward Museum. 3.1.2.2. Encourage and assist in the development of new public services and facilities. • Support construction of the Multi-Agency Facility which is to include: National Park Service, US Forest Service, Alaska State Parks, and the University of Alaska. • Encourage the appointment of a superior court judge, and construction of a courthouse/public safety building in Seward. • Encourage additional military facilities that upgrade Seward as a Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) destination. 3.2 LAND USE 3.2.1 Promote residential and commercial development within the city of Seward and its vicinity in accordance with community values. 3.2.1.1 Manage land use to facilitate economic development while maintaining the historic, small town character of Seward. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 19 2005 • Use city-owned land and tidelands to encourage feasible and sound economic development by setting development standards and performance periods through the leasing process. • Evaluate for disposal city-owned lands which have not or will not be dedicated to a public purpose. • Develop infrastructure and utility expansion plans for currently undeveloped residential and commercial property, including ways to reduce service costs once operational. • Evaluate ordinance requirements and provide incentives for property owners that balance economic development with design that is compatible with the historic character of Seward, and provides amenities such as landscaping and adequate parking. • Ensure uniform and consistent enforcement of the zoning code, building code, subdivision ordinance, and city lease agreements, and evaluate potential code changes to make enforcement easier. • Improve methods of communicating and achieving development requirements in each zoning district by preparing information packets that include: construction permits, code requirements, and means of minimizing pollution and drainage problems; and by streamlining the plan approval and building inspection processes. • Revise the Resource Management District to require rezoning before development for residential, commercial or industrial use. • Evaluate reducing the number of zoning districts by combining Urban Residential and Office Residential. • Make code changes to allow more reasonable rebuilding of non- conforming uses after fire or other significant damage or allow expansion of non-conforming uses to a limited extent. • Support the on-going dialogue with the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the State of Alaska regarding the status and disposition of their undeveloped lands. • Find land suitable for cemetery expansion. • Research Conservation options for environmentally sensitive areas. 3.2.1.2 Expand the opportunity for affordable, diverse, year-round housing through appropriate land use regulations. • Promote infill development by r ,�� promoting housing construction Irl 1 Ih- I ®r to II er "0gull "" """ ':"3 on small vacant lots in already 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 20 2005 established areas of the city. • Evaluate mixed commercial and residential uses in the Seward downtown business district. • Encourage downtown apartments and other high density residential development, including seasonal housing at all market levels. 3.2.1.3 Establish an attractive highway corridor from Mile 0 to 8. • Coordinate with local residents and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Department to develop a specific land use plan for the corridor and unincorporated areas adjacent to the city. • Assess annexing Lowell Point and areas north on the Seward Highway. 3.2.2 Improve the capacity of the office of Community Development. 3.2.2.1 Maintain community vision through rigorous implementation and update of the Comprehensive and Land Use plans. • Regularly review, update, and affirm the Comprehensive and Land Use plans through public participation in town meetings, outreach to community groups, and increased public relations. • Review administrative and legislative decisions for consistency with the goals of the Strategic and Comprehensive plans. • Ensure the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the Strategic Plan when addressing infrastructure and growth ramifications. • Update the zoning code in order to implement the Comprehensive Plan and bring the zoning map into conformance with the Land Use Plan. 3.2.2.2 Improve the capability of the office of Community Development to develop land use and other maps in Seward. • Develop in-house Geographic Information System (GIS) capability by coordinating with other agencies to build on existing borough mapping that shows zoning, subdivisions, existing uses, natural hazards, and other GIS data. • Obtain equipment, software and training necessary to produce custom maps with overlays for presenting land use information necessary for project exhibits used in planning, code revisions, purchasing, selling, and development proposals. 3.2.3 Identify habitats such as eagle nesting and roosting areas, anadromous streams, wetlands and other wildlife areas. • Develop conservation overlay district(s). 3.3 HOUSING 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 21 2005 3.3.1 Encourage development of new housing in Seward. 3.3.1.1 Support a range of housing choices that meet the needs of people in various income and age groups. • Develop a comprehensive housing plan to identify specific needs, to encourage residential development within the city, and to provide a reasonable range of housing options. • Obtain information from comparative communities throughout the nation concerning their housing g - processes, including ' p g subdivision development and relationships -- with landowners. =�y . ➢ Improve availability of - information on city code and permit requirements to potential 4. home builders. 3.3.1.2 Create incentives to provide land for housing development within the City of Seward. • Conduct the sale of city land within specific time frames and performance requirements that support housing construction. 3.3.1.3 Assess solutions to extend cost-effective utilities to home sites on land zoned for residential development. • Set priorities for utility extension in a manner that encourages orderly residential development within and outside city limits. • Authorize engineering studies to determine the costs of utility extensions to developable land within the city. • Study forming Local Improvement Districts (LIDS) to create an equitable method of paying for extensions by developers, buyers, and/or the city. 3.4 TRANSPORTATION 3.4.1 Update and use the Seward Transportation Plan (1999) as the primary tool to ensure safe and convenient transportation facilities. 3.4.1.1 Provide safe and efficient vehicular transportation facilities that meet the needs of the community. • Complete the current Seward Highway Mile Post (MP) 0-8 project under the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) proceeds. • Support the upgrade of Lowell Point Road. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 22 2005 • Improve public transportation between downtown and the harbor by developing a local transit system that meets ADA standards. • Enforce short-term parking consistently in the downtown and harbor areas. • Examine and implement a range of public parking solutions in the small boat harbor area including: ➢ Evaluate using ARRC land for summer parking ➢ Encourage day cruise and sport fishing charter operations to provide offsite private parking for their patrons ➢ Pave and stripe the northeast parking lot ➢ Provide more information on parking locations and regulations. 3.4.1.2 Expand and maintain existing sidewalks and the multi-purpose trail system in order to provide safe, fully accessible, pedestrian pathways throughout the city. • Develop an improvement plan for safe pedestrian and vehicular traffic articulation, including sidewalk extensions and year-round maintenance of pedestrian pathways. • Consider closing Washington Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Avenues and Fourth Avenue between Railway and Washington Street to through traffic during peak visitor seasons and special events. • Connect schools and residential areas through the development of sidewalks and trails. • Support the construction of a pedestrian path to Exit Glacier. 3.4.1.3 Improve the usability of the state owned airport. • Complete an airport runway expansion feasibility study. • Develop a flood mitigation project to protect the runway from flooding. • Upgrade navigational aids with the latest, industrial standard technology. 3.4.1.4 Support retention of the Alaska Marine Highway presence in Seward. 3.5 PORT AND HARBOR DEVELOPMENT 3.5.1 Create a thriving port of Seward through harbor improvements, infrastructure expansion, and implementation of management plans. 3.5.1.1 Encourage the growth and development of an efficient, functional small boat harbor that meets Seward's commercial and recreational needs. • Use the 2003 Small Boat Harbor Planning and Development Guide to 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 23 2005 update plans that fully develop the harbor and uplands. • Continue to provide .. • . community planning { - and pursue funding to 4 . complete the design and construction of the East Harbor Expansion Project. Ensure sound - development of private - - and public harbor uplands with a plan that addresses the needs of harbor users and visitors by reviewing allowed uses in the harbor zoning district, including public parking and amenities. • Continue to add public amenities and improve the look of the harbor area through landscaping, decor enhancement, and litter control. 3.5.1.2 Plan for adequate port infrastructure that will serve the needs of users in the main industrial/Alaska Railroad area and at the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC), sustain an increase above the current activity, and attract new business. • Coordinate with the Alaska Marine Highway System and Alaska Railroad to complete intermodal dock improvements. • Continue working with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), Alaska Railroad, and cruise ship industries to develop convenient and well-publicized local, state, and national transportation connections from the port areas. • Monitor federal funds designated for developing the bypass road from the Alaska Railroad docks to the airport. • Coordinate with Seward Terminal and the Alaska Railroad in developing multiple uses of the coal loading dock. • Revisit the 1995 SMIC Development Plan to include new market trends and modern technologies for ship repair and construction, shipping of natural resource products, boat storage, and other compatible industries, soliciting support from Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). • Plan with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for harbor improvements in the Fourth of July Creek area such as a breakwater that would support "home porting" the Coast Guard cutter and other large vessels. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 24 2005 3.6 RECREATION 3.6.1 Improve, expand and diversify year-round parks and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. 3.6.1.1 Improve existing and develop additional recreational infrastructure. • Consider establishing a Parks and Recreation advisory council. • Improve playgrounds by replacing and maintaining equipment that is safe and meets ADA standards. • Develop a landscape plan for city campgrounds that includes planting of native trees and shrubs, and ensures protection of the beach habitat. s r m • Develop a landscape plan for Waterfront • Pf Park that provides for additional green space and vacates existing lot lines and p g right-of-ways. • Complete the Two Lakes Park improvement plan, including interior lot line vacations. • Sustain current zoning for city park lands. • Identify, protect, and preserve scenic and natural areas for recreational enjoyment. • Develop, protect and preserve Hoben Park. 3.6.1.2 Update the 1993 Parks and Recreation Master Plan for improving and expanding recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, day-use areas, camping areas, and trails, addressing the following items: • Identify and 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, 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 shall be officially dedicated as park land. 3.6.1.3 Develop and promote winter tourism by expanding opportunities, creating advertisements, and marketing incentives to visit Seward during winter months. • Conduct visitor studies that eliminate the duplication of counts and 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 25 2005 provide year-round visitor counts to target marketing. • Evaluate and promote existing back-country activities in cooperation with state and federal park agencies, Seward Parks and Recreation, and Seward Chamber of Commerce, and plan for future opportunities. • Encourage the expansion of cross-country skiing and snow machining trails and the development of infrastructure for alpine skiing and ice- skating/hockey. 3.7 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES 3.7.1 Support efforts to continuously improve the quality of educational facilities and services. 3.7.1.1 Support development of infrastructure and acquisition of land that promotes educational activities. • Promote improved fiber optic capabilities for long distance learning opportunities at the public schools, Alaska Vocational Technical Center, Alaska SeaLife Center, and other places of learning in the community. • Continue to coordinate with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and the community to provide limited, safe access between Seward Elementary and Seward Middle and Seward High schools for emergency and bus transport purposes. Continue to identify and acquire land, working with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to develop the K-12 public school campus fully with adequate playing fields, safe road access, and compatible trail systems. 3.7.1.2 Support, strengthen and develop diverse educational and research programs at various public and non-profit institutions. • Support continued development and dissemination of educational programs and research at the Alaska SeaLife Center. • Support the expansion of research and public information capabilities of the Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks. • Continue working with the Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska Anchorage to form a degree-granting branch. • Support the life-long learning needs of community residents through a 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 26 2005 variety of formal and informal educational opportunities. • Provide opportunities for integrating arts and culture in developments throughout the community. • Encourage the year-round use of public schools as neighborhood and community centers. • Support the design, funding and construction of a new library/museum facility. 3.7.3 Continue to improve the quality and efficiency of city governmental services. • Continue to revise and update the Seward City Code. • Adopt a community impact review process for proposed retail developments over 15,000 square feet. 3.7.3.1 Continue to upgrade and expand utilities to meet existing needs and encourage future development. • Follow recommendations of the Water and Sewer System Analysis (2000). • Evaluate ways to equitably extend utilities to areas that are priorities for residential development (see Housing). • Conduct rate studies on utilities as needed. • Expand customer base within the Seward Electric Utility area as a means to reduce energy costs and improve services. 3.7.3.2 Plan to relocate and rebuild selected city facilities to improve compatibility with land uses and increase cost-effectiveness of services. • Relocate the city shop to a more appropriate area. • Relocate the animal shelter facility to a more appropriate area. • Support the design and construction of a facility that combines public library and museum services. • Study the feasibility of a new city hall facility that consolidates city offices, separating out the state courthouse and other state, borough and federal offices. • Relocate the long-term care facility and the hospital to a site which will support expansion and modernization. 3.7.3.3 Implement an ADA transition plan for all City owned facilities and programs 3.7.4 Support Kenai Peninsula Borough purchase and use of air curtain destructor to efficiently burn wood waste at borough landfill, thereby 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 27 2005 reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving air quality. 3.7.5 Maintain and actively enforce a hazardous material disposal program that coordinates with Borough, State, and Federal regulatory agencies. 3.8 NATURAL HAZARDS 3.8.1 Promote community safety from natural disasters through mitigation measures and y. g g . A : preparedness training. 3.8.1.1 Protect citizens from natural hazards by using appropriate land use policies and regulations. 3.8.1.2 Create sound public uses of potentially hazardous lands. • Continue to identify areas subject to natural hazards with appropriate state and federal agencies and understand the nature of these hazards particularly earthquakes and tsunamis, flooding, avalanches and landslides, and saturated soils. • Use potentially hazardous public lands for low risk uses such as open space, wildlife and bird habitat protection, and recreation activities. 3.8.1.3 Mitigate flood hazards. • Secure funding to implement the comprehensive flood mitigation plan for Resurrection River and Japanese Creek. • Maintain the Fourth of July Creek dike system and keep channel clear of debris. • Cooperate with the Bear Creek/Seward Flood Service Area in planning, developing and implementing flood mitigation measures in adjacent areas that impact the safety and functioning of the city. • Determine the best solution and seek adequate funding to rebuild and/or repair the Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel and Dam complex. 3.8.1.4 Control development on lands subject to risks from seismic activity; floods; steep slopes prone to erosion, avalanches, and landslides; and saturated soils. • Update building codes and practices that allow safe utilization of potentially hazardous lands and conform to state and federal regulations. • Investigate land trades and other mechanisms for acquisition of potentially hazardous lands. • Advocate building standards and planning in unincorporated areas outside 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 28 2005 the city working with the Bear Creek/Seward Flood Service Area to avoid inappropriate development and demands on emergency services. 3.8.2 Plan and prepare for disasters. • Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. • Coordinate with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to annually review and update all disaster emergency plans. • Coordinate community-wide disaster preparedness training and public education efforts. • Plan to deal with the after effects of the spruce bark beetle epidemic, i.e.: dead tree removal to reduce fire hazard, fire breaks, etc. 3.9 QUALITY OF LIFE 3.9.1 Enhance the "sense of community" including its economic and historic significance among residents of the greater Seward area. rr 3.9.1.1 Maintain Seward's small town, family- oriented character throughout the growth process. • Encourage citizen participation in local r organizations and task forces, an n, annual service organization meeting, . and other regular inter-agency y P ' networking that involves a broad base 5 of the community in decision-making. • Support community engagement programs that promote positive adult-youth relationships and activities that enhance health and well-being across the generations. • Encourage community appreciation of local history and support the continuation of traditions such as the Mount Marathon Race 3.9.1.2 Encourage the recognition, rehabilitation and preservation of, prehistoric and historic sites, transportation routes, trails, buildings, and artifacts. • Support the Seward Historic Preservation Commission's (SHPC) efforts to raise public awareness regarding the inventory of local historic properties; those properties listed on local, state and national registers; and benefits of placing properties on these registers. • Evaluate incentives, procedures, and regulations to encourage continued 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 29 2005 identification, inventory, acquisition, preservation, and restoration of buildings and sites: ➢ Review with SHPC the land uses allowed for properties listed on the local historic inventory or any of the registers and in the Historic District for compatibility and possible reclassification ➢ Develop with SHPC appropriate information, guidelines and incentives for owners to incorporate historic preservation using the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation or locally determined standards ➢ Add a historic resources survey as part of the application for city building and conditional use permits ➢ Revise the review process of permits to ensure guidelines that protect resources of historic significance are followed. • Encourage planning and adaptive use of historic properties to promote residential, cultural, commercial, and heritage tourism purposes: ➢ Review and initiate ordinances that protect the Historic District while delineating a process for changes in property use ➢ Clarify roles of SHPC, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the City of Seward in regulating historic preservation and integrating it into the planning process. • Encourage preservation of historic landscaping. 3.9.2 Improve the appearance of and reduce unnecessary noise in the entire community to enhances the natural environment and protect the local ecosystems. 3.9.2.1 Encourage citizens, as well as the city, to take an active role in beautifying the community. • Develop landscaping recommendations for planting trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. • Promote landscaping through permitting processes and study the possible benefits of a landscaping/beautification ordinance. • Increase recycling efforts to reduce litter and impact on landfill. • Evaluate measures to control improper signage and community "eyesores." • Require shielding of lights in commercial zones adjacent to residential zones. • Support and encourage Solid Waste Management "3R's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 30 2005 • Support creation of a sustainable, comprehensive recycling program. • Support waste reduction, reuse and recycling in City Hall and annexes. • Support waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in schools and other institutions. • Support the Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR). • Support Parks and Recreation Volunteer Community Clean Ups. • Support Christmas Tree Recycling for wood chips. • Evaluate citywide curbside pickup of recyclables. 3.9.2.2 Preserve and protect the scenic views of the mountains and Resurrection Bay. • Seek ways to minimize development impacts on the slopes of Bear Mountain, Mt. Marathon, Mt. Benson, and the Mt. Alice bench utilizing watershed protection measures. • Ensure zoning that maximizes park purposes along the waterfront and waterway buffer areas, in particular dedicating Waterfront Park for open space in perpetuity. 