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Natural Environment and Community Appearance
II-34
6 Natural Environment and Community Appearance
Ray Building,the Brown and Hawkins store, and new
Seward is surrounded by a dynamic ecosystem of moun- signage at Urbachs clothing store.In 2016,rehabilitation
tains,ice and ocean.The natural environment supports a of the Osbo building on 4th Street began. The City of
vast array of wildlife,including sea otters,orcas,whales, Seward has in addition to historical structures on the
sea lions, sea birds, eagles and bears. Boat and plane National Historic Register,a local Register of Historical
tours,as well as kayaking and hiking bring people closer Places. In 2016,the Eide-Stotko house (built 1905-10)
to these natural assets. located at 420 Third Ave was added to the local register
•
The Kenai Peninsula has an impressive trail system that and the 1905 Government Cable Office(Telegraph house)
is constantly developing. on 6th Avenue began its restoration.
This also includes World War Two Army installations In addition to increased restoration of historic buildings,
scattered within and outside the city of Seward. In the Seward has improved its landscaping and beautification
Kenai Fjords National Park, one can view calving gla- (Seward Historic Preservation Commission — Historic
ciers by boat or hike to the Harding Icefield from the Plant & Tree Register provides an inroad to increase
Exit Glacier entrance.The ASLC offers a close up view public awareness of Seward's significant plants and trees),
of Alaska's marine ecosystem through its aquariums. given more attention to sign control(Planning&Zoning
Commission—Seward Community Development Depart-
There are many different areas in Seward to view dif- ment), enhanced litter control with recycling collection
ferent types of birds.In Kenai Fjords National Park one bins established around town, assist in the increased
can see a variety of sea birds. At Exit Glacier, one can community cleanup efforts.These events include the an-
view owls and watch for nesting dippers. In the marsh nual Super Saturday cleanups hosted by the Parks and
area at the end of the Seward airport,one can find many Recreation Department in.May, painted dumpsters at city
wetland species,and in the boat harbor,different types campgrounds, and the annual coastal clean-ups hosted
of gulls and loons. by RBCA(Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance)and
Sometimes the natural environment is shaped by political the ASLC.Some of the beautification efforts include the
and natural events.The Caines Head State Recreation Area painting of more than a dozen murals reflecting important
is the scenic site of abandoned World War II structures Seward themes on different wall expanses around town.
including Fort McGilvray and the South Beach Garrison.
The 1964 earthquake has left some visible history be- 16.1 Historic Preservation ciStafe
hind,although it may not be immediately recognizable.
The Seward Community Library and Museum offers a The designation of Seward as a Certified Local Govern-
variety of displays depicting Seward's history as well as ment (CLG)affords the city the opportunity to request
historical videos for viewing by residents and visitors. assistance from state and federal experts in a wide variety
of preservation disciplines. As a requirement of CLG
Accepted as a great asset by its citizens,the eclectic nature status, the city created the SHPC in 1992. This body
of the local architecture reflects the history and diver- of appointed citizen volunteers was tasked to look into
sity of Seward. Seward's tremendous community pride Seward's historic assets including historic buildings,ar-
is evident in the showcase of its historic structures and chaeological sites,and documents.They were charged with
museum collections. The Seward Historic Preservation the development of a historic preservation plan.(Seward
Commission in assistance with the city's Community Historical Preservation Plan 1996 currently in process of
Development and Library—Museum Departments have revision, will be titled, Seward Historical Preservation
inventoried many of its historic properties, providing Plan—2017),identification and inventory of local historic
research and working closely with local citizens. Down- and prehistoric resources,making recommendations for
town has seen restoration of the Railroad Depot, L. V. properties eligible for the National Register,and acting as
V ,G-
- 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update, Volume II
11-35 '
an advisory body to the city council,city administration, additional local regulations and zoning requirements
and other boards and commissions. as a strategy to implement historic preservation.Com-
munity opinion may be shaped by a lack of awareness
In 1974, the State of Alaska passed the Alaska Historic of historic preservation goals,lack of explicit incen-
Preservation Act.The commissioner of the Alaska Depart- tives,and unclear procedures to follow.
ment 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 CLG program.
The National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA)was en-
acted in 1966 requiring that historic and prehistoric prop-
erties 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.
16.2 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. The Seward
Historic Preservation Plan (1996)is currently in re-
vision process by the Seward Historic Preservation
Commission and be eliminated when the updated
plan is finalized.
* Current responsibility for historic preservation over-
sight is administrated in cooperation with the staff
of the Seward Library and Museum, Seward city
administration, and the Community Development
Department. Resources used by the volunteer com-
mission is the state SHPO office and other state and
federal agencies committed to historic preservation
efforts.
* Actively working with the public and regulatory com-
missions, city council and city administration can
assist to strengthen any uncertainty about enacting
r