HomeMy WebLinkAbout08132020 Historic Preservation Laydown/Citizen Comments-Carol GriswoldAugust 13, 20�20
Dear Historic Preservation Commission,
Thank you for adding Ordinance 2020-06 to your agenda for discussion. As this proposed
rezone affects the Seward Historic District, I'm surprised that Community Development did not
seek your comments prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission's discussion and decision on
July 21, 2020.
The Planning and Zoning packet ailso did not include the map of the Seward Historic District, or
include 20,17 Historic Preservation Plan on their Consistency Checklist as it does with the
Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Plan, and Seward Zoning Code.
A lot of effort and many years went into that Historic Preservation Plan; it and the Seward
Historic District should be considered. "The development of the original Historic Preservation
Plan in 1996 was spurred by concern over progressive loss of local historical character,
particularly within the downtown area." (Page, 33)
The applicant stated a desire to have a cell tower on her 30x100' lot, among other possible
commercial uses. The Central Business District allows commierciail satellite dishes, towers,
poles, and antennas up to 16' in diiameter and 75 feet high. Outright.
Despite best efforts to blend in, a new cell tower would likely entail replacing the historic
landscaping with gravel and surrounding the property with a seven -foot fence. This is
incompatiblIe with this lovely, landscaped, neighborhood in an historic district and is opposed
by the adjacent property owners and neighbors.
In addition to the applicant's desire for a communications tower, there are 47 other outright
commercial uses allowed in CB vs 12 outright uses in R3. If the parcels are rezoned, any of these
other uses are allowed. Vague commercial uses stated by the other applicant are unknowable
benefits.
The Commercial Business District does not require off-street parking, increasing demand for on
street parking. Commercial businesses may increase customer traffic that wound support new
businesses, but also impact the quiet residential nature of this block.
Lot coverage is allowed to increase from 40% in R3 to 1001ro in CB. Instead of a 201' front yard
setback, none is required. There goes the landscaping that makes this area so beautiful.
The Historic Preservation Plan does not support this rezone.
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— Page 6, 3.2 Goals for Historic Preservation: Encourage community engagement in preservation
and community appreciation for Seward's history. Economically, the preservation, of downtown
and historic areas increases foot traffic and tourism, which enhances the patronage of local
businesses.
Promote preservation in key areas through designation and promotion of historic districts.
Preserving traditions and landmarks creates a unique sense of place that encourages
community building and allows all residents — old, new, or seasonal —to engage locally and
create a connection with their surroundings.
Physical preservation, maintaining traditions, and retaining an intangible "sense of place" were
identified as important to the citizens of Seward. Communities that prioritize historic
preservation can create a linkage to the past that engages and inspires people in Seward`s
historic prominence, unique location, and accessibility make it one of the few Alaskan
communities with potential to achieve these goals.
This rezone is another "progressive loss of local historical character, particularly within the
downtown area."
I urge the Historic Preservation Commission to vote against the approval of Ordinance 2020-06.
Thank you for your consideration,
Carol Griswold
Seward, inside city limits