3.9.2.3 Preserve the quiet of residential neighborhoods. • Support the ordinance on quiet hours, including special consideration of Sundays. • Require soundproofing of generators, air quality control units, and other sources of noise in commercial or institutional zones adjacent to residential zones. • Explore eliminating usage of loudspeakers on cruise ships and other large vessels while in port. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL.1 31 2005 04 do ono 2 4q E�Tb7F i h t� nsN s !y 00 goo °c^ �EMCo 1 SAVE \\ V c�R P y 6 F 8 sN� 2 2 3 4 - BENSON DR P wFNn 3 9 2 FFIFSA< SEA 10 d 3 2 - 2—THONDR / 3 `\ RESURRECTION BEVD „ 2 - J - 2 �R�D�E �� 2 AI o N - HE ,0 NORTH OR 4- ,0 5 13A W 3 �+---F 9 Po: _ 2 �gOHTH H Be RS6 mr 2 �` � ciao L1w neoore.cro�®rs 8 8 1 7 R 14 j hLLy <N 13 12 0 11 rea O e ill 4-40 SNUC 23 22 o sr 24 ���8 viNEsr 18 c s 1�7 15 4 3 4 t HN 1 91 405NnsT394� 3 �� 34 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 BETTE CATG AVENUE IN > 2 26 25 24 23 21 20 LL L3WFH L CANYON RD JELLISON AVENUE IIIIII, 1 2 MUSTMIG AVENUE 13 14 15 18 17 18 19 MO RRISAVENUE SMIC 12 6 7 w 1 0= =9 8 soRREL Rono ,AsHINGloN sr ®Dv 3 Official City of Seward Zoning Map Seward Zoning Map spin—FYQnooaxr-ca>&—�— nra�NrapC®p�>�-www�°� Legend This is to certify that this is the official Seward zoning map referred to in =City Limits Sec.15.01.030.of Title 15 of the The graphics on this map were produced from the Adopted by the Kenai Peninsula Borough as part -Rural Residential Seward City Code.This zoning map of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.(Ord.85-77) replaces all previous official zoning best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Single Family Residential maps and is intended to incorporate n o responsibility for any omissions,inaccuracies,or Nov.5,1985,amended(Ord.88-10)May 3,1988 other errors that may exist. and contain all revisions as enacted Adopted by the City of Seward Ord.626 Nov.6, —Two Family Residential by ordinances as of this date. 1989.Effective Jan.2,1990. -Multi Family Residential REVISIONS -Urban Residential rliegmrymcs on m�map were pmUucM °e'a°a°a°so°ic T^ No.Ord.Date I Attest No.I Ord.Date I Attest No.I Ord.Date I Attest No.I Ord.Date I Attest -Office Residential team �poa—R— oreRoS.�mg's`sence mar Attest: -Harbor Commercial -Auto Commercial 0 Central Business District -Industrial Jean Lewis,City Clerk Institutional -Park Resource Management 0 Historic District 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Red Line Indicates Undeveloped Right-Of-Way III uto Gom al ar 15 r uto Commercial Il I a s In ust ial 6 � • 1 111, ■ Ily — tial ao Single _ Family _ Residential Urban 5� 1 esidential a©7 •chi 17 1 i 1 NO� F- Two - Family � Residential - Institutional Q p o P ■ Park ■T� Single Ll 0 Family rl 14i:I Residential 1 ■n • Institutional ■■ ■.■ -�lii: il: BETTE CATOAVENUE En ■�■ ■ P9 fl ■- fF! 9E� Urban Residential MUSTMGAVMUE son MORRISAVENLE SMREL Official City of Seward Land Use Map replacesTh is - _. maps and is intended to incorporate Adopted by the,,Seward Comprehensive Plan and ontain all revisions as enacted proved by the Seward City Council Resolution Resourcedate. Management Attest Jean Lewis,City Clerk l F 0-- — s�so s e i rsGe a- 4` _n I SMIC goo 4 I �l c �r e 7 I T; - 3 i 0 1,000 2,000o O ' u l L o u Feet I iP Ali it C 5_ C 1 Q j�o b JL � 1�Iap Components Q DO + 0 Manhole Seward ; Pump StationLIj Flush 50D 1,000 Water System ( cleanout o O 0 --- _ � Lift Building Feet Lift Station ry a,s �4Sewer Line 1 I o� Li Drain Endpoint El �y ❑ - �}y, ® Storm Drain H '1 !" Storm Drain Line - �k Seward Fish Outfall Ir ` -�Y-Railroad n / ILL] =euivsr��r.�c LJ Road _ Parcels _ " Ball Field El 71 r;I I i _ Seward Seward Water System �ELL° Sewer System I / I WELL s ' 4 wELLr �LLe', �I ,_... 0 500 1,000 0 500 1,00 , Feet FetI _t r1 �II -------_ N Map Components µ s, 1,o R W,11 pp 111 3 Pressure e Reduction on Valv e Well House_ Water Line El #Hydrant #n- LL tZ - - � � 1 r I Wa[er Tank ❑ �� j 11 'v Railroad o ' r 0 �i Road / -- -- Ball Field t h Wa ter r � I i U *`� LLLJJJ r999 :I Parcels � Map Components ❑o t... R Well ? ❑ 3 Pressure Reduction Value ��0 a ❑Q�� 6 a� �� j t i N Well House �o + ,Nn #Hydrant Water Line n Y � Water Tank /"I� I�� .-----k Railroad ,G r�Road cl 1 u Ball Field ❑ Map produced by Quinn Tracy,City of Seward ❑ Y�y Map produced by Quinn Tracy,City of Seward The ra hits on this ma were produced from the Fresh Water - 500 1,000 9 P P P July 2003 The graphics on this map were produced from the July 2003 best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Updated toARCGIS 9.0 Parcels best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Updated to ARCGIS 9.0 eet no responsibility for an omissions,inaccuracies ----❑' P Y Y March 2005 �.�-^,I� no responsibility for any omissions,inaccuracies March 2005 I` or other errors that may exist. ew✓w.akmapco.com _ or other errors that may exist. www.akmapco.com 10 O o 0 500 1,000 U D o Feet 1 0 1,000 2,000 Feet 1, 0 1,000 2,000 " Feet ! ❑ ° C 0 500 11000 Seward 0 0 �h Map Components Feet Sewer System �o 1J 4 Pedestal Seward Vault Underground Transformer Electrical System N1ap Components o, Meteringcabinet 0 Manhole Section Can I Utility Pole Pump Station r # Steel L ghtpole Flush _ 04 + ``l #Wood Lightpole Cleanout ❑ L p Overhead Circuit oA Lift Building ❑ Lift Line YD Lift Station L�o IJ �Li Railroad Road Sewer Line f� 7 J � Fresh Water f- Drain Endpoint 0 Parcels Ball -- Al 0 Storm Drain _ `n^r Feld LN Storm Drain Line '�I Seward Fish Outfa II Railroad o Road ❑ s / U o ;� � K Fresh Water / Seward � Parcels I Ball Field a 4, / Electrical System o C L 0 500 1,000 Feet i �� of . 1 4 c�d _ r I " I Map Components 4 0 d a ,❑4 d Pedestal { v, r 'r Vault p{ # Underground Transformer - � I Metering Cabinet I _ I ❑ I f Section Can r< a 0, _ �P B i a o utility Pole I — # Steel Lightpole ° ❑ O I_ # Wood Li ht ole � gp The graphics on this map were oy °''1 - i p U Overhead Circuit produced from the best available sources. The City of Seward assumes no _ Transmission Line responsibility for any omissions, ❑ _ V inaccuracies or other errors that may exist. 4 r'X.i Railroad Md it `o 0 o 4 0 O Ma produced bQuinnTracy,City of Seward Road Q I 9 Pp Y Y Y h Parcels July20D3 i Updated to ARCGIS 9.D Ball Field 'r FA a March 2005 vwWv.akmapco.com Ma produced b Quinn Tracy,City of Seward _ ° The graphics on this map were f ❑ FF_�.:� P P Y Y, tY ,. - � _..rI r,. Ma produced b Quinn Tracy,City of Seward produced from the best available sources "=o The graphics on this ma were produced from the -. „ p P Y Y, Y p - 9 P P P July 2003 I Q July 2203 The City of Seward assumes no 5• Y tY best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Updated to ARCGIS 9.0 - � I ❑no responsibility for an omissions,inaccuracies _ Updated to ARCGIS 9.0 responsibility for any omissions, II >zJ - P Y Y March 20D5 c •t March 2005 inaccuracies or other errors that may exist. or other errors that may exist. vwwvakmapco.com - vwvwakmapco.com N CITY OF SEWARD 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Volume Ii 90 July 29, 2005 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SEWARD, A-LASKA Prepared For: The City of Seward, Alaska Prepared By: The Seward Planning and Zoning Commission --With Technical Assistance Provided by— Sandy Wassilie of High Tide Writing Seward, Alaska Adopted By the City Council of the City of Seward August 8, 2005 by Resolution 2005-26 Adopted By the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly January 3, 2006 by Ordinance 2005-48 Introduced by, Mayor Date; 12 6/05 Hearing: 110 Action: Enacted as Amended Vote: 9 Yesi 0 N KENA.I PENINSULA.BOROUGH ORDINANCE 2005-48 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2020 SEWA D COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS THE OFFICIAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THAT PORTION OF THE BOROUGH WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES of THE CITY OF S WARD WHE AS. the existing Seward Comprehensive Plan was adopted i 1990; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward has prepared an updated comprehensive plan for that area of the Borough within the boundaries of the City of Seward; and WHEREAS, the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan has been a project of the Seward Plying Commission, City of Seward staff; consultants and the public since July of 2000; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan reflects the concerns of the public, the Seward Planning Commission, and the Seward City Council for orderly development, with public safety, health and welfare as the prevailing goal; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adoption to the Seward City Council by passing Resolution No. 204-1 ; and WHEREAS, City of Seward Resolution 20 5--26, "A.Resolution of the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, Recommending that the Kenai Peninsula Borough Approve the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan" was passed on April 25, 2005; and WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough shall provide for planning on an are wi e basis in accordance with AS 29,4 ; and WHEREAS, amendments to a clty's comprehensive plan must be adopted by assembly ordinance in accordance with KPB 21.01. 25.A; WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission reviewed the plan during its regularly scheduled meeting of November 28, 2005 and recommended ena.ct-ne .t by unanimous consent; Kenai Peninsula Borough,Alaska } eiv 'ex( Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] ordinance 2005-48 Page I of NOW, THEREFORE, 113E IT ORDAINED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA.BOROUGH: SECTION I. That the assembly adopts the "'City of Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan" recommended for approval by the City of Seward on April 25., 2005, as the official Kenai Peninsula Borough Comprehensive Plan for that portion of the Borough within the boundaries of the City of Seward. SECTION 2. That KPB 2.56.050 is amended as follows: 2.56-050 Sew ard comprehensi ve plan [LAND USE PLAN] adopted. The assembly adopts the .....Of Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan" lCity of Seward 2010 Comprehensive Plan] prepared by the City of Seward and recommended for approval [APPROVED] by the Seward City Counc11 in Resolution 20 0 5-2 6 [9 0-099]. or Apn* 2 ,.2005 [in August, as the official borough comprehensive plan [LAND USE FLAN] for that portion of the borough within the boundaries ofthe City of Seward. SECTION 3. That this ordinance takes effect immediately upon its enactment. ENACTED D Y THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS 3 D DAY OF JANUARY, 2006. Ron o , Assembly 'resident ATTEST: i xxyy §hef�y Biggs, rough l *'' ��`##. LU * , 1984 NINON * May 3,2006 The incorrect date of April 25, 2005,was used by the Borougb for the approval date of City of Seward Resolution 2 -2 . The correct date of approval was August 8, 2005. This disclaimer found and noted by Donna Glen ,Planning Assistant Ordinance 2005-49 New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]TE Kenai Peninsula Borough,Alaska Page 2 of 2 Sponsored : Planning and Zoning Commission Y� r CITY of SEWARD, ALASK ►. RESOLUTION2005-26 . RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY Off' 'S W. RD, A ►SKA., RECOMMENDING THAT THE KENA I PENINSULA o o G APPROVE THE SEWA RD 2020 COMPREHENSIVEPLAN WHEREAS,S, the City of Seward needs a current Compr hcns've Plan, as a Compr hen.Sire Plan has not been adopted since 1990; and WHEREAS,'the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan being re o=-iend d for adoption shah provide guidance on co=unity values and prior'ties until the year 020; and WHEREAS, the Seward 2020 ComprehensIve Plan reco=ended for adoption has been worked on by the Planning Con mission, staff, consultants and the public since July of 2 00 0- and WHIEREAS, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan also includes a Land Use Plan, filch ha the pr n.ar suppor in document for any rezones vhic ern fit be :{_.._,. . considered; and WHEREAS,S, the Seward 2020 Comprehensive Plan reflects the concerns of the public, the Piannln Coi=ission and the City Council for orderly development with public safety, health and welfare as the prevailing goal; and WHEREAS, the action items in the plan will enhance the economic and social vitality of the cony,-.sty; and WHEREAS, the City Council anticipates adoption of the ' Seward 9.020 Comprehensive Plan, which will facilitate implementation of the action items in the years to come; and WHEREAS, amendments to a Cit 's Comprehensive Plan must be approved b the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, as per KPB Ordinance 1.0 .02 ., A; and WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with. NOW.- THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED Y THE CITY COUNCIL-OF r--. fir' A CITY of S W , ASKA .that: ,; i CITY of SEWS,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2005-26 Section .1 The City Council recommends that the Seward 2020 C ornprehens lvc Plan be forwarded to the,Kornai-Pem'nsu a Borough for approval. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect 1=cdiat ly upon its adoption. PASSED AND .P OVE the City Council of the City of Seward this. 8th day o August, Zoo . THE CITY OF S WAD,AL SKA w Vanta Shafer, Mayor AYES: Branson, unharn,,, Vald tt , Amb r , Clark, Lorenz, Shafer NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None VACANT: None ATTEST: City Clerk.. 't AF O edlisp,- � f' p S rrLA lit RD �1D } A3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE..........MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM MENEM momom momom momom momom momom momom momom momom momom momom 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................MEN 6 1.1 A GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN .............................. 6 2.0 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................. 6 2.1 HISTORY OF SEWARD................................................................................................... 6 2.2 NATURAL SETTING ....................................................................................................... 7 2.3 GEOLOGICAL SETTING.................................................................................................. 8 2.4 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................ 8 3.0 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS........................................................................14 3.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...........................................................................................14 3.1.1 Economic Sectors and Location.............................................................................14 3.1.2 Employment and Income.......................................................................................16 3.2 LAND USE...................................................................................................................23 3.2.1 Land Ownership.....................................................................................................23 3.2.2 General Land Use Patterns ...................................................................................23 3.2.3 Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.......................................................................25 3.2.4 Reconciling Discrepancies between Existing Land Use, Existing Zoning, and Land UsePlan ...........................................................................................................................28 3.3 HOUSING....................................................................................................................32 3.3.1 Housing Characteristics.........................................................................................32 3.4 TRANSPORTATION .......................................................................................................36 3.4.1 Roads....................................................................................................................36 3.4.2 Parking and Traffic.................................................................................................37 3.4.3 Pedestrian Walkways.............................................................................................37 3.4.4 Transportation Systems.........................................................................................38 3.5 PORT AND HARBOR DEVELOPMENT..............................................................................44 3.5.1 Public and Private Docks.......................................................................................44 3.5.2 Seward Small Boat Harbor....................................................................................44 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 1 2005 3.5.3. Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC)................................................................45 3.6 RECREATION...............................................................................................................47 3.6.1 Visitor Impacts.......................................................................................................47 3.6.2 Activities and Special Events.................................................................................50 3.6.3 City, State, and Federal Lands with Recreational Facilities....................................53 3.7 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES................................................................................55 3.7.1 Education...............................................................................................................55 3.7.2 Health Care and Social Services...........................................................................56 3.7.3 City Government and Finances..............................................................................56 3.7.4 Public Safety..........................................................................................................59 3.7.5 Utilities...................................................................................................................60 3.8 NATURAL HAZARDS.....................................................................................................65 3.8.1 Seismic Risks: Earthquakes and Tsunamis..........................................................65 3.8.2 Flooding and Floodplain Development...................................................................65 3.8.3 Steep Slopes, Avalanche and Landslide Areas......................................................67 3.8.4 Saturated Soils......................................................................................................67 3.9 QUALITY OF LIFE .........................................................................................................70 3.9.1 Sense of Community.............................................................................................70 3.9.2 Natural Environment and Community Appearance ................................................71 3.9.3 Historic Preservation..............................................................................................72 4.0 SOURCES 75 5.0 APPENDIX 78 The following documents and updated versions will be incorporated into the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan. 5.1 STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SEWARD TRAFFIC MAP, 2003 5.2 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 5.3 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORI TIES 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 2 2005 PREFACE This document was prepared for the City of Seward over the period 2000 - 2005. Development of the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan (2020 Plan) was based on continued involvement with the City of Seward as well as research and review of the existing documents by the consultants. The elements of the 2020 Plan incorporate information gathered during public meetings, Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, and information from numerous background documents. The 2020 Plan will be presented to the City of Seward for public review in 2005. City of Seward P.O. Box 167 Seward Alaska 99664 City Council Vanta Shafer Mayor Margaret Branson Vice Mayor Willard Dunham Council Member Robert Valdatta Council Member Kevin Clark Council Member Linda Amberg Council Member Dorene Lorenz Council Member Planning and Zoning Commission Marianna Keil Chair Tom Smith Vice Chair Lynn Hohl Commission Member Carol Griswold Commission Member Sandie Roach' Commission Member Steve Schafer Commission Member Commission Member 2020 SeuvaRD COMPREHEN8nE Pu►H VOL 11 3 2005 City Administration Clark Corbridge City Manager Malcolm Brown Planner Donna Glenz Planning Executive Assistant Special thanks to Rachel James, former Planner, and to Kristi Larson and Nina Daley, former Planning Commissioners. Citizens of Seward The involvement of many Seward residents in preparation of the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan is gratefully acknowledged. Kenai Peninsula Borough 144 North Binkley Soldotna, Alaska 99669 Consultant Sandy Wassilie of High Tide Writing. P O Box 1576 Seward, Alaska 99664 (907) 224-3950 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 4 2005 City of Seward Organizational Chart Citizens Mayor& Council FBoards and Commissions Planning&Zoning Port&Commerce City Manager City Clerk City Attorney Historic Preservation Police Finance Fire Engineering& Construction Parks&Recreation Harbor Community Library Development 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 5 2005 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 A GUIDE TO THE USE OF SEWARD's 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Volume 11 of the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan is intended to supplement the goals, " objectives and implementation action items set ti forth in Volume I with pertinent background information. Volume II encapsulates the history, setting, and demographics of Seward and x, _T presents a brief analysis of each planning Y element. The nine p comprehensive Ian elements p include economic development, land use, housing, transportation, port and harbor development, recreation, public facilities and services, natural hazards, and quality of life. After each element, a summary identifies some of the related planning issues and trends. 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 HISTORY OF SEWARD Seward, founded in 1903 as the ocean terminus of a fledgling railway to Interior Alaska, was incorporated as a city in 1912. Congress purchased the private line in 1915 and completed rail linkages, which now constitute the Alaska Railroad, to Anchorage by 1918 and to Fairbanks by 1923. The ice-free port facilitated export of the state's agricultural, mineral, and timber resources. Seward's population gradually rose to about 1,000 until World War 11, when it grew rapidly as a military post. By the early 1950s, when the Seward Highway was completed, the town had reached a population of 2,100. The number of residents fell substantially after the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, but grew again in the 1970s in response to the construction of the Alyeska Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline and diversification of F - ' the economy. Seward's small town scale and historic character has mostly been retained through the years. It has kept its original town site, laid out in 1903 by the Ballaine brothers of the Railway as vital residential and commercial center. Well-kept older homes line paved streets; downtown stores are concentrated within easy walking distance of each other. Larger commercial and industrial development is isolated from residential areas, and the city shows fewer of the awkward growing pains of haphazard development found elsewhere in Alaska. