The first phase of a borough-owned subdivision is nearing completion at mile 5 of Zimovia Highway. Alder Top Subdivision will ultimately increase Wrangell’s housing availability by roughly two dozen homes, for now.
But the borough has changed a few details of selling the land, which the Borough Assembly will discuss at tonight’s meeting. The assembly will consider selling all lots through public auction from July 1 to Sept. 29 this year. This deviates from the original plan of selling nine of the lots through a lottery.
The borough says this proposed change is due to the high cost of developing the subdivision, which public tax dollars have invested in.
The borough states in the agenda packet that selling through public auction is “necessary to replenish Borough funds.” The plan includes the terms for both cash and borough-financed sales and a 20% down payment requirement. All of the lots have gravel streets and utilities adjacent to them. The value in property differs, from $2.71 to $3.31 per square foot.
Memorandum of Understanding between the school and borough
Also at the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is up for approval between the Wrangell Public School District and the City and Borough of Wrangell.
The MOU explains who takes on the responsibilities of rehabilitating, repairing, constructing and maintaining school facilities.
The agreement concludes that the school district does routine maintenance and custodial services, basically anything under $25,000. These are normally paid for through the district’s Capital Improvement Plan. The borough is responsible for major repairs over $25,000, rehabilitation projects and construction.
Fee and rate changes
The assembly is also set to hold a public hearing on the municipal code’s proposed changes to the fees and rates schedule. The borough suggests increasing the application fee to purchase or lease borough-owned land from $250 to $500. Each application fee would be “per lot” as well.
The Wrangell Assembly meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Prior to the regular meeting, the assembly will hold a work session beginning at 6 p.m. on the Alder Top Village sale.
View the full agenda packet for the upcoming meeting here.
Listen live to the meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday on 101.7 FM or online at KSTK.org.
Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting can sign up on the “Persons to be Heard” sheet located at City Hall.