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 6 2005 2.2 NATURAL SETTING Seward is situated at the northern end of Resurrection Bay on the southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula, 126 highway miles south of Anchorage. The depth and width of Resurrection Bay create moderate tides with slight currents averaging 0.2 to 0.6 knots. There are no overhead or navigational obstructions, and the bay's waters and shores are ice-free year round. Fair winds, inconsequential tide ranges, weak currents, and a north-south orientation make for relatively calm water in the bay. Seward is located at 600 07' N Latitude, 1490 26' W Longitude (Sec. 10, T001S, R001W, Seward Meridian. Its maritime climate zone with cool summers and relatively warm winters is due to the moderating influence of the coastal currents flowing through the nearby Gulf of Alaska. Average winter temperatures range from 170 to 380 Fahrenheit (F), and the summer averages from 490 to 630 F. Annual precipitation averages 66 inches of rain and 80 inches of snowfall. Resurrection Bay, rimmed by mountains covered completely by snow in the winter and by wildflowers below remnants of glaciers in the summer, gives the town a spectacular setting. Mt. Marathon provides the western backdrop, the westernmost peak towering at 4,866 feet and the nearer peak rising to 3,010 feet. A glacial fjord itself, Resurrection Bay serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Other entities that preserve and manage the natural setting of the surrounding area include the Chugach National Forest encompassing 890,000 acres, the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and the Caines Head State Park. Figure 2.2-1 Project Location Map wr. 5 1 'ii9 ALAS KA Seward On � 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 7 2005 2.3 GEOLOGICAL SETTING The glacial fjord of Resurrection Bay, approximately 18 miles long and from 2 to 5 miles wide, extends southward from the mouth of the Resurrection River. The sides and bottom of the bay are generally quite steep, with near shore depths increasing quickly to a maximum depth of nearly 1,000 ft. The depth of the fjord in the vicinity of Seward is approximately 500 ft. Seward's underlying bedrock consists predominantly of graywacke and phyllite. In the mountains immediately west, graywacke deposits are below the 1,000 foot elevation, while phyllite predominates above this level. These graywacke formations are generally tens to hundreds of feet thick. They originated as sedimentary deposits during the Jurassic and late Cretaceous age, and they were subsequently deformed and partially metamorphosed during the post-Paleocene. Events of uplift, erosion, and glaciation have since covered these bedrock formations with fluvial and glacial deposits at lower elevations. Most of the downtown portion of the City of Seward is built on the alluvial fan of Lowell Creek, a feature which extends into the northwest corner of Resurrection Bay. This fan is approximately 1.25 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. Its maximum elevation of 130 feet is found at the mouth of the Lowell Creek canyon. Drilling performed after the 1964 earthquake suggests that these Lowell Creek deposits average about 100 feet thick, with considerably thicker segments exceeding 300 feet found near the Seward end of the tongue. Seward is positioned on the main axis of the Chugach Mountains geosyncline. This feature is aligned in a north-south direction. Although no major fault lines have been identified in the Seward area, the topography of the region suggests that the valley system extending north to Kenai Lake and south to Resurrection Bay is at least partially fault controlled. Surveys made after the 1964 earthquake identified numerous small shear zones and small faults in the Seward area. 2.4 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Over time, the population of Seward has reflected the ups and downs of the economy. A history of population totals from 1930 is reflected in Figure 2.4-1, and more detailed figures since 1970 are presented in Table 2.4-1. Population figures in the table include only the area within the city limits. Over the past several years, the population of Seward has remained relatively static, despite high overall growth for the Kenai Peninsula. Between 1990 and 1996, Seward grew 8.0 percent while Kenai grew at 9.9 percent, Homer grew at 11.0 percent, and Soldotna grew at 14.0 percent. Growth in the late 1970s reflect Seward's important role in shipping supplies to the North Slope for construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Several new projects, including the Spring Creek Correctional Center and development of the Seward Marine Industrial Center, 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 8 2005 stimulated modest growth in the late 1980s. Figures 2.4-2 and 2.4-3 present age and ethnic characteristics of Seward. Seward has an aging population which has implications for health care and schools. The population remains predominantly white, but the number of Alaska Natives is increasing. Figure 2.4-1 Seward Historical Population Seward Historical Population 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 LV LJ,) L-P -v -v -v 70 70- 70. 70, Z 70- 70, PO PO PO `'�O 70 `s0 00 �0 d'O `90 00 0" PO' Year Source: Undetermined 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 9 2005 Table 2.4-1 Seward Population Characteristics 1970 1,587 1980 1,843 1984 2,072 1985 2,072 1986 2,279 1987 2,400 1988 2,400 1989 2,829 1990 2,699 1991 2,856 1992 2,878 1993 2,885 1994 2,967 1995 2,918 1996 2,891 1997 2,999 1998 3,040 1999 3,010 2000 2,830 2001 2,768 2002 2,794 Source: US Census Bureau 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 10 2005 Figure 2.4-2 Seward Age Characteristics Age Characteristics by Year 700 600 500 ❑1980 400 ❑1990 300 200 M 2000 100 0 ° 0 0 0' 0 ° 0 0 0 0 0 Source: US Census Bureau Figure 2.4-3 Seward Ethnic Characteristics Ethnic Characteristics by Year 2,500 25000 ❑1980 1,500 15000 ❑1990 500 0 2000 0 .`off` • � .`�� �° 09 A P P� Source: US Census Bureau 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 1 1 2005 Population Projections Projections for the population within the bounds of the City of Seward have been obtained from data in the Seward Statistical Summary and are included in Table 2.4-2. These statistics generally agree with the data provided in the Kenai Peninsula Quarterly Report of Key Economic Indicators. Any impact from population on city services and infrastructure needs to take into consideration the total population of the areas immediately to the north and south of city limits. The student population in Seward's public schools draws on the Bear Creek north to Primrose and the Lowell Point areas as well as the city. High school students also come in from Moose Pass. Figure 2.4-4 indicates the student population trends projected to 2007 from 1989 by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. The projections are based on taking the total number of students each year and moving them ahead a year decreased 2% as a percentage of current downward enrollment trends. Kindergarten numbers are estimated by the principal of the elementary school, using information such as the number of younger siblings of enrolled students and day care statistics. Table 2.4-2 Seward Population Projections 2005 3,245* 2010 3,402* 2020 3,723** Numbers extrapolated using second order regression ** Unofficial figure derived from Kenai Peninsula Borough estimate of annual change of 0.9% 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 12 2005 Figure 2.4-4 Seward Kenai Peninsula Borough Student Population 600 500 400 El Elementary School 300 El Middle School El High School - - - - - - - - - 200 100 0 Nc�, NO), Noi NO)q NO), N(:bl QFr QF, Seward Student Population Characteristics and Projections Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 2020 SeuvaRD COMPREHEN8nE Pu►H VOL 11 13 2005 3.0 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS Nor— ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 3.1.1 Economic Sectors and Location For a community of its size, Seward has a diverse local economy, due in part to its historic role in the growth of the state of Alaska; its location on a scenic, deep-water, ice-free bay; and the actions of its leaders and citizens. In the past, it long served as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad connecting passengers and cargo coming by sea with the rest of Alaska. More recently, it has served as a port on the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and various cruise line itineraries, using highway and rail connections. Marketing the local scenery and proximity to Prince William Sound and to national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges has contributed to a growing tourism sector. Salmon, halibut and other fishery resources in nearby waters support both commercial and charter fishing operations. Community leaders have actively lobbied for economic development, resulting in the development of thriving institutions such as the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC). Seward has also used municipal lands and resources to support the development of the Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC), and construction of the Providence Seward Medical Center. In recent years, a variety of commercial and industrial activities have developed along the Seward Highway to the north of Seward, outside city limits. Use of developable land within city limits is declining, in part due to land outside Seward frequently being cheaper. While this land provides fewer utilities, it is subject only to borough taxes. This is an important issue for Seward because development that occurs outside city limits competes with Seward businesses for a growing population in the area and results in loss of tax revenues to the city. Commercial A wide variety of commercial services are available to local residents and visitors. These are concentrated in the downtown area along Third, Fourth, and Fifth Avenues; in the vicinity of the small boat harbor; and along the Seward Highway, both within city limits and north of Seward. Much of recent commercial development has been in response to increasing summer tourism and residential growth occurring north of Seward along the highway. Industrial For the most part, industrial operations are associated with shipping coal, petroleum product sales, gravel extraction, small scale timber manufacturing, fish processing, and ship repair. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 14 2005 Approximately $250 million worth of Alaska coal from the Usibelli Mine near Healy has been shipped to South Korea since 1984. Shipping by rail to Seward and loading on ships at a dock built specifically for coal transfer Seward Terminal (formerly Suneel), has had to constantly meet the challenge of keeping shipping costs down in order to compete with other Pacific Rim producers. In fact, shipment of coal stopped for a period on September 27, 2002. In September of 2003, negotiations restored the business relationship and the coal loading facility was transferred to the Alaska Railroad from Hyundai Merchant Marine. A two-year agreement between Usibelli Coal Mine, the Alaska Railroad and Hyundai Merchant Marine allows 400,000 tons of coal to be sold annually to Seoul. The railroad expects to invest in the coal loading facility to improve its operation to become more competitive in the global market. Harbor Enterprises, Inc., a major Alaskan company based in Seward, is a fuel storage, sales and distribution operation that sells petroleum products locally through Shoreside Petroleum, Inc. and to other Alaskan communities through other subsidiaries. Gravel is extracted and processed by Metco, Inc. on the Resurrection River for local use. Small scale logging and timber processing companies operate in the area. At one point, a large scale timber processing company was active at SMIC: however, the plant shut down, and the facility recently collapsed under a heavy snow load. The primary activities at SMIC are currently boat repair and storage, with dry dock and boat lift capabilities. Transportation The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOTPF), and the AMHS account for the primary transportation related economic activities in Seward. As the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, the Alaska Railroad dock is used to transfer freight and passengers from summer cruise ship operations. As previously mentioned coal has also been transported to Seward by rail. Ferries operated by AMHS call on Seward twice a week during the summer, and once a week during the winter. Historically, there has been significant local longshoreman employment associated with marine transportation. Due to limits on operations related to airport size, terrain, weather, and proximity to Anchorage, air transportation is not a significant means of transport. Commercial Fishing 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 15 2005 Commercial fishing consists of the harvesting of salmon, halibut, black cod, and other species by individual residents who own boats and permits, and of onshore fish processing. Secondary economic activity is associated with harbor moorage, boat storage and repair, and purchase of fuel, marine hardware, and other services. According to the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development, over eighty Seward residents hold commercial fishing permits. Processing of chum, silver, pink, king, and red salmon, and of halibut and black cod occurs at the Icicle Seafoods (Seward Fisheries) facility in the boat harbor. Smaller processing companies include Ocean Beauty Sea Foods at SMIC and Resurrection Bay Seafoods just south of town. Recreation/Tourism Recreation and tourism generate a significant part of Seward's economy, particularly in the summer. Support services vary to meet the needs of different visitors: the cruise ship passenger; the independent, outdoor traveler; the Anchorage family on a one-day visit; and the weekend RV camper. Organized events such as the Mt. Marathon Race and the Seward Silver Salmon Derby attract mainly Alaskan residents, but increasing out-of-state visitors participate too. These visitors help support local lodging, restaurants, gift stores, groceries, fishing supply outlets, and the ASLC. Seward has a significant fleet of fishing and sightseeing vessels that support a growing charter industry on the bay. Onshore activities tend to focus in the downtown and boat harbor areas. Seward has begun to promote winter tourism as well. Two current winter events are the Polar Bear Festival and the Holiday Train. Institutional/Government Institutions have become a significant component of Seward's year-round economy; they account for four of the top five employers in Seward (Table 3.1.2.2). Such institutions as the SCCC and Providence Seward Medical Center also purchase considerable supplies and services from local businesses. The federal, state, and city governments and the borough school district also generate year-round employment and make purchases from local suppliers. Education and Research The Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery has developed quality spat to support the development of oyster farms and other shellfish farming in the state. With adequate financing and management stability, it has the potential to grow into a major producer. AVTEC, IMS, and ASLC all attract professional educators and researchers and in turn help to develop the technical and professional work force for the state. 3.1.2 Employment and Income Employment Figures 3.1.2-1 through 3.1.2-3 show the changes in the percent of employment by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) between 1980 and 1998. Total employment in Seward has increased from 1,753 in 1990 to 2,037 in 1998. Table 3.1.2-1 compares employment by industry gains and losses between 1990 and 1998. Overall, 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 16 2005 employment has decreased in manufacturing and agriculture/forestry/fishing, and increased in transportation/communication/utilities, trade, services, and federal government. Employment for activities directly or indirectly tied to tourism is highly seasonal, with peak employment occurring during the summer months. Many businesses dependent on tourism cease or reduce their operations during the off season. Employment in fish harvesting and processing is also seasonal in nature. Table 3.1 .2-2 lists Seward's ten largest employers in 1998. Income Measurements of income in Seward show increases between 1990 and 2000. Per capita income in 2000 was $20,360; the median household income was $44,306 and median family income was $54,904. Household income includes the income of the householder and all other individuals 15 and older in the household whether they are related to the householder or not. Family income is the incomes of all members 15 years and older related to the householder and are summed and treated as a single amount (US Census Bureau). Both the largest percent of household and family income fell within the $50,000 to $74,999 (22 and 28% respectively) range. Approximately 10.6% of the population was listed as below the poverty level in 2000. Figure 3.1.2-1 Seward Employment by Industry, 1980 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 17 2005 Source: Department of Community and Economic Development(DCED) Mining Local 3% Construction 11% 3% Manufacturing 23% State 19% Federal 3% Transportation 4% Ag,Fish&Forest 1% Trade Services&Misc. 14% 17% Finance 2% 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 18 2005 Figure 3.1.2-2 Seward Employment by Industry, 1990 Construction 4% Local Mining 0% 9% Manufacturing 18% State 23% Transportation 6% Federal Trade 3% 15% Ag. Fish&Forest 8% Finance Services& Misc. 1% 13% Source: (DCED) 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 19 2005 Figure 3.1.2-3 Seward Employment by Industry, 1998 Mining 0% Local Construction 9% 5% Manufacturing 11% State 19% Transportation 11% Federal 4% Ag, Fish&Forest 0% Trade 20% Services&Misc. 20% Finance 1% Source: (DCED) 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 20 2005 Table 3.1.2-1 Seward Employment by Industry 1990 to 1998 Gains and (Losses) Mining 0 Construction 1% Manufacturing (7%) Transportation 5% Trade 5% Finance 0 Service and Misc. 7% Agriculture Fish & Forest (8%) Federal 1% State (4%) Local 0 Table 3.1.2-2 Seward's 10 Largest Employers in 2002 Employer Average Business Activity Annual Employment Alaska Dept. of Corrections- Spring Creek 199 State Government Alaska Heritage Tours 111 Boat Charters Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 94 Local Government City of Seward 94 Local Government Alaska Dept. of Education AVTEC 75 State Government Icicle Seafoods 68 Seafood Processing Alaska SeaLife Center 58 Research and Visitor Center Wesley Rehabilitation and Care Center 56 Nursing/Personal Care Facility Cook Inlet Processing 56 Seafood Processing Alaska Dept. of Transportation 54 State Government 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 21 2005 Source: Department of Labor Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • Commercial businesses in town will be improved by: ➢ Increasing the availability of appropriate commercial land in Seward. ➢ Ensuring development outside city limits pays full costs for utilities and services. ➢ Continued development and recruitment of year-round businesses. • Development of efficient transportation and shipping facilities, such as the coal loading dock, will help reduce shipping costs and make shipping of natural resources competitive with other Pacific Rim ports. • Commercial sea food production which is vital to the local economy but threatened by global competition and fish farming could be enhanced by: ➢ Development of wild salmon markets and quality processing to compete with farmed salmon on the global market. ➢ Consideration of the potential competition from farming other species of fish such as halibut and black cod. ➢ Stable management of the shellfish hatchery and development of spat markets. ➢ Branding of Seward fish as a premium product. • Consolidation of the US National Park Service, US Forest Service, Alaska State Parks Division, and other like government entities into one building or complex (currently in progress) should proceed such that it complements the economic functioning and values of the community. • Instability of state and federal funding may affect growth of and employment at AVTEC, SCCC and I MS. • Highly seasonal employment tied to construction, tourism and fishing causes dependent businesses to cease or reduce their operations during the off season, reducing available jobs and access to services for local residents. • The economic health of the community requires planning that takes into account impacts of state, national and global trends, including rapid changes in technology and energy sources. Such planning requires investment in new processes to stay current with commercial activities, alignment of the efforts of the various community businesses and organizations, and development of alternative futures. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 22 2005 3.2 LAND USE 3.2.1 Land Ownership In the developed part of Seward, most land is held privately, but the City of Seward, Kenai Peninsula Borough, State of Alaska, and Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) have developed substantial portions of public lands. The city, state and ARRC also own undeveloped lands within city limits. Undeveloped city land is concentrated in the southwest part of --- - town and along the northeastern side J of Resurrection Bay. Large blocks of Y g m I_ e state land are located along the Resurrection River and the westernr - boundary of city land. The ARRC owns blocks in the harbor and industrial parts of town. These areL-� strategic locations, which can influence the type of development that occurs in Seward. The borough owns lands developed for the schools and the waste transfer facility while the state has parcels developed through out town for AVTEC, the airport, and road maintenance facilities. 3.2.2 General Land Use Patterns The City of Seward Land Ownership Map, located in Appendix shows existing land use in Seward. The following discussions summarize the general locations of land use categories within the city. Residential Residential uses are zoned into single-family, two-family, multi-family and rural residential. In some areas of Seward, these uses are concentrated, such as along First and Second Avenues, and in various subdivisions such as Clear View, Gateway, and Forest Acres in the northwest portion of town. In other areas, they are mixed in with commercial development such as along portions of Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Ballaine Avenues (office/residential and urban residential zones). Multi-family residential use is scattered throughout parts of downtown and along First and Second Avenues. Large lot residences not hooked up to city water and sewer occur in Forest Acres and in scattered areas on the east side of Resurrection Bay. As indicated previously, there has been residential growth north of city limits adjacent to the Seward Highway and Nash Road and in subdivisions. These residences use on-site wells and septic systems. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 23 2005 Commercial General commercial activity in Seward is concentrated into three areas. The downtown business district along Third, Fourth, and Fifth Avenues between Jefferson Avenue and the bay is the largest area of activity. Fishing, marine recreational, and tourism oriented businesses are located in the small boat harbor and its immediate vicinity. The third area extends along the Seward Highway from Port Avenue to the northern city limits. As with residential growth, commercial growth north of city limits relies on highway access. Availability of land not subject to sales and property taxes may encourage continued development outside the city, although limited or lack of services such as sewer, water, fire protection, and emergency service could be a deterrent. Marine Industrial Marine industrial use is associated with fish processing, boat repair and storage, marine fuel storage, transshipment, commodity and passenger transfer, and staging for marine research vessels and projects. These uses occur in four general areas: on the south edge of downtown Seward, partway out to Lowell Point; in the vicinity of the small boat harbor; in the area at the head of Resurrection Bay between the small boat harbor and the mouth of the Resurrection River, and at SMIC. There is currently additional land available for this type of use at SMIC, on the east side of the mouth of the Resurrection River. Additional railroad-owned lands may be available. Upland Industrial Upland industrial uses are located adjacent to marine industrial uses, and generally have some relationship to marine access. The same areas described in marine industrial apply to upland industrial use. Public/Institutional Seward has a significant amount of land devoted to public and institutional use. This includes facilities owned, leased, or operated by the City of Seward; state facilities such as AVTEC, SCCC, the airport, and road maintenance facilities; the Institute of Marine Science; the ASLC; and Kenai Fjords National Park Service Visitor Center and US Forest Service Seward District Ranger Station. Most of these facilities are scattered throughout the city. Public and institutional uses do cluster on the southern part of downtown along or up from the waterfront, in the business district along Fourth and Fifth Avenues; in midtown blocks along First, Second, Third, and Fourth Avenues, in the boat harbor on the eastern side of Fourth Avenue, in the industrial area bounded by the highway and Port Avenue, and near SMIC. In 1995, the city did an inventory and prepared a public facilities and lands plan. It should be reviewed and updated, with primary consideration given to consolidation of offices and to the relocation of the city shop and animal shelter. Resource Management 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 24 2005 The City of Seward and State of Alaska own a large amount of undeveloped land and tidelands within city limits. These lands are concentrated on the east side of Resurrection Bay, along the Resurrection River, and the steep slopes on the western city limits. Much of this land is zoned under Resource Management, which allows a wide variety of uses. It may be more appropriate to use the district as a holding zone that requires rezoning before development or sale. Open Space/Recreation A certain amount of land in Seward functions as open space and recreational use land, including much of the area zoned as Resource Management. A shore side park, Waterfront Park, with developed campsites for both RVs and tents stretches from the boat harbor south to the ASLC on the west side of Resurrection Bay. There are also small municipal parks at various locations. 3.2.3 Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances Zoning Districts Table 3.2.3-1 presents the existing zoning districts. The number and specific intent of zoning districts need to be reviewed and revised. The existing zones also do not reflect existing land uses in many areas, leading to requests for rezoning, conditional uses, and variances before the Planning and Zoning Commission when owners wish to improve their property. As a result, some districts have such a broad range of uses (e.g. Harbor Commercial) as to render their designation meaningless. Other districts retain a broad range of uses (e.g. Auto Commercial) by intent. Subdivision Ordinance Responsibility for platting is shared by the City of Seward and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The city and the borough each have a subdivision ordinance. The party subdividing a parcel of land within city limits must conform to the city ordinance and requirements. Preliminary plats are first submitted to the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission. Once approved, the city prepares and submits written comments with the plat to the Borough Planning Department which prepares the final plat. Final plats submitted to the Borough Planning Commission that deviate from the preliminary plat in a manner not approved by the city are sent back to the city for review. Code Enforcement The City of Seward is responsible for enforcing its zoning ordinance under Section 15.01.050 of the City Land Use Regulations. However, enforcement is costly, cumbersome, and inconsistent given the current procedure. The city code requires that notice be provided to the owner of a code violation, allowing up to 90 days for correction. If the violation is not corrected, the city attorney is notified and may initiate action. Because the enforcement system relies on legal proceedings before other actions are tried, the city should investigate a more efficient, positive enforcement process. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 25 2005 Road Standards The City of Seward currently has no adopted road standards. This becomes an issue when land is subdivided. The developer builds roads within a subdivision, and those roads are turned over to the city for maintenance. Roads that are not built to proper standards may create safety and maintenance problems. In some cases, the city may elect not to take responsibility for road maintenance, leaving that responsibility to homeowners. The city should evaluate and adopt road construction standards as part of the subdivision ordinance. Infill Development There is a need to concentrate and enhance existing development in conformance with the Land Use Plan and there is also a need to limit unguided expansion of land uses throughout the community. Table 3.2.3-1 Seward's Existing Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Rural Residential Intended to provide stable, quiet, low density detached single- (RR) family residential development. Single-Family Residential Intended to provide stable and quiet, low to medium density(1 to 5 (R1) dwelling units per acre)detached single-family residential development. Two-Family Residential Intended to provide medium density(1 to 7 dwelling units per acre) 112 transitional housing area with a mix of single and two-family units. Multi-Family Residential Intended to provide opportunities for a higher density residential (113) setting with a mix of housing units, which are predominantly multi- family units close to concentrations of public services, employment and/or recreation. Urban Residential Intended to allow an area of higher density mixed residential uses (UR) from detached single-family housing to multi-family apartments in conjunction with compatible low impact professional office uses in the surrounding downtown business district. Office/Residential Intended to provide for a medium density residential, commercial (OR) and office development designed to act as a transition zone between the high density central business district and surrounding medium-high density residential districts. Harbor Commercial Intended to provide for water-dependent or water-related uses with (HC) particular emphasis on transportation, tourist, recreational, commercial or industrial enterprises that derive major economic or social benefit from a harbor location Auto Commercial Intended to provide areas to accommodate highway-oriented (AC) commercial activities such as offices, certain institutional uses, and limited personal services and retail uses requiring substantial outdoor activity, traffic and parking. Industrial District Established as a district in which the principal use of land is (I) business, manufacturing, processing,fabricating, repair, assembly, storage, wholesaling and distributing operations;which may create some nuisance and are neither properly associated nor compatible with residential land uses. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 26 2005 Institutional District Public and private educational, administrative, government and (INS) health care uses, including public land reserve for future public development. The development standards are a high standard to assure that the activities provide visual amenity to the surrounding area. Parks District Intended to designate park, recreation and commemorative (P) property owned by the city, state or federal governments for recreation and other compatible public purposes. Resource Management Lands that are generally undeveloped and cannot be precisely (RM) zoned due to inadequate information on the extension of public services and utilities;the suitability of the land to support commercial, residential, industrial or public uses; and other possible environmental consideration. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 27 2005 3.2.4 Reconciling Discrepancies between Existing Land Use, Existing Zoning, and Land Use Plan Existing land use in Seward has changed in a variety of ways over the last twenty years, and uses in many areas are no longer compatible with the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plans, and with existing zoning districts. A summary of discrepancies and recommendations is presented for each of seven critical areas below: Sixth Avenue and Ballaine Boulevard, from Adams Street to A Street This area is generally developed as single and multi-family residences with some businesses. It is zoned as Auto Commercial, and designated as Urban Land Use in the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan. Uses allowed under Auto Commercial are potentially incompatible with the existing residential character. Recommendations ➢ Designate this area as Urban Residential (UR). First and Second Avenues, and Lowell Canyon Road Generally, this area is developed as single-family, with some two-family and multi- family residences, home occupations, and institutions (Providence Seward Medical Center, Wesley Rehabilitation and Care Center, and AVTEC). It is currently zoned Single-Family, Urban Residential, and Institutional. It was designated as Urban Residential in the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan, and later amended to Two-Family Residential. Two-Family and Multi-Family Residential development is perceived as a conflict with the traditional neighborhood of single-family homes. The medical and support facilities, including the helipad, located in this zone require Institutional and Multi-Family as well as nonconforming uses. Recommendations ➢ Maintain First and Second Avenue as Two-Family Residential (R-2). ➢ Designate the non-Institutional lands along Lowell Canyon Road as Urban Residential (UR). Third and Fourth Avenues between C Street and Van Buren Street Generally, these avenues are commercially developed, zoned Auto Commercial and Central Business District; and designated as Auto Commercial in the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan. Most of the existing commercial uses in this area are allowed in the Auto Commercial District, have maintained setbacks, and have provided on-site parking. There are four small lots zoned Central Business District that may have 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 28 2005 difficulties meeting setback and on-site parking requirements if rezoned. The Central Business zone does not require any building setbacks or off-street parking, and was intended for the original downtown area where on-street parking is provided. Recommendations ➢ Maintain current designation as Auto Commercial (AC). The lots located from the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue & Jefferson Street, east to the alley, then north to the Post Office alley Recommendations Change from Urban Residential to Office Residential (OR). The lots located from the northeast corner of A Street and Second Avenue, east to the alley, then north to Van Buren Street Recommendations Change from Single Family (R-1) to Two-family Residential (R-2). Small Boat Harbor/Commercial Uplands Generally, the small boat harbor is developed as waterfront commercial with a tourism emphasis and with several general commercial uses allowed through variances. It is designated and zoned as Harbor Commercial, which does not allow for commercial uses unrelated to waterfront activities. The ARRC owns key properties in this location; their development could enhance or change current uses of the harbor area. Recommendations ➢ Input for changes is currently being obtained from the Planning Commission. ➢ Work with the ARRC to ensure that development of its properties comply with land use regulations, and are compatible with existing harbor uses to the greatest extent practicable. Blocks 1 and 7 of the Cliff Addition The cliff area over the lagoon is developed as Single-Family Residential, zoned as Single-Family Residential; but designated as Urban Residential in the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan. Single-Family Residential districts allow only single family homes and accessory apartments (efficiencies), and the Urban Residential District allows a mix of residential uses including single family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings. Recommendations: ➢ Designate as Single-Family Residential (R-1). 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 29 2005 Clear View Subdivision between Resurrection Boulevard and Bear Drive This neighborhood is developed primarily with single-family homes and a few duplexes, zoned as Two-Family Residential; and designated as Single-Family Residential in the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan. There was mixed public opinion, with some requesting a Single-Family Residential district which allows only single-family homes and accessory apartments. Two-Family Residential districts allow a mix of single-family homes and two-family units or duplexes. Recommendations ➢ Input for changes is currently being obtained from the Planning Commission. ➢ Designate this area as Two-Family Residential (R-2)in the plan (input from meetings several years ago). Gateway Subdivision Addition No. 1 The area is essentially undeveloped due to the lack of utilities and finished streets. It is zoned Multi-Family Residential, and designated Single-Family Residential in the 1985/1990 Comprehensive Plan. While Single-Family Residential districts are restricted to single-family homes and accessory apartments, Multi-Family Residential districts allow a variety of uses including: single family homes, duplexes, apartment buildings, nursing and retirement homes, hotels/motels, and senior and teen centers. Recommendations ➢ Initiate a rezone from Multi-Family to a mix of Single-Family (R-1) (on exterior block) and Two-Family Residential (R-2) (on interior block). Summary of Planning Issues and Trends General Land Use • Large lots for rural residential use are not uniformly hooked up to city water and sewer in the Forest Acres Subdivision and in scattered areas on the east side of Resurrection Bay. • Rural residential growth utilizing on-site wells and septic systems along and off the Seward Highway north of city limits raises environmental concerns. • Commercial growth along the Seward Highway corridor north of city limits may take businesses and tax revenues from the city • Limited or lack of services such as sewer, water, police protection, fire protection, and emergency service to the areas beyond city limits may create health and safety problems as well as service demands without reimbursement that impact the city. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 30 2005 • Ongoing dialogue between the City of Seward and ARRC is desirable to finding mutual benefits in the development of railroad properties, in particular, so their uses are compatible with city land uses and zoning regulations • Consultation with the state regarding the status and possible disposition of its undeveloped land and tidelands (mostly zoned Resource Management) is necessary for future land use planning. • The status of undeveloped, city-owned lands and tidelands (mostly zoned Resource Management) in view of future land use needs should be reassessed for possible rezoning, development and/or sale. • An update of the plan/inventory for public facilities should give primary consideration for consolidation and/or relocation of uses such as the city shop and animal shelter. Zoning Code Changes and Enforcement • Consolidation of zoning districts and the uses allowed given the unusually large number of zoning districts for the small town size and uses which overlap several zones should be considered. • Revision of zoning districts to reflect existing land uses in many areas may lessen the number of requests for rezoning, conditional uses, and variances coming before the Planning and Zoning Commission, thereby lessening confusion and encouraging development (see above recommendations). • Revision of unwieldy enforcement processes would help provide consistent, feasible enforcement of zoning and land use regulations. • Adoption of road construction standards would provide developers consistent guidelines and provide the city with roadways which are safe, well-drained and easy to maintain. • Revision of subdivision code, working in cooperation with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, is necessary to incorporate new standards, including road construction standards, and to streamline the subdividing process. • Encouragement of developing older, long and narrow lots in the original town site by use of incentives would help revitalize the downtown economy. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 31 2005 3.3 HOUSING 3.3.1 Housing Characteristics Tables 3.3.1-1 and 3.3.1-2 present Seward housing characteristics for 1990 and 2000. With the exception of a three percent increase in the total number of housing units, housing characteristics have remained generally the same in terms of occupancy, housing type, and characteristics of households. The number of renter-occupied is close to the same number as the owner-occupied housing units, and the number of units in large apartment complexes has increased by 20. Median rental rates have increased by about one third. The main change during the 10-year period is in housing values, which have shifted upward, and the number of houses in the $200,000 and above range has increased roughly from 10 to 50. The number of houses in the $50,000 to $100,000 and in the $100,000 to $149,000 ranges has decreased by one third to one half. What this information does not show is the number of houses being built outside city limits, both north of town and south at Lowell Point. There is sufficient land within the city to support population growth for the foreseeable future; however, houses are being built outside city limits at a higher rate where the population is increasing at a greater rate than within the city. Factors such as large lot sizes, low cost of land, greater home values for the money, and lower taxes contribute to this growth. Additionally, reasonably priced, centrally located, year-round housing is difficult to obtain within Seward. The Hensley Housing Analysis Report indicated the city should take the lead to counter this trend by supporting housing initiatives in the private sector. Community surveys taken in recent years indicate that almost two-thirds of the respondents rate economic growth as a high priority for the city. Economic growth will inevitably lead to population and housing growth within as well as outside Seward city limits. To encourage development within the original town site, the code was modified in 1994 to allow residential development on single lots of less than the minimum building size of 6,000 square feet as long as neither adjacent lot was under the same ownership. The idea was to allow development of those lots where there was no opportunity for the owner to increase the lot to the required 6,000 square feet. This development is presently subjected to required setbacks, lot coverage, and off-street parking. The Hensley Housing Analysis Report made few recommendations on residential rentals and leases in Seward. If appropriate land is available to build units for rent or lease, the need will be met by supply and demand in that market. Land is the major concern: its price, availability, and access to utilities. Affordable quality homes for middle income residents should be addressed. Some landowners want to restrict the number of moderately priced homes on land they own, or sell lots of only a few can afford. The city should strive to work closely with all landowners, but especially those who will meet the needs of middle income families. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 32 2005 Table 3.3.1-1 Seward 1990 Housing Characteristics SEWARD HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS FOR 1990 TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 1,010 OCCUPANCY HOUSING VALUE (Owner Occupied Units) Occupied Housing Units 886 Less than $50,000 22 Owner Occupied 420 $505000 - $995000 1201 Renter Occupied 466 $1005000 -$1495000 103 Vacant Housing Units 1124 $1505000 -$1995000 28 UNITS IN STRUCTURE $2005000 -$2995000 9 1 Unit Detached 542 $3005000 -or more 11 1 Unit Attached 32 RENTAL RATES 2 -4 Units 154 Less than $250.00 73 5 - 9 Units 120 $250.00 - $499 198 10 or more Units 120 $500 -$749 134 Mobile Home, Trailer 13 $750 - 999 25 HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE $1000 -or more 6 Families 536 Median Rent $434.00 Married Couples 399 Male Householder 31 Female Householder 106 Non-Family 350 Persons per Household 2 Persons Living in Group Quarters 1511 Source: US Census Bureau 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 33 2005 Table 3.3.1-2 Seward 2000 Housing Characteristics SEWARD HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS FOR 2000 TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 1,058 OCCUPANCY HOUSING VALUE (Owner Occupied Units) Occupied Housing Units 917 Less than $50,000 8 Owner Occupied 461 $505000 - $995000 90 Renter Occupied 456 $1005000 -$1495000 137 Vacant Housing Units 1141 $1505000 -$1995000 87 UNITS IN STRUCTURE $2005000 -$2995000 38 1 Unit Detached 585 $300,000 -or more 113 1 Unit Attached 30 RENTAL RATES 2 -4 Units 165 Less than $200.00 32 5 - 9 Units 123 $200 -$299 47 10 or more Units 142 $300 -$499 87 Mobile Home, Trailer 5 $500 -$749 113 HOUSEHOLD BY TYPE $750 -$999 83 Families 556 $1000 -$45499 50 Married Couples 409 $15,000 or more 5 Male Householder Female Householder 111 Non-Family 361 Persons per Household 2.4 Persons Living in Group Quarters 1628 Source: US Census Bureau Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • Development outside of city limits is increasing to accommodate a growing population. To minimize its effect on Seward and ensure its properties are used optimally, the city can explore incentives to develop reasonably priced housing within Seward, such as by rezoning certain areas to encourage residential property development. • Examining and updating city codes, regulations, and administrative requirements 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 34 2005 affecting land developers, builders, and homeowners may be necessary to encourage developing several types of housing units at varying income levels. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 35 2005 3.4 TRANSPORTATION 3.4.1 Roads State and Local Road Systems The Seward Highway is the principal access route to and from Seward, linking it to Anchorage and destinations on the Kenai Peninsula. North of the city limits, the Seward Highway is a two-lane roadway with 12-foot travel lanes and 4-foot paved shoulders. The posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour (mph) north of Mile 2.0 and 35 mph to the south. Maintained all the way to Mile 0 by Alaska Department of Transportation, the Seward Highway becomes Third Avenue in the downtown area. Other primary roadways include: Nash Road, which extends to the east side of Resurrection Bay; Port Avenue, which ends at the railroad dock at the north end of the bay; Lowell Point Road, which hugs the west side of the bay to Lowell Point, just outside of city limits; and Herman Leirer Road along the Resurrection River to Exit Glacier. Nash Road intersects the Seward Highway just north of the city limits and provides access to the residential, commercial, and institutional development on the east side of Resurrection Bay. Nash Road is a two-lane roadway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph in the vicinity of the Seward Highway intersection. A left turn lane is provided at the Nash Road intersection. Approximately two miles southeast of the Seward Highway intersection the speed limit is reduced, and there is an uphill grade in the southeast direction. Port Avenue intersects the Seward Highway immediately north of the small boat harbor. To the east, it also intersects with Fourth Avenue which serves the waterfront in the small boat harbor area. Fourth Avenue provides a direct connection between the harbor and the downtown retail core. Downtown, Fourth Avenue is a wide, two-lane street with angled parking allowed on both sides of the street. The street system in downtown Seward is laid out in a grid pattern. North-south streets are treated as through routes with stop signs controlling traffic on the intersecting east- west streets. On-street parking is allowed on most streets, except at intersection approaches. Railway Avenue is an east-west street. It becomes Ballaine Boulevard which runs north- south along Resurrection Bay, providing access to the Seward Small Boat Harbor. To the west, Railway Avenue becomes Lowell Point Road which provides access to a residential and recreational area at Lowell Point, approximately 2.5 miles to the south. Railway Avenue is paved, with on-street parking limited to the north side of the street. East of Fourth Avenue, there are curbs, gutters, and sidewalks on both sides of the street except on the north side where the sidewalk ends at Sixth Avenue. No curbs, gutters, or sidewalks are provided on Railway Avenue west of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 36 2005 3.4.2 Parking and Traffic Availability of public parking continues to be a summertime issue. Off-street parking for approximately 570 cars has been developed on city-owned lots adjacent to the small boat harbor, and spaces for an additional 200 cars is under development by the city in a new parking lot near the Alaska Railroad Dock, site of the cruise ship terminal, further down Port Avenue to the east. The harbor parking is not adequate to serve existing demand during the summer, especially during weekends, holidays, and special events like the Seward Silver Salmon Derby. During these peak periods, parking overflows onto the shoulders of the Seward Highway, extending in both directions from the harbor area. At these times, the nearby softball field Boulder Stadium is also opened for parking. Parking spaces in the harbor area are currently limited to four-hour or 72-hour time periods. As a result, boaters on trips longer than three days have no adequate location to park for extended periods. _ Conditions in the downtown area are somewhat less congested, except during peak events such as the Fourth of July. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, a privately owned trolley assists with parking by J. charging a minimal fee for shuttling riders. This trolley does a continuous J. loop linking the cruise ship terminal to the downtown area. In the p g p downtown area, on-street parking is permitted on most streets. On Fourth and Fifth Avenues, angle parking is provided between Railway Avenues and Jefferson Street. This allows for greater densities of parking adjacent to the retail uses located on these two streets. Private parking lots serve some of the businesses, but the majority of businesses rely on the on-street parking to meet their needs. The ASLC offers parking free of charge. Although substantial improvements continue to be made, the conclusions of the most recent Report on Traffic and Parking completed in 1996 by Derek Soden hold today: • There is not adequate long-term parking in the small boat harbor. • Parking in the downtown area consists mainly of short-term parking generated by downtown shops and services. • Traffic in the vicinity of the small boat harbor sees higher levels of congestion than downtown Seward. 3.4.3 Pedestrian Walkways Sidewalks are provided on most streets in the historic downtown area and along Third and Fourth Avenues to the harbor district. Outside of the core areas, pedestrian walkways are generally limited to roadway shoulders or unpaved paths adjacent to the 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 37 2005 roadway. A bicycle and pedestrian walkway runs along Resurrection Bay to the high school. Pedestrian and bicycle travel within Seward is important to achieving mobility, especially during the peak summer tourist season. On weekends, the use of bicycles, strollers, and other pedestrian transport aids increases, since vehicles are likely to park only once, due to the shortage of available parking. 3.4.4 Transportation Systems Transit Systems There is no local, regularly scheduled bus service within Seward. A trolley shuttle service operates during the summer, primarily for visitors along the major thoroughfares. Several year-round taxi services serve the general public, and a Seward Senior Center van, the older residents. Scheduled daily bus service between Seward and Anchorage, with connections to other Kenai Peninsula destinations, is provided by Seward Bus Lines. Bus charters and tours to and from outlying areas is also available from a number of companies. Rail Systems The Alaska Railroad Depot is located across from the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Port Avenue. Daily rail service between Seward and Anchorage is provided from May to September. Table 3.4.4-1 summarizes passenger ridership on the Alaska Railroad both ways between Anchorage and Seward from 1993 through 2002. During this period, rail ridership into Seward has almost doubled from approximately 9,472 to 17,886 passengers. In 2003, the ridership jumped 17%, perhaps due to the opening of the Anchorage airport depot and the completion of this link with Seward. However, Princess Cruise Lines shifting its transfer port to Whittier in 2004 may cause a decrease in ridership. Table 3.4.4-1 Alaska Railroad Passenger Ridership Anchorage - Seward Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Passengers 9,472 101450 111105 12,385 12,978 12,829 12,013 13,817 15,432 17,886 Seward -Anchorage Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Passengers 8,203 8,108 10,516 11,302 11,373 10,952 11,348 12,525 13,282 14,678 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 38 2005 Air Systems A paved, state-owned airstrip, 4,240 feet long by 100 feet wide, is located at the north end of Resurrection Bay. Given its mountainous location, visual flight rules are in effect. There is currently no commercial air service into Seward. Flight seeing and transport to nearby destinations is offered by seasonal charters. Currently, Scenic Mountain Air and Ultimate Tours maintain a local base. A number of private pilots keep their aircraft at the airport which has capacity for 45 tie downs. In 2002 the Seward Civil Air Patrol squadron dedicated a new hanger that enhances their search and rescue capabilities. The current airport is limited by the size of the runway, terrain, and weather. Improvements made in 1992 including realignment of the access road off the Seward Highway, increasing the size of the apron, and adding tie downs have led to greater use. Updating the Seward Airport Master Plan is in progress with a feasibility study for expansion and flood mitigation underway. City water and sewer service is planned but is not currently available at the airport. Federal funding for a bypass road from the Alaska Railroad Dock to the airport was recently made available. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 39 2005 Alaska Marine Highway System The M/V Tustumena, currently based in Seward, provides ferry service to ports on Prince William Sound, the southern Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutians. Figure 3.4.4-1 depicts the r Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Marine Routes. The M/V w Kennicott, which started services in July of 1998, bases in ` Bellingham, Washington and travels to Juneau, Valdez, and Seward as its main stops. During the winter layoff of the Tustumena for maintenance, the Kennicott handles its routes. Tables 3.4.4-2 and 3.4.4-3 each summarize ferry passengers and vehicles passing through Seward respectively, and Table 3.4.4-4 totals Port of Seward calls for the ferries M/V Tustumena and MN Kennicott for the years 1994-2001 . During the peak season from May through September, the M/V Tustumena stops in Seward two days a week, every three out of four weeks. On Thursdays, the boat arrives from Kodiak early in the morning and leaves for Valdez later after a five to six hour layover. On Fridays, the boat arrives in the evening from Valdez and leaves for Kodiak after a two to three hour layover. The Kennicott generally arrives and departs in Thursday evenings every two weeks. Both ferries use the Alaska Railroad Dock, which is also used to dock the cruise ships. Vehicles for the ferry typically arrive a couple of hours prior to departure. However, if the boat is late or there are large pieces of freight to be loaded, ferry traffic may be at the dock as much as 12 hours prior to departure. The Prince William Sound and Southwest Alaska Transportation plans put forth by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities call for eventually discontinuation of the Tustumena service to Seward. With the advent of a fast ferry in Prince William Sound, the state can achieve more efficient routing that links southwestern coastal communities not on roads to the highway system through Homer. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 40 2005 Table 3.4.4-2 AMHS Passenger Traffic Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Embarking 2,574 2,492 2,545 2,819 3,437 4,044 3,746 3,641 Disembarking 2,570 2,378 2,593 21750 3,357 3,638 4,044 3,773 Table 3.4.4-3 AMHS Vehicle Traffic Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Embarking 11112 11127 1,079 11289 1,503 1,831 11706 11797 Disembarking 1 1,095 11151 1,141 11230 11433 1,622 1,697 1,621 Table 3.4.4-4 AMHS Seward Port Calls for the M/V Tustumena and M/V Kennicott Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Port calls 52 51 55 69 72 86 84 90 Source:Alaska Marine Highway System, Management Information Group Figure 3.4.4-1 Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Marine Routes idum �I I OP - r f jt d6 ' TJ11 iiiik r P � ■ :4ri h � ii� qf IP I o uthcentra I and Southwest Alaska Marine Rout-es -eJtir ie IRkif.lr!IiF-1-1 k� 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 41 2005 Summary of Planning Issues and Trends Roads and Parking • High levels of traffic along the highway corridor and in the small boat harbor area during the peak summer season and special events require continued monitoring and management. • An adequate number of accessible parking spaces for long-term parking required by small boat harbor users and visitors needs to be provided. • Oversized vehicles parking in unsuitable spaces in the downtown area all seasons create safety hazards, requiring management and enforcement. Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths • Foot traffic generated by residents and visitors is substantial year-round, but anticipated to increase with growing numbers of ports of call. Continued development of pedestrian and bicycle networks within Seward that include maintained pathways on roadway shoulders, particularly the highway up to the Seward Resort; crosswalks, particularly across the highway in the harbor district; and expansion of sidewalks meeting ADA standards in the downtown area would increase safe access to local destinations. • Accommodating and managing the increasing use of bicycles, wheelchairs and other types of mechanized pedestrian travel assistance, particularly during the summer periods, is a necessary safety precaution. • City support for the Seward Highway MP 0-8 improvement project needs to include a continuous, separated bike trail. • Development of a plan for constructing, maintaining and managing a trail system that connects with the pedestrian pathways within the city (see Parks and Recreation) would enhance foot traffic management and access to the natural environment. Transportation Systems • A viable local, ADA-compliant transit system to connect downtown, the harbor, and the port area should be identified, and funding for it should be pursued. • Feasibility and funding for local, regularly available bus service within the greater Seward area during all seasons should be pursued as part of meeting local needs. • Supporting air charter companies and reestablishment of commercial air service into Seward through airport enhancements should be continued. • Completion of the runway expansion feasibility study, including flood mitigation and upgrading navigational aids, should be pursued. • A city transportation plan should consider ways of reducing occasional traffic congestion and freight buildup for the ferries on the Alaska Railroad Dock. • Updating the local transportation plan to increase efficient systems that meet the needs of users should be pursued in cooperation with the borough, state and 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 42 2005 railroad. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 43 2005 3.5 PORT AND HARBOR DEVELOPMENT The Port of Seward is distinguished as the historic gateway to southcentral and interior Alaska where many a pioneer arrived by steamship and traveled north by rail or trail. Until the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 destroyed its facilities, it was the major cargo port that supported the early growth of Anchorage and Fairbanks. In the 1970s, new facilities handled shipments of pipe and other heavy supplies for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline. It is currently designated by the Transportation Security Administration as the backup port for the Port of Anchorage. Port and harbor facilities continue to serve local residents and visitors and to support maritime industries. 3.5.1 Public and Private Docks Public docking facilities owned by the city are available at the Seward Small Boat Harbor (see details in 3.5.2). Public access beaches owned by the borough and the state at Lowell Point are informally used for launching boats. Commercial use docks exist in the industrial area and at Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) (see 3.5.3). Institutional and private docks are scattered around the head of Resurrection Bay. The three docks in the industrial zone are under the control of the Alaska Railroad. The oldest dock, the Alaska Railroad Dock, is now used to tie up cruise line ships and the state ferries using an intermodal system. There were 95 cruise ship dockings in 2002, 104 in 2003, and 52 estimated for 2004. The new Freight Dock with rail access just to the east handles transshipment of a variety of commodities. The dock to the west is a specialized coal transfer facility. Coal is loaded by conveyor system that moves it from the stockpile over a trestle extending into the harbor onto large cargo vessels for transport to Korea. Other potential uses of this loading dock are under consideration. Research vessels, including the Alpha Helix which homeports in Seward, dock at facilities owned by the University of Alaska near the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) at the south end of town. Historically, the downtown city dock adjacent to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) and IMS was used by the Alaska Marine Highway System, but it is now decommissioned. Dock facilities, and vessels using them, in this area are subject to heavy wave action when winds come out of the south, as frequently occur. Private docks used for fishing and recreational businesses exist along the western shore such as Resurrection Bay Seafoods and Miller's Landing. A large, privately owned, deep water dock exists near SMIC on the eastern shore. Unused now, it once served to transfer logs and wood products. 3.5.2 Seward Small Boat Harbor The Seward Small Boat Harbor was relocated and built in 1965 after the Great Alaska Earthquake totally destroyed the previous one. Owned and managed by the city, this 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 44 2005 harbor (Figure 3.5.1-1) supports vessels used for recreational boating, commercial fishing, sport fish charters, and sight seeing excursions. It has over 500 slips assigned to locals and other state residents, and approximately 2,500 feet of parallel moorage available for guest boaters, which are sometimes two to three vessels deep. There are no transient slips although provision of these is under discussion. In 1998 the wait list for slip space was 339, and in 2002 it was 377. The harbor also includes two double boat launch ramps, a shallow-draft dock leased to Seward Fisheries, a general cargo dock, a 50-ton boat lift, repair facilities, and a fuel float. Recently, a $7 million upgrade to existing harbor facilities was completed, improving floats, ramps, water and electrical hookups, and sewage pump-out. Funding to complete additional float improvements is currently being secured. In 1990, the City Council requested that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) investigate harbor improvements to expand capacity. Out of four alternatives, the USACE recommended the East Harbor Expansion Project, which includes a new breakwater, channel dredging and additional boat slips. 3.5.3. Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) With the intent of developing an industrial complex at Fourth of July Creek, the City of Seward established SMIC in the early 1980s. Ship repair and boat storage are the most active industries. Fish processing, cargo/container handling, and marine related businesses are also established. Nearby, a wood products operation that was established in the 1980s ceased operations in the 1990s due to market conditions. The Spring Creek Correctional Center is also located nearby. SMIC includes a 5,000-ton ship lift, a 250- T - ton travel lift, and two deep draft docks, with a dredged basin adjacent to the g J docks. Primary water, sewer, electrical and 'p fuel services are available. The city is working with AIDEA and the Alaska F`,p Department of Community and Economic -^ Development to expand the shipyard. - vL Construction of a breakwater providing wave and swell protection as proposed in the SMIC Development Plan would _ facilitate docking of research and Coast Guard vessels. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 45 2005 Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • Demand for small boat slips exceeds the supply. Completing the eastward expansion of the harbor with continuous, innovative planning to improve safe traffic flow, serve the needs of a variety of user groups, and increase the number of slips, including transient slips, will help satisfy the demand and encourage boaters to use the Seward Small Boat Harbor. • People are launching boats from beach areas that are undeveloped and unmanaged for such activity. Management of public/private boat launch areas around the head of the bay, working with private operators and with borough and state agencies, will better serve recreational boaters and protect intertidal environments • Swells and wave action impact the use of the Fourth of July Creek dock facilities. Completion of USCAE feasibility study on the construction of a breakwater and development of a functional commercial harbor at SMIC and planning to implement recommendations will help address the future use of this area. • SMIC is not used to its capacity. Assessment of current market trends and updating technologies for possible expansion of ship repair, cargo handling, and facilities for product development from natural resources would help to update the SMIC Development Plan of 1995, using assistance from state, borough and federal economic development agencies. • Inadequate routing of trucks and buses from the port and railroad depot areas creates congestion and delays. Continued improvement of transportation connections from commercial docks to existing rail and highway routes, and potentially air routes, would help to alleviate this problem. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 46 2005 3.6 RECREATION The Seward area is one of Alaska's foremost visitor destinations, _ r close to Anchorage and easily accessible by highway, rail, and .Y. - water. Tourism has steadily become an important driver of the economy and is dependent on Seward's scenic and recreational a� p Y p f offerings. C� Resurrection Bay surrounded by the Kenai and Chugach mountain ranges provides a scenic backdrop for different types of boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Other popular outdoor Aff Fi mountain, camping,- recreation activities include hunting, hiking, biking, sea kayaking, canoeing, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, glacier viewing, and nature study. Most activities occur during the summer, but several continue throughout the year. Seward's proximity to the Kenai Fjords National Park, including land access to Exit Glacier and the Harding Ice Field; Chugach National Forest; the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; and Caines Head State Recreation Area provide abundant opportunities for visitors. Other main draws include the Alaska SeaLife Center, the historical downtown with the Seward Museum, and the Seward Small Boat Harbor with its bustling marina. In addition to public recreational facilities on nearby state and � federal lands, the City of Seward owns and manages several parks, campgrounds, day-use areas, playgrounds, and ball J fields. All public facilities are available to both residents and visitors. Several fishing and sightseeing charters operate out Y � . f of Seward, and many local businesses supply visitor amenities and activities. 3.6.1 Visitor Impacts .% Seward receives large numbers of visitors every year. In addition to being the southern terminus of the Seward Highway and the Alaska Railroad, Seward receives weekly ferry service through the Alaska r Marine Highway System has been a popular turnaround stop for cruise (k is 01F(1 ships visiting Alaskan waters. Commercial tour operators such as Princess Tours, Holland America/West Tours, and Regency Cruise Lines include Seward as part of their itinerary, taking advantage of ferry and cruise ship connections. Table 3.6.1-1 and Table 3.6.1-2 respectively show 2002 and 2003 numbers of visitors to different Seward attractions. Seward's annual visitation has been increasing. Tables 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 47 2005 3.6.1- 3 show cruise ship dockings by year. Most visitations occur between May 15 and September 15. Table 3.6.1-1 Seward Chamber of Commerce 2002 Visitors Chamber MRC ASLC NPS SP&R ARRC Railcar Exit Cruise Total Glacier Ship Visitors January 61 11662 21320 122 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed February 184 11837 11947 22 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed March 210 11032 41386 365 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed April 228 21686 51695 640 247 Closed Closed Closed Closed May 991 91967 15,310 45419 31757 3,440 Closed 10,283 NA June 25180 14,036 30,769 12,631 81368 71574 15715 28,498 NA SUBTOTAL 3,854 31,220 60,427 18,199 12,372 11,014 1,715 38,781 0 177,582 July 21061 145749 38,516 15,902 10,883 81378 25783 415115 NA August 81097 13,134 325491 13,043 10,254 75026 15487 315121 NA September 938 31250 12,073 31797 81912 25296 Closed 11,532 NA October 483 612 3,496 316 Closed Closed Closed 682 Closed November 450 450 2,350 Closed Closed Closed Closed 694 Closed December 255 648 1,565 Closed Closed Closed Closed 462 Closed Site Totals 16,138 64,063 150,918 51,257 42,421 28,714 51985 124,387 309,042 792,925 Table 3.6.1-2 Seward Chamber of Commerce 2003 Visitors Chamber MRC ASLC NPS SP&R ARRC Exit Cruise Total Glacier Ship Visitors January 71 636 2,013 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed February 197 624 2,517 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed March 198 1,053 4,594 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed April 253 2,740 5,661 591 396 Closed 499 Closed May 1,006 10,166 16,034 4,660 2,841 1,974 5,718 28,103 June 2,500 14,317 29,074 3,745 7,091 5,162 13,525 70,148 SUBTOTAL 4,225 29,536 59,893 8,996 10,328 7,136 19,742 98,251 238,107 July 2,809 15,044 40,232 12,392 10,871 6,420 38,232 73,110 August 9,034 13,397 34,110 10,255 10,139 6,176 33,285 88,356 September 834 3,315 11,221 3,745 2,308 1,922 13,525 36,860 October 749 624 4,644 7,400 Closed Closed 7,090 Closed November 320 462 2,179 1,423 Closed Closed Closed Closed December 110 661 1,731 110 Closed Closed Closed Closed Site Totals 18,081 63,039 154,010 441321 33,646 21,654 111,874 296,577 743,202 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 48 2005 In the above charts; Chamber is Seward Chamber of Commerce; MRC is the Military Resort Center presently called the Seward Resort; ASLC is the Alaska SeaLife Center, NPS is the National Parks Service Visitor Center, SP&R is the State Parks and Recreation Department; ARRC is the Alaska Railroad Corporation; Railcar is a satellite information site used by the Chamber of Commerce, discontinued in 2003; and Exit Glacier is the only inland station of the Kenai Fjords National Park. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 49 2005 Table 3.6.1-3 Seward Chamber of Commerce Cruise Ship Dockings Cruise Ship Dockings 1989 27 1990 29 1991 28 1992 37 1993 61 1994 94 1995 106 1996 105 1997 105 1998 109 1999 97 2000 97 2001 108 2002 95 2003 104 Source: Seward Chamber of Commerce 3.6.2 Activities and Special Events Annual Events Every summer, several special events attract large numbers of visitors. The well-known Fourth of July celebration includes the unique, longstanding Mt. Marathon Race. The newer Breath of Life Run on Lost Lake Trail, and the Seward Silver Salmon Derby are held in August. Seward promotes winter tourism as well. Almost 20 years old, the Polar Bear Jump is a great boost to the economy in January. The Seward Resort (Military Recreation Camp), a year-round establishment, provides snow machining and other winter activities. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Holiday Train, which brings Christmas shoppers from the Anchorage area to purchase local arts and crafts in December. The ASLC is open year round. Some sightseeing tour boats and several fishing charters are active in the winter. The NPS and USFS rent out cabins for cross-country skiing and winter outings. Over a decade old, the Mayor's Cup Sled Dog Race event, is put on by the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers in March or April after the Iditarod Race is completed. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 50 2005 Boatin Seward is one of four major recreational boating centers in southcentral Alaska, along with Homer, Valdez, and Whittier. The amenities of the Seward Small Boat Harbor, such as boat slips and launch :�� ramps, in conjunction with the protected nature of Resurrection Bay contribute to boating popularity. Recreational boating includes motorized vessels, sailboats, and sea kayaks. To a lesser extent, boating activity also originates at the Fourth of July M„ _ Creek facilities off of Nash Road and from public beaches at Lowell Point. Popular boating activities include fishing and general excursions within_ v _ . Resurrection Bay and nearby to areas such as the islands in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Aialik Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. Most boating activities occur during the summer months, with peak activity during the Seward Silver Salmon Derby in early August. Fishin Fishing is perhaps the major recreational activity in Seward. Resurrection Bay is home to one of the largest silver (Coho) salmon fisheries in Alaska. Sport anglers target hatchery king salmon as well as silver, pink, and chum salmon and Dolly Varden char. Resurrection Bay is also a popular spot for bottom fish species such as halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. Most fishing occurs from boats, particularly for silver salmon, halibut and rockfish. As early as May, fishing begins in outer reaches of Resurrection Bay as salmon begin showing ........ up, and it moves closer towards town as the run V . R•;s111�T iNr - progresses till as late as September. The Seward shoreline offers excellent shore based fishing, particularly for silver salmon. All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing, but fishing is permitted from the beach. Popular fishing areas include Waterfront Park south of the ball fields, and from Founders Monument to the west side of the old City Dock. Miller's Landing provides water taxi drop off and pickup service to Tonsina Beach. Campinq Both tent camping and RV parking are accommodated at ten different sites within city limits. The three largest municipal campgrounds (Marathon, Resurrection North and 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 51 2005 Resurrection South) are located along Waterfront Park, popular for the readily accessible shoreside. Other camping areas include Forest Acres Park and the Spring Creek area off Nash Road across Resurrection Bay. By the Pond, Bear Creek and Fjords RV parks are located just T north of town in locations close to the Seward Highway. To the south, camping including RV parkingis found at Millers `" . T Landing Table 3.6.2-1 shows capacity, types and amenities for the = �: -� .�: municipal campgrounds. The campgrounds are at capacity during peak use periods such as Fourth of July and the Seward Silver Salmon Derby; spaces are usually available during the rest of the summer Table 3.6.2-1 Capacity and Characteristics of City Campgrounds Estimated Campground RVS Tents campers per Port-a-Potties Picnic Tables season '! Waterfront Park Marathon 90 0 5,400 0 4 Resurrection North 114 0 4,500 2 20 Resurrection South 93 0 4,800 0 35 Iditarod 20 0 1,750 0 2 Tent Area 0 31X2 3,000 0 30 Spring Creek 20 50 1,500 1 0 Forest Acres 10 30 1,500 0 8 Seaview 80 0 4,500 3 5 Williams Park 0 31X2 3,000 3 30 City Total 427 260 35,000 9+6* 134 Source: Seward Parks and Recreation Department 2002 Calculate as number of spaces occupied. *Other city day use areas 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 52 2005 3.6.3 City, State, and Federal Lands with Recreational Facilities Municipal In addition to campgrounds, the City of Seward operates several. day use areas, including picnic areas, ball fields, a skateboard park, a volleyball court, a horse shoe area, a bike path, and several day parks. Many of these recreation activities are concentrated along the shoreline in Waterfront Park. Both residents and non-residents use these facilities. Hoben Park (also called Iditarod Park) is the southern terminus of the bike path that extends north along Waterfront Park to the small boat harbor. At Van Buren Street, one branch crosses the highway, connecting with the boardwalk that skirts the lagoon, and then continues up to the schools. Other day parks include Kawabe Park downtown, Two Lakes Park and Trail off Second Avenue, Second Lake Park at the south end of Vista Avenue, Benny Benson Memorial Park at the south end of the lagoon, and the Forest Acres Park and BMX Track on Dimond Boulevard. Children's playgrounds with equipment are near the Little League Field, at Third Avenue near Adams Street, and at Dora Way. Covered pavilions used for picnics and celebrations have been a part of Waterfront Park, but were recently torn down for safety reasons. The city expects to replace them through waterfront improvement funds. State Caines Head State Park and Recreation Area consists of 6,000 acres located on the west side of Resurrection Bay, approximately six miles south of Seward. It is accessible only by boat or by a 4.5-mile trail that starts at Lowell Point. The park contains bunkers, gun emplacements, and other World War II facilities associated with Fort McGilvray. It is a popular destination for hikers and sea kayakers. The potential to use state lands exists for other recreational purposes, such as snow machining. Federal The Chugach National Forest, one of two national forests in Alaska, borders Seward to the north and east. Several USFS campgrounds and trailheads are located along the Seward Highway between Seward and Anchorage. Seward is considered the gateway to the 650,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park. The park includes the Harding Ice Field and several fjords to the southwest of Seward. There are flight-seeing charters, cruise ship stops, and marine charter excursions into this rugged region from Seward. Land access to the park is provided at Exit Glacier (Mile 3.7 of the Seward Highway). A visitor center, ranger station, picnic area, and walk- in campground are located at Exit Glacier, which is only open during the summer. A second visitor center is located near the Seward Small Boat Harbor next to the harbormaster's office. In addition, portions of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge are located within the southern end of Resurrection Bay, and include islands south of the bay, such as the Chiswell and Pye Islands. As with the Kenai Fjords National Park, half and full-day 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 53 2005 sightseeing tours traverse through or stop at portions of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The United States Air Force and United States Army operate military recreation camps on 23 acres of land leased from the city called the Seward Resort. These camps are located about Mile 2, on the west side of the Seward Highway. US Air Force facilities consist of trailer accommodations, cabins, RV sites, and tent/campsite spaces; and an administrative complex (with game room, laundry, and shop). US Army facilities include duplex units, a 40-bed wooden barracks, RV sites, and tent sites. Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • Tent camping tends to be popular with both visitors and seasonal workers, but space is limited for the demand, causing camping in areas without proper accommodations. Planning and development of adequate tent camping areas in conjunction with temporary housing may help address this continuing problem. • Covered pavilions were very heavily used by local residents and visitors because of frequent inclement weather, so their replacement needs to meet this need and enhance the use of Waterfront Park. • During the summer, residents often feel they do not have access to the waterfront during periods of peak demand. Increasing capacity and managing campgrounds and parking effectively during periods of peak demand may help both residents and visitors during the summer months. • Changes in the nature of cruise ship docking from exclusive turnaround operations to more port-of-call stops will put incredible demands on the community to provide activities for large crowds ranging from several hundred to one thousand day passengers who will be making more frequent visits per season than in the past. A comprehensive recreation facilities plan that includes continuous maintenance and improvement of existing facilities while continuing to expand them is necessary. • While many winter activities are pursued by individuals, these are not organized and marketed, so Seward may be missing opportunities. It is missing out on the Arctic Winter Games coming to the Peninsula in 2006. With planning and developing of outdoor recreation areas and developing infrastructure, such as more groomed ski trails, more outdoor winter enthusiasts will be encouraged to visit. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 54 2005 3.7 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES 3.7.1 Education The community possesses a full range of educational opportunities. Operated by the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Seward's public schools are: Seward Elementary School, with grades pre-school through six, Seward Middle with grades seven and eight, and Seward High School with grades nine through twelve. A new elementary school was completed in 1990. Construction has begun on a separate facility for the Middle School, and is slated for completion August 2005. The city has adequate school capacity to absorb substantial growth. Various postsecondary education opportunities are available to Seward residents as well. The Kenai Peninsula College under the University of Alaska Anchorage offers college courses in Seward and supports a halftime coordinator. Recently, in 2003-2004 the number of students taking courses increased 60% up to 89, showing the most growth on the Kenai Peninsula. The University of Alaska Fairbanks maintains its Institute of Marine Science (IMS) in Seward. Through this institute the university performs oceanographic research to support the state's maritime industry and provides some graduate level courses to visiting students. The National Science Foundation owns the university-operated research vessel the Alpha Helix, which homeports in Seward. A replacement vessel is under design and will be completed by approximately 2007. The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) offers training to an average of 1600 local and state residents annually. Courses in various skilled trades and technologies include mechanical and maintenance occupations, computer and network support training, business and office technology, distance educator training, culinary arts and sciences, certified nurses assistant training, and other occupations. Its Alaska Maritime Training Center provides a variety of Coast Guard approved courses and is distinguished for its state-of-the-art radar navigation and ship's pilot training programs. AVTEC is also Alaska's authorized Cisco Networking Regional Training Center. Several courses can be granted University of Alaska Anchorage credit as well as national certifications. The school also can tailor specific training programs of short duration for Alaska employers. Educational programming for the general public is offered through a variety of institutions. The IMS Seward Marine Center sponsors public lectures and educational programs at the K.M. Rae Building Visitor Center. The Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center offers natural history and Seward history through lectures and programs on site and on sightseeing charters in Resurrection Bay. The Alaska SeaLife Center has become a premier destination for school field trips from Anchorage and other parts of 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 55 2005 Alaska. Occasional lectures given by researchers on the status of their work appeal more to adults. 3.7.2 Health Care and Social Services Seward offers a broad range of health care services, which also contribute significantly to the local economy. The Providence Seward Medical Center offers primary medical care services, specialty clinics, emergency room, laboratory, radiology, home health care, and physical therapy services. Four physicians staff the center. City voters approved a plan in 1996 whereby Providence Health Systems, Alaska would take over administration of the Seward General Hospital and the city would sell bonds to finance construction of a new medical building. The new building was completed in 1997, and afterwards, the 1956 building was torn down. The hospital is owned by the city and managed by Providence Health Systems. Those with serious injuries and illness requiring specialized care are sent by air or ground medivac to Anchorage. The Wesley Rehabilitation and Care Center provides long-term care services, with a capacity of 40 beds. The City of Seward and Providence Heath Systems negotiated a co-location � agreement in 2003, and planning for a new facility has begun. Other health-related services in Seward include two medical clinics, two dentists, and an Alaska Public Health nurse. SeaView Community Services, a nonprofit human resource agency, provides mental health counseling,, chemical g dependency counseling, family support services, crises intervention, and social services, working with the schools and a variety of agencies. Both SeaView and the Seward Independent Living Center serve individuals with disabilities with a residential and support services. 3.7.3 City Government and Finances Seward is a home-rule city located within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. An elected seven-member council directs the city manager. City services are funded through several taxes and service charges. Taxes include a four percent sales tax, a four percent bed tax, and a property tax of 3.12 mils. The borough also levies a property tax (see Table 3.7.3-1) and a two percent sales tax. Other fiscal information is presented in Table 3.7.3-2 and Figures 3.7.3-1 and 3.7.3-2. The recently formed Bear Creek Seward Flood Service Area has the option to assess up to .5 mils. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 56 2005 The Kenai Peninsula Borough functions similarly to counties in other states. Incorporated in January 1964 as a second-class borough under the authority of the State of Alaska, the borough is responsible for area wide education, solid-waste management, planning and zoning, taxation, and assessment. The borough has delegated planning and platting advisory authority to the city. Locally authorized service areas provide hospital, fire, flood, emergency, and recreation services. An elected mayor serves as the chief administrator and works with an elected nine-member legislative assembly. The borough delegates education responsibilities to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District which is managed by a superintendent hired by an elected nine-member school board. Table 3.7.3-1 City of Seward Property Tax Rates Direct and Overlapping Governments Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Borough' Total 1993 3.00 8.55 11.55 1994 3.00 8.55 11.55 1995 3.00 8.62 11.62 1996 3.00 8.62 11.62 1997 3.00 8.30 11.30 1998 3.12 8.38 11.50 1999 3.12 8.10 11.22 2000 3.12 7.60 10.72 2001 3.12 7.10 10.22 2002 3.12 7.10 10.22 2003 3.12 6.60 9.72 2004 3.12 6.60 9.72 Includes Kenai Peninsula Borough and Kenai Peninsula Community College. Source:City of Seward Kenai Peninsula Borough Table 3.73-2 City of Seward Property Value, Construction, and Bank Deposits Commercial Construction Residential Construction Fiscal Total Real Number of Value Number of Bank Year Property Value Permits Value permits Deposits 1992 100,667,900 21 842,685 20 620,425 32,518,000 1993 98,261,300 16 328,462 34 1,504,173 27,808,000 1994 111,378,100 20 3,120,673 24 3841400 28,409,000 1995 11112941400 27 31,539,700 28 746,600 35,186,501 1996 113,853,300 16 8,076,000 31 1,093,800 36,572,000 1997 1171443,100 29 71770,836 41 1,513,902 38,598,136 1998 117,506,400 24 2,095,035 34 1,493,675 43,350,000 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 57 2005 1999 114,049,300 22 5,937,950 25 1)271,900 471116,749 2000 167,589,200 23 1,982,065 36 11469,000 45,217,355 2001 1721127,800 27 1,922,767 21 7941214 46,527,000 2002 175,990,700 31 4,888,627 31 883,708 42,577,128 Includes Kenai Peninsula Borough and Kenai Peninsula Community College. Source:City of Seward Kenai Peninsula Borough Figure 3.7.3-1 City of Seward General Fund Expenditures by Function General Government Public Safety Public Works Parks and Recreation ❑ Library A AL �► Debt Service L=j L--j M/ M/ Total 1993 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Figure 3.7.3-2 City of Seward General Fund Revenues by Source 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 58 2005 Taxes -,/*1 ❑ Property Assessments Licenses and Permits Inter-governmental �Charges for Services Wines and Bails Interest �Misc. 1993 1995 1997 1999 2000 20012002 2003 � Total 3.7.4 Public Safety Law Enforcement The city police department consists of ten officers and six sworn volunteers that assist in times when the population swells for special events. The department also provides a Safe Kids program, drug awareness instruction and an officer in the schools, motor vehicle registrations, drivers licensing, a 12-bed jail, and 24-hour dispatch and radio communications for all emergency services on the eastern peninsula. Vehicles include five police cars. The Seward Animal Shelter, contracted through the police department provides animal licensing and control. The police department maintains the 911 service locally with monitors to display incoming caller information, phones for the hearing impaired, marine VHF, emergency Citizens Band radios, and civil defense phones. This service is articulated with the Kenai Peninsula Borough system. The State Troopers service most of the eastern peninsula (up to Mile 52 on the Seward and up to Mile 62 on the Sterling Highways) with one sergeant and two troopers based in Seward and have a mutual aid agreement with the city to assist each other with law enforcement. All search and rescue operations are coordinated by the troopers and include the US Coast Guard and Civil Air Patrol as necessary. One wildlife enforcement officer serves the same area. 2020 SeuvaRD COMPREHEN8nE Pu►H VOL 11 59 2005 Fire Services Seward maintains two fire stations. The main fire station is located on Fourth Avenue and a satellite station is located in SMIC. The main station houses three engines with tanks (two 1,500-gpm and one 1,250 gpm), two rescue units, a brush rig, and three support vehicles. The satellite station houses one-1,250 gpm truck and a rescue unit. There are two hydrant systems, one on the west side of the bay and a separate one for SMIC. A department staffed by a full-time chief and deputy with 30 volunteers provides fire services within the city. Services include fire suppression, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, inspections, and plan reviews, as well as public training and education. The City of Seward has a mutual aid agreement with the Bear Creek Fire Service Area. The latter operates a rural volunteer fire department which serves the outlying areas of the community and are under the jurisdiction of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Emergency Medical Services The Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corps covers a service area out to Mile 38 on the Seward Highway, and also provides ground transportation to Anchorage. They provide emergency medical services, with 18 trained volunteers and three Type-1 Advance Life Support Ambulances. The Seward Fire Station and the Bear Creek Fire Service Area both have a dive rescue team, and search and rescue response capability. Emergency Preparedness The City of Seward operates under an Emergency Preparedness Plan that provides direction and control during periods of emergency. It gives emergency instructions to use with the public, and directs how to coordinate with outside assistance from private, state, federal and national relief organizations. The plan includes check lists to provide for maximum protection of life and property as well as recovery efforts after an emergency. This plan is updated and maintained by the Seward Fire Department and can be viewed at the fire department or library and at all city departments. It was currently updated in 2004. 3.7.5 Utilities Seward has since its founding underscored the importance of modern, well functioning utility services. Information on providers, capacity, usage, recent developments, and identified needs are summarized below for the major utilities. Water The City of Seward provides water to its residents from groundwater sources at 3,800 gallons per minute (gpm). Total reserves equal 620,000 gallons. Water consumption has averaged 1.2 million gallons per day (gpd). Much of the existing water system in Seward was built by the USACE prior to the construction of the Seward Highway. Originally designed as a conventional loop system, it has subsequently developed in a 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 60 2005 linear fashion due to the topography of the area. The City of Seward 2010 Comprehensive Plan identified that water capacity was adequate in 1990, "but the infrastructure is old and will eventually be in need of replacement." A recent water and sewer plan produced detailed recommendations for system improvements. In recent years, the city has taken several measures regarding water service, including the restriction of development in the Lowell Creek watershed area to protect the city's potable water supply, and the extension of water service to SMIC. In addition, two new wells have been installed at Fort Raymond, and one well was upgraded. Table 3.7.5-1 Seward Well Pump Data Tank Water Surface Well No. Capacity(gpm) Control Evaluation(ftl Pump On Pump Off 1 - -non-operable- 2 750 201.00 204.75 3 300 -manually perated- 4 1,500 202.00 206.00 5 850 202.00 206.75 6 1,000 -manually operated- Wells 2, 41 5, and 6 are currently operational, with Well 2 energizing only if Well 4 cannot keep up the demand. Well 5 is used intermittently during peak demand periods or when Well 4 is being serviced. Wells 1 and 3 will be taken out of service. Wastewater The Seward wastewater system serves the immediate city, and a separate system, the Fourth of July Creek area. Some areas, such as the airport and Cliff Addition, are not currently served. Usage is approximately 700,000 gpd through the sewer main and pump station. It is rated at 880,000 gpd. The system has a capacity of twice that volume. Wastewater for the city proper is treated at the Lowell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant by a series of four lift stations. The treatment plant is located approximately one mile south of the central business district outside city limits. Wastewater for the Fourth of July area is treated at SMIC. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 61 2005 The sewer system consists of a network of collector sewers that serve residential and commercial customers, and then discharge into the main line interceptor sewer at various points along its length. The interceptor system consists of a combination of gravity sewers, pump stations, and force mains that transport sewage, beginning from the Forest Acres Subdivision in the north. It then collects sewage along the Seward Highway, Fourth Avenue, Ballaine Boulevard, and Railway Avenue, and finally discharges it to the sewage treatment lagoon located off Lowell Point Road. Power and Fuel The Seward Electric System (SES) operated by the City of Seward purchases its electrical power from Chugach Electric Association. Based on historic sales and the long-term economic forecast, Chugach sales to SES are expected to increase. This is according to a recent 2002 Power Requirements Study done by Chugach Electric in December of 2001. Chugach's retail sales have increased at a moderate rate that is '. , - yyy - .. .. A. i ash rf p'ti• •._ I.r l J j 'i f-J h w ]ter x consistent with the economic growth rate for the entire state of Alaska. Power is supplemented with five diesel generators. Total capacity for Seward is 10.5 megawatts (MW). The electric utility service area extends north of the city limits to approximately Mile 24 of the Seward Highway. Several improvements have been made to the city's electrical system in the past several years. The power system has been upgraded to include the 115 KV line from Mile 44 to Mile 25. The power line from mile 18 to mile 3 has also been upgraded to 115 KV in capacity; however, that segment is energized only to 69 KV. Two additional plans call for the upgrading of electrical distribution and underground burial of electrical corridors where possible. Home heating fuel (diesel) is available from Shoreside Petroleum. Propane is sold by 100-pound cylinders and smaller. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 62 2005 Solid Waste and Recycling Solid waste generated in Seward is collected by Peninsula Sanitation under contract with the city. The Seward landfill, located on the north edge of town, was closed in 1992 and replaced by a solid waste transfer facility, currently contracted by the Kenai Peninsula Borough also to Peninsula Sanitation. Annually, the Seward Transfer and Recycle Center sends over 5000 tons of solid waste to the Central Peninsula Landfill and over 30 tons of aluminum, glass, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, and office paper to the Anchorage Recycle Center. In 1997, an inert waste land fill was opened, accepting land clearings, metal scraps, and construction materials up to a given limit annually. Excess inert material is transferred out. Routing of trucks and weight limits on roads through Forest Acres are problems for transferring solid waste in a cost effective manner. Road construction planned as part of a flood mitigation effort regarding Japanese Creek overflow will help routing problems. Communications The local telephone system has a capacity of 15,000 lines, with over 3,300 lines currently in service. The local utility also provides long-distance service through several other communications providers, including internet services through the local TV cable system and a recently laid fiber optic cable. Seward facilities currently has limited access to the two fiber optic cables running through town, although AVTEC and ASLC are equipped and can use videoconferencing in their operations. Cellular service is available through a provider. Upgrading and expanding connections to modern telecommunications networks need to be continued to support business and government operations. Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • Seward has incredibly diverse educational and research opportunities. In 2003 an education forum expanded public awareness of the diversity of resources which, with strategic planning, could be used to strengthen education and economic programs. • Generally, the city needs to have public utilities and services which are not out-of- date in order to maintain and attract new business and industry and new residents. Some development within city limits is stymied by lack of sufficient water and sewer service. Extension of the sewer system to properties within city limits on the west side of the bay, to SMIC and the airport continues as a need. • People continue to be concerned about the quality of city water. Replacement of aging infrastructure for water distribution and protecting the city's potable water supply in the Lowell Canyon watershed continue to be concerns. • Providing sufficient power to attract industry is an ongoing concern, and energizing the transmission line into Seward remains a possibility. The city is also interested in bringing liquid natural gas as a fuel if a viable distribution system can be established 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 63 2005 and gas can be shipped into Seward at a feasible rate. Such an effort may be more likely with the development of a liquid natural gas line. • Transporting solid waste from the Seward Transfer Facility to the Seward Highway through Forest Acres continues to be an issue with truck routes and road weight limits. • Area wide animal control is an issue because the Kenai Peninsula Borough does not provide this function, but the city does and is called on to handle problems. Animal control services, in cooperation with the borough in areas beyond the city, and relocation of the animal shelter to a more suitable location should be continued. • Most communication transmissions to and from Seward go through a limited number of main trunks of limited speed which are slow. Although much improved, continued updating of telephone and telecommunications equipment and lines is necessary to provide fast, reliable service so that agencies and businesses can be more efficient and up-to-date in their practices. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 64 2005 3.8 NATURAL HAZARDS The City of Seward is particularly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis and to stream flooding which may be aggravated by heavy se _ rains, melt runoff, heightened tidal action, and - severe winds. During winter, deep snow and avalanches occasionally hamper transportation and e- emergency response in the community, potentially a major factor during a disaster. Natural hazards _ are something with which the City of Seward is all w. too familiar, and the community has taken a variety of steps to mitigate their effects. In addition to p g f controlled development, land use may be subject to +� requirements of other programs such as Kenai q p g Peninsula Borough Coastal Management CMP _ �.. _ the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 3.8.1 Seismic Risks: Earthquakes and Tsunamis The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake had a devastating effect on Seward with loss of life, destroyed livelihoods, property damage, and a changed landscape. The waterfront area along the west side of Resurrection Bay with the loss of the Port of Seward and Alaska Railroad facilities suffered the most lasting damage. Development should continue to be controlled in this area of high seismic risk with zoning restricted to Parks. In response to the 1964 earthquake, Seward became the first tsunami ready community in Alaska. The USACE conducted a study . that located hazardous zones. Seward has laced warning signs in p g g those areas and has restricted development, keeping the beachfront as a park and camping area. In order to protect property owners and ` insurance companies from undue financial hardship related to natural hazards, the City of Seward participates in the national Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating system and programs. This allows for reducing insurance liability and rates and provides incentives for more safety measures. 3.8.2 Flooding and Floodplain Development Flooding of streams and rivers has historically occurred in Seward and the outlying areas as all flat land along the southcentral Alaskan coast is floodplain. The most recent flooding occurred in 1986 and 1995. Seward participates in the National Flood 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 65 2005 Insurance Program and last revised its floodplain maps in 1988. Recently, Seward voted in the 2003 Kenai Peninsula Borough election to form a flood service area with Bear Creek to address the most persistent, regularly occurring problems. Albert Schafer who has long experience with Seward's flooding issues and construction repairs clearly delineated these problems to Tyler Jones (City Manager) in a 1994 letter: • Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel and Canes - Much of Seward is built on the alluvial fan created by Lowell Creek prior to the tunnel being built to divert it away from Jefferson Street and the downtown area. The Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel drains Lowell Creek and Lowell Canyon streams through Bear Mountain to Resurrection Bay. The tunnel is constructed through rock and is grouted and lined with rails on the bottom in an attempt to prevent damage from heavy rocks and debris that flow through the tunnel. These rocks do cause extensive damage and erosion which require periodic rebuilding and repair of the tunnel 3s interior. The tunnel is susceptible to plugging up and the rock above the portal is unstable. This has the potential for catastrophe and can cause floodwaters to come straight down the canyon to Jefferson Street and downtown. There are several homes in the canyon with only one way out, which can be a life threatening situation. A possible solution could be to drill another tunnel alongside the present one to keep the excess water and gravel under control leading it directly to the ocean. • Lowell Point - The stream at Lowell Point which had a landslide during the flood of 1986 needs to be kept as clear as possible. This will give an unobstructed straight flow to the ocean and avoid the sewage lagoon that is directly in its course. • Japanese Creek - During the 1986 flood, the Japanese Creek breached the dike next to the water tank. The Creek is at high velocity at all times, but particularly during flood events. It shoots straight out of a narrow steep canyon and then makes a left turn heading toward the garbage dump. If Japanese Creek breaks through or near this corner it will head directly for the two schools and possibly the Recreation Camp, Forest Acres, and many homes below. A possible solution would be to apply relief from below. By =.� g excavating material to build the "dump road" it will =+ provide a barrier to flood waters from the branch of Resurrection River, it will assist in creating a very large deep channel up Japanese Creek, and it will give relief to traffic volume on Diamond Blvd. A recommendation was made that the road should come across from Airport Road. At that point rip-rap should be placed by bridge #3 to avoid the present flow of water towards the highway, instead of the bridge opening, from Resurrection Bay. • Resurrection River - The Resurrection River channels and the airport erosion needs attention. The first live stream on the Brice property continues to flow silt into the excavation basin at the railroad dock. Protection of the airport through erosion and 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 66 2005 flooding needs to be assessed. The water needs a way to escape and the channel needs to be straightened. A solution to this can be to fill and develop tidelands near the railroad dock and fronting the Brice property over to the first live stream. By rip- rapping the river side it will assist the river in straightening out, and with this fill in place, it will not be able to disperse until it is out far enough to not be a nuisance at the docks. By digging from the bottom or tide line up the river, widening, deepening, and straightening, it will create velocity enough to carry the future excess material. This material can be used beneficially to develop city owned tidelands into highly desirable industrial property. • Mile Two Streams- The small stream at Mile 2 is excavated each year. The stream at Mile 2.5 should be channeled every couple of years to avoid coming out of its banks as it did during the 1986 flood. This is private property owned by the Darlings. If the lower reaches are not constantly cleared the road in this area is susceptible to being destroyed. • Fourth of July Creek - The Fourth of July Creek is powerful when it reaches flood stage. During past years it has exceeded its limits. During the 1986 flood the large river velocity took out the rip-rap wall posed the potential threat of heading directly for the ship lift. If the short break water on the northern side of the valley behind the Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC) were to break it could enter the SCCC, and also destroy the sawmill and chip pile. A flash flood would threaten to breach the dike. • Subdivision Flooding - As a result of city floodplain delineation, planning, and flood control projects, most flooding during high rainfall events occurs outside of municipal boundaries. The Old Mill Subdivision and the Questa Woods area are very vulnerable to flooding. 3.8.3 Steep Slopes, Avalanche and Landslide Areas Steep slopes, which may be susceptible to avalanches and landslides, occur on the edge of town west of First Avenue, on the west side of Resurrection Bay along Lowell Point Road, the eastern section of Nash Road as it goes up the hill toward the Fourth of July Creek area. Based on recent experience in towns like Cordova which has experienced damage from avalanches, the potential for avalanche/landslide hazards to develop in areas of steep slopes should be analyzed. 3.8.4 Saturated Soils Areas where soils are saturated with water or where the groundwater is high can create problems with foundations, water damage to structures, and cause on-site sewage disposals to malfunction. These areas are often found adjacent to rivers, lakes, and coastal areas and are classified as wetlands by the USACE. Areas classified as wetlands may be subject to development restrictions. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 67 2005 The major categories of wetland types that have been mapped for the Seward area by the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) include estuarine, bogs and muskegs (formally palustrine) and riverine areas. Areas that have been identified as seasonally or temporarily flooded have also been mapped. These areas have certain functions and values with regard to habitat, flood and erosion mitigation, and human use other than development. The functions and values have both practical and regulatory implications for use and management of public and private lands, including the following: • Estuarine and riverine areas are likely to be considered for a variety of functions by state and federal regulatory agencies, which require permits for development in these areas. • Areas of high habitat function and value support species of recreational and commercial importance to Seward (such as salmon); development impacts to these areas will be scrutinized by permitting agencies. Development of public lands with habitat value should be carefully evaluated. • Areas of high function and value for flood and erosion protection help mitigate potential property damage from these hazards; their development, however, can increase damage to other properties, and require carefully evaluation. Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • Because of the limited amount of land in the city and because of the desirability of waterfront property, pressure to use the waterfront for higher density development continues. The high seismic risk calls for continued restriction by zoning and implementation of safety codes that promote low density development. • Tsunamis readiness is compromised by not having local, continuous 24-hour earthquake monitoring. • The following flood dangers exist: ➢ The Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel could in times of high water clog up or collapse, resulting in flooding of several Lowell Canyon homes and the hospital. ➢ The stream at Lowell Point being susceptible to landslides can lead to road closures and flooding. ➢ The dike next to the water tank could breach from high velocities of Japanese Creek, flooding Seward Resort and Forest Acres. ➢ Resurrection River channel problems can lead to airport erosion and potential flood problems for roads and structures in the industrial area as occurred in the 1995 flood. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 68 2005 ➢ Mile Two streams can clog up and flood roads, damaging them. ➢ Potential for a flash flood from the breaching of the dike at Fourth of July Creek could endanger lives at Spring Creek Correctional Center and/or community security. ➢ Some subdivisions, because of the way buildings are sited and spaced, are vulnerable to flooding. • Construction has begun on steep slopes and cliff areas without a good analysis of the stability of soils and of the potential for avalanche and landslide hazards. • Problems with foundations, water damage to structures, and possible malfunction of on-site sewage disposals due to saturated soils are ongoing home owner problems. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 69 2005 3.9 QUALITY OF LIFE Important for Seward residents, quality of life is influenced by a sense of community, natural environment, historic preservation, and community appearance. kml id ea 3.9.1 Sense of Community As a community, Seward has taken many deliberate steps to retain and improve the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors. Investments in city services and infrastructure, educational and economic opportunities, health and social services, housing, recreation, and historic assets have been discussed throughout this plan. Many of these efforts are the results of previous comprehensive planning by the citizens and officials of Seward and are ongoing today. Previous plans and surveys reveal positive factors as expressed by its residents: • Pristine natural resources • Recreational opportunities • Low crime rates • No traffic lights or parking meters • Slow pace of life • High quality public services • Cultural variety • Highway and boat accessibility • Small town community atmosphere • Less congestion than other towns • Good place to raise children 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 70 2005 • Business and job opportunities • Heritage and history Factors that negatively impact the quality of life according to residents include the following: • Poor climate • Drug and alcohol abuse • Lack of shopping options • Lack of cultural activities • Inadequate parking • Need for beautification of public and private property • Shortage of full-time, year-round employment • Isolation from other towns • High cost of living • Influx of tourists and crowding • Lack of housing options 3.9.2 Natural Environment and Community Appearance Seward is surrounded by a dynamic ecosystem of mountains, ice and ocean. The natural environment supports a vast array of wildlife, including sea otters, orcas, whales, sea lions, sea birds, eagles and bears. Boat and plane tours, as well as kayaking and hiking bring people closer to these natural assets. The Kenai Peninsula has an impressive trail system that is still developing. In the Kenai Fjords National Park, one can view calving glaciers by boat or hike to the Harding Icefield from the Exit Glacier entrance. The ASLC offers a close up view of Alaska's marine ecosystem through its aquariums. There are many different areas in Seward to view different types of birds. In Kenai Fjords National Park one can see a variety of sea birds. At Exit Glacier, one can view owls and watch for nesting dippers. In the marsh area at the end of the Seward airport, one can find many wetland species, and in the Small Boat Harbor, different types of gulls and loons. Sometimes the natural environment is shaped by political and natural events. The Caines Head State Recreation Area is the scenic site of abandoned World War II structures including Fort McGilvray and the South Beach Garrison. The 1964 earthquake has left some visible history behind, although it may not be immediately recognizable. The Seward Community Library features the running of earthquake film, and the Seward Museum offers a variety of displays depicting Seward's history. Accepted as a great asset by its citizens, the eclectic nature of the local architecture reflects the history and diversity of Seward. That Seward has a tremendous amount of community pride is evident in the showcase of its historic structures. The Seward Historic Preservation Commission and the city's Community Development Department 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 71 2005 have inventoried many of its historic properties, working closely with local citizens. In the last decade, the downtown Railroad Depot, the Ray Building, and the Brown and Hawkins store have been restored. Recently, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources completed a Historic Structure Report on the Jesse Lee Home working with a local advisory board, and the City of Seward is pursuing restoration funds for rehabilitating the structure. In addition to increased restoration of historic buildings, Seward has improved its landscaping and beautification, given more attention to sign control, enhanced litter control with recycling collection bins established around town, and increased community cleanup efforts. These include the annual Super Saturday cleanups hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department in May, newly painted dumpsters at campgrounds, and the annual coastal clean-ups hosted by the ASLC. Some of the beautification efforts include the painting of nearly a dozen murals reflecting important Seward themes on different wall expanses around town. 3.9.3 Historic Preservation The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was enacted in 1966 requiring that historic and prehistoric properties be taken into consideration during implementation of all federally funded projects. The NHPA established several programs to encourage historic preservation. These include the National Register of Historic Places and matching grant funds administered through state historic preservation offices. In 1974, the State of Alaska passed the Alaska Historic Preservation Act. The commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources was given overall responsibility for historic preservation duties. To assist the commissioner are the Alaska Historic Commission and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). The SHPO administers the Federal Historic Preservation Fund Program. It serves as a "clearinghouse" of information on the state's historic, prehistoric and archaeological resources; and encourages and assists local governments in historic preservation activities through the Certified Local Government (CLG) program. The designation of Seward as a CLG affords the city the opportunity to request assistance from state and federal experts in a wide variety of preservation disciplines. As a requirement of CLG status, the city created the SHPC in 1992. This body of appointed citizen volunteers was tasked to look into Seward's historic assets including historic buildings, archaeological sites, and documents. They were charged with the development of a historic preservation plan, identification and inventory of local historic and prehistoric resources, making recommendations for properties eligible for the National Register, and acting as an advisory body to the city council, city administration, 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 72 2005 and other boards and commissions. The Seward City Council sets policy for historic preservation matters while the city manager and his staff implement the necessary local ordinances and resolutions. Having National Register status offers property owners tax credits and technical assistance for preservation and rehabilitation on a voluntary basis. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 73 2005 Summary of Planning Issues and Trends • The Historic Preservation Plan, Phase II (1996) has set forth community goals for historic preservation in Seward along with the historical perspective and background for the political and economic framework within which these goals will be achieved. In a small community such as Seward, it is unreasonable to expect that a position in the city government would be dedicated to historic preservation oversight and development. If the responsibility continues to fall within the Community Development Department, the staff of two persons will have difficulty devoting the necessary amount of time to historic preservation efforts. • The Historic Preservation Plan offers goals that were generated by work sessions with the SHPC and refined through public input. Activities have been researched and developed. Target dates and responsibilities have not been set forth. Before this happens, the roles of the SHPC, Community Development Department, and other City of Seward staff need to be clarified and aligned with the goals. • Community opinion is uncertain about enacting additional local regulations and zoning requirements as a strategy to implement historic preservation. Community opinion may be shaped by a lack of awareness of historic preservation goals, lack of explicit incentives, and unclear procedures to follow. • Any changes need to conform to the Land Use Plan. Current land uses allowed in the historic district also need to be reviewed for compatibility with historic preservation goals. • Overlay districts can impose additional requirements that may require the assistance of an architect to identify essential design elements to help develop guidelines, although many communities use the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation. Any such adoption and implementation of design standards needs to be approached with awareness of community sentiment on over-regulation and probably be linked with economic incentives for historic preservation. 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 74 2005 4.0 SOURCES • Albert Schafer Flash Flood write-up sent to Mr. Tyler Jones City Manager, (December 1994) • Kenai Peninsula Borough GIS Division - Seward Historical Flooding Map - http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/ • Kenai Peninsula Borough Quarterly Report of Key Economic Indicators, March 2002-March 2004) • Kenai Peninsula Borough Transportation Plan, Draft Final Plan, HDR Alaska, (November 23, 2003) • Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Student Population Numbers and Projections from Lassie Nelson and Lori Olsen • 2002 City of Seward Federal Legislative Priorities • City of Seward Emergency Preparedness Plan (January 2002) • City of Seward Capital Improvement Plan, Capital Projects List (September 2002) • Seward Chamber of Commerce Customer Contact List (February 2002) • Seward Chamber of Commerce Tourist Statistics - Seward, Alaska, A Brief Overview of the City, State, and Region(Fall 2001) • Chamber of Commerce Assorted Updated Tourism Information from, Linda Ashley (2004) • Alaska Railroad Updated Passenger Ridership Information • Alaska Marine Highway System Updated Information for 2003 • Department of Labor, Census Population and Housing Statistics from, • Neal Fried and Ingrid Zaruba • Icicle Seafood Processing Plant, Species Processed Information from, • Charles MacEldowney • The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunami of 1964 — www.wcatwc.gov/64quake.htm • Anchorage Daily News ( September 27, 2002) • Usibelli's Last Shipment to S. Korea Ends Era • Seward Harbor Master, Updated Information from Jim Beckham • Millers Landing Tonsina Beach Salmon Stream — www.millerslandingak.com • ADF&G Sport Fish - Resurrection Bay Area Description — www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us • Water and Sewer Updated Information from WC Casey, Public Works Director • and Loyd Welch Water/Sewer Superintendent 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 75 2005 • Parks and Recreation Updated Information from Mark Stauble • Health Care - Providence Hospital Updated Information from • Ben Faust, Plant Manager • Chugach Electric Updated Information from Carl Harman, Anchorage • Shoreside Fuel Updated Information • TelAlaska Updated Information Updated • Facilities and Tsunami Updated Information from David Squires, Fire Chief • Report on Traffic and Parking, City of Seward, Alaska, Derek Soden (August 1996) • KTUU.com, Alaska's Online News Source, October 2002 Rains • Small Boat Harbor Management Plan (1993) • Seward Parks and Recreation Master Plan (1993) • Final EIS for the Proposed IMS Infrastructure Improvement Project (1994) • Seward Marine Industrial Center Development Plan (1995) • Seward Historic Preservation Plan (1996) • City of Seward Housing Analysis (1997) • Harbor Improvements Final Interim Feasibility assessment (1998) • Prince William Sound/Copper River Area Transportation Plan (2000) • City of Seward Design Study Report Water and Sewer System Modeling and Analyses (2000) • City of Seward Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (FY 12/2002) • Alaska DCED Database Detailed Community Information (2000) • U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 — Demographic and Housing Characteristics • Alaska Department of Labor - City of Seward Employment: 1980-1998 • City of Seward Comprehensive Plan — General Introduction (1985) • 1990 - 2010 Comprehensive Plan - Accomplishments • Seward Comprehensive Plan 2000Revision Workshop Doc - G & O's - • Comprehensive Plan (1985) • Comprehensive Plan 2010 (1990) • Comprehensive Plan, Quality of Life Survey (1990) • 1993 Visioning • Common Vision of Seward Partnership (1994) • Resolution for Municipal Lands Plan (1995) • City of Seward Municipal Lands Management Plan (1995) • Community Survey Analysis (1993, 1994, and 1995) • Resolution adopting Historical Preservation Plan (1996) • Housing Analysis (1997) • Chamber of Commerce Survey Results (1998) • APU Quality of Life Community Profile (1999) 2020 SeuvaRD COMPREHEN8nE Pu►H VOL 11 76 2005 • Transportation Plan (1999) • Seward Transportation Plan — Draft Topic Discussion Paper (2001) • Resolution for Small Boat Harbor Plan • Resolution for Parks and Recreation Plan • Resolution for Marine Industrial Park Development Plan • City of Seward Strategic Plan (2000) • Water/Sewer System Analysis (2000) • Capital Budget expenditures (FY 2000) • Financial Condition Assessment • Downtown Vision Statement • Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts • Strategic Plan, Annual Review (2000) 2020 SeuvaRD COMPREHEN8nE Pu►H VOL 11 77 2005 APPENDIX The following documents and updated versions will be incorporated into the 2020 Seward Comprehensive Plan. 5.1 STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SEWARD TRAFFIC MAP, 2003 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 78 2005 5.2 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Sponsored by: Shealy CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2004-125 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,APPROVING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR 2005 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES WHEREAS, annually the City compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as top legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, the list of projects is compiled and distributed to the Alaska Congressional delegation, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and the City of Seward lobbyists; and WHEREAS, all the projects on this list are consistent with the City's Comprehensive and Strategic Plans. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA,that: Section 1. The following projects are hereby declared to be the official legislative priority list for the City of Seward for the 2005 Federal legislative session: PORT AND HARBOR 1. $4.5 million for dock/breakwater at SMIC 2. $3 million for Seward Marine Center dock design 3. $3.5 million for inter-harbor improvements 4. $3.5 million for T-dock and bulkhead 5. $2.8 million for SMIC ship repair infrastructure improvements ROADS AND STREETS 1. $2 million to upgrade streets and sidewalks 2. $14.9 million for Lowell Point Road upgrade PUBLIC FACILITIES 1. $16 million for long-term care replacement facility 2. $14 million for multi-agency/conference facility 3. Transfer ownership of Lowell Creek diversion tunnel back to Corp of Engineers 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 79 2005 Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this 14th day of December, 2004. THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA Vanta Shafer,Mayor AYES: Branson, Valdatta, Clark, Lorenz, Shafer NOES: None ABSENT: Dunham, Amberg ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk (City Seal) 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 80 2005 5.3 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Sponsored by: Shealy CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2004-124 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,APPROVING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR 2005 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES WHEREAS, annually the City compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as top legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, the list of projects is compiled and distributed to the Governor's Office, our legislators, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and the City of Seward lobbyist; and WHEREAS, all the projects on this list are consistent with the City's Comprehensive and Strategic Plans. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA,that: Section 1. The following projects are hereby declared to be the official legislative priority list for the City of Seward for the 2005 State legislative session: INFRASTRUCTURE 1. $3.5 million for 3rd Avenue water line upgrade PORT AND HARBOR 1. $4.5 million for dock/breakwater at SMIC 2. $3 million for Seward Marine Center dock design 3. $3.5 million for inter-harbor improvements 4. $3.5 million for T-dock and bulkhead 5. $2.8 million for SMIC ship repair infrastructure improvements ROADS AND STREETS 1. $11 million for mile 0 to 8 of the Seward Highway including lighting improvements 2. $2 million to upgrade streets and sidewalks 3. $14.9 million for Lowell Point Road upgrade 4. $37.5 million for Seward Highway MP 18 to MP 25.5 5. $20.1 million for Seward Highway MP 25.5 to MP 36 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 81 2005 PUBLIC FACILITIES 1. $16 million for long-term care replacement facility 2. $25 million for expansion of the Spring Creek Correctional facility 3. Support AVTEC projects: $520,000 for increased operating funds $2 million for deferred maintenance $2.5 million for dorm remodel $3 million for welding building to expand welding program BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION 1. Support continuation of Medicaid programs at not less than current year funding levels including capital cost reimbursements 2. Support for revenue sharing/safe communities funding 3. Support the Community Dividend Program 4. Support State assistance to municipalities and school districts for PERS/TRS debt 5. Support continued service to Seward by the State Ferry Tustumena Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this 14th-day of December, 2004. THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA Vanta Shafer,Mayor AYES: Branson, Valdatta, Clark, Lorenz, Shafer NOES: None ABSENT: Dunham, Amberg ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk (City Seal) 2020 SEWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VOL 11 82 2005 04 do ono 2 4q E�Tb7F i h t� nsN s !y 00 goo °c^ �EMCo 1 SAVE \\ V c�R P y 6 F 8 sN� 2 2 3 4 - BENSON DR P wFNn 3 9 2 FFIFSA< SEA 10 d 3 2 - 2—THONDR / 3 `\ RESURRECTION BEVD „ 2 - J - 2 �R�D�E �� 2 AI o N - HE ,0 NORTH OR 4- ,0 5 13A W 3 �+---F 9 Po: _ 2 �gOHTH H Be RS6 mr 2 �` � ciao L1w neoore.cro�®rs 8 8 1 7 R 14 j hLLy <N 13 12 0 11 rea O e ill 4-40 SNUC 23 22 o sr 24 ���8 viNEsr 18 c s 1�7 15 4 3 4 t HN 1 91 405NnsT394� 3 �� 34 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 BETTE CATG AVENUE IN > 2 26 25 24 23 21 20 LL L3WFH L CANYON RD JELLISON AVENUE IIIIII, 1 2 MUSTMIG AVENUE 13 14 15 18 17 18 19 MO RRISAVENUE SMIC 12 6 7 w 1 0= =9 8 soRREL Rono ,AsHINGloN sr ®Dv 3 Official City of Seward Zoning Map Seward Zoning Map spin—FYQnooaxr-ca>&—�— nra�NrapC®p�>�-www�°� Legend This is to certify that this is the official Seward zoning map referred to in =City Limits Sec.15.01.030.of Title 15 of the The graphics on this map were produced from the Adopted by the Kenai Peninsula Borough as part -Rural Residential Seward City Code.This zoning map of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.(Ord.85-77) replaces all previous official zoning best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Single Family Residential maps and is intended to incorporate n o responsibility for any omissions,inaccuracies,or Nov.5,1985,amended(Ord.88-10)May 3,1988 other errors that may exist. and contain all revisions as enacted Adopted by the City of Seward Ord.626 Nov.6, —Two Family Residential by ordinances as of this date. 1989.Effective Jan.2,1990. -Multi Family Residential REVISIONS -Urban Residential rliegmrymcs on m�map were pmUucM °e'a°a°a°so°ic T^ No.Ord.Date I Attest No.I Ord.Date I Attest No.I Ord.Date I Attest No.I Ord.Date I Attest -Office Residential team �poa—R— oreRoS.�mg's`sence mar Attest: -Harbor Commercial -Auto Commercial 0 Central Business District -Industrial Jean Lewis,City Clerk Institutional -Park Resource Management 0 Historic District 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Red Line Indicates Undeveloped Right-Of-Way III uto Gom al ar 15 r uto Commercial Il I a s In ust ial 6 � • 1 111, ■ Ily — tial ao Single _ Family _ Residential Urban 5� 1 esidential a©7 •chi 17 1 i 1 NO� F- Two - Family � Residential - Institutional Q p o P ■ Park ■T� Single Ll 0 Family rl 14i:I Residential 1 ■n • Institutional ■■ ■.■ -�lii: il: BETTE CATOAVENUE En ■�■ ■ P9 fl ■- fF! 9E� Urban Residential MUSTMGAVMUE son MORRISAVENLE SMREL Official City of Seward Land Use Map replacesTh is - _. maps and is intended to incorporate Adopted by the,,Seward Comprehensive Plan and ontain all revisions as enacted proved by the Seward City Council Resolution Resourcedate. Management Attest Jean Lewis,City Clerk l F 0-- — s�so s e i rsGe a- 4` _n I SMIC goo 4 I �l c �r e 7 I T; - 3 i 0 1,000 2,000o O ' u l L o u Feet I iP Ali it C 5_ C 1 Q j�o b JL � 1�Iap Components Q DO + 0 Manhole Seward ; Pump StationLIj Flush 50D 1,000 Water System ( cleanout o O 0 --- _ � Lift Building Feet Lift Station ry a,s �4Sewer Line 1 I o� Li Drain Endpoint El �y ❑ - �}y, ® Storm Drain H '1 !" Storm Drain Line - �k Seward Fish Outfall Ir ` -�Y-Railroad n / ILL] =euivsr��r.�c LJ Road _ Parcels _ " Ball Field El 71 r;I I i _ Seward Seward Water System �ELL° Sewer System I / I WELL s ' 4 wELLr �LLe', �I ,_... 0 500 1,000 0 500 1,00 , Feet FetI _t r1 �II -------_ N Map Components µ s, 1,o R W,11 pp 111 3 Pressure e Reduction on Valv e Well House_ Water Line El #Hydrant #n- LL tZ - - � � 1 r I Wa[er Tank ❑ �� j 11 'v Railroad o ' r 0 �i Road / -- -- Ball Field t h Wa ter r � I i U *`� LLLJJJ r999 :I Parcels � Map Components ❑o t... R Well ? ❑ 3 Pressure Reduction Value ��0 a ❑Q�� 6 a� �� j t i N Well House �o + ,Nn #Hydrant Water Line n Y � Water Tank /"I� I�� .-----k Railroad ,G r�Road cl 1 u Ball Field ❑ Map produced by Quinn Tracy,City of Seward ❑ Y�y Map produced by Quinn Tracy,City of Seward The ra hits on this ma were produced from the Fresh Water - 500 1,000 9 P P P July 2003 The graphics on this map were produced from the July 2003 best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Updated toARCGIS 9.0 Parcels best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Updated to ARCGIS 9.0 eet no responsibility for an omissions,inaccuracies ----❑' P Y Y March 2005 �.�-^,I� no responsibility for any omissions,inaccuracies March 2005 I` or other errors that may exist. ew✓w.akmapco.com _ or other errors that may exist. www.akmapco.com 10 O o 0 500 1,000 U D o Feet 1 0 1,000 2,000 Feet 1, 0 1,000 2,000 " Feet ! ❑ ° C 0 500 11000 Seward 0 0 �h Map Components Feet Sewer System �o 1J 4 Pedestal Seward Vault Underground Transformer Electrical System N1ap Components o, Meteringcabinet 0 Manhole Section Can I Utility Pole Pump Station r # Steel L ghtpole Flush _ 04 + ``l #Wood Lightpole Cleanout ❑ L p Overhead Circuit oA Lift Building ❑ Lift Line YD Lift Station L�o IJ �Li Railroad Road Sewer Line f� 7 J � Fresh Water f- Drain Endpoint 0 Parcels Ball -- Al 0 Storm Drain _ `n^r Feld LN Storm Drain Line '�I Seward Fish Outfa II Railroad o Road ❑ s / U o ;� � K Fresh Water / Seward � Parcels I Ball Field a 4, / Electrical System o C L 0 500 1,000 Feet i �� of . 1 4 c�d _ r I " I Map Components 4 0 d a ,❑4 d Pedestal { v, r 'r Vault p{ # Underground Transformer - � I Metering Cabinet I _ I ❑ I f Section Can r< a 0, _ �P B i a o utility Pole I — # Steel Lightpole ° ❑ O I_ # Wood Li ht ole � gp The graphics on this map were oy °''1 - i p U Overhead Circuit produced from the best available sources. The City of Seward assumes no _ Transmission Line responsibility for any omissions, ❑ _ V inaccuracies or other errors that may exist. 4 r'X.i Railroad Md it `o 0 o 4 0 O Ma produced bQuinnTracy,City of Seward Road Q I 9 Pp Y Y Y h Parcels July20D3 i Updated to ARCGIS 9.D Ball Field 'r FA a March 2005 vwWv.akmapco.com Ma produced b Quinn Tracy,City of Seward _ ° The graphics on this map were f ❑ FF_�.:� P P Y Y, tY ,. - � _..rI r,. Ma produced b Quinn Tracy,City of Seward produced from the best available sources "=o The graphics on this ma were produced from the -. „ p P Y Y, Y p - 9 P P P July 2003 I Q July 2203 The City of Seward assumes no 5• Y tY best available sources.The City of Seward assumes Updated to ARCGIS 9.0 - � I ❑no responsibility for an omissions,inaccuracies _ Updated to ARCGIS 9.0 responsibility for any omissions, II >zJ - P Y Y March 20D5 c •t March 2005 inaccuracies or other errors that may exist. or other errors that may exist. vwwvakmapco.com - vwvwakmapco.com N