Wrangell’s borough assembly will consider amending the municipal code to expand housing options at today’s assembly meeting. This will include adding a chapter covering PUDs, or planned unit developments. The review began in 2021 and there were multiple work sessions since. During the June 19 Planning and Zoning meeting, the commission voted to adopt the final draft code for PUDs to exist on a minimum of one acre in Wrangell. PUDs are known to be efficient, creative and are located on private property under a single ownership.
Another topic the assembly will discuss is selling 6.7 acre Healthcare Subdivision lot along Wood St. to two parties, essentially splitting up the lot.
Both Wrangell resident Bruce Smith Jr. and the Wrangell Cooperative Association tribe applied to purchase the lot late last year.
Smith originally applied for a larger portion for residential use, but agreed to scale back the request considering WCA’s plan. Both entities have adjacent land to the lot, Smith has residential and WCA as commercial. Borough staff recommended dividing the property and mitigating potential conflict with a 50-foot buffer. There was no objection to the sale at a public hearing on Dec. 17. Smith intends to purchase a portion of the lot for $43,934 and WCA for $496,066.
WCA plans to further develop its commercial property in the area for a multi-purpose campus.
This would include a commercial kitchen, a recycling station, spaces for recreational, cultural and educational activities, housing units and more.
Additionally, a public hearing will take place for residents to discuss their concerns about the City and Borough of Wrangell’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026.
The general fund budget is set for $8,935,955. That’s over a $500,000 increase from last year’s $794,068. Some other funds include $924,073 for the Parks and Recreation special revenue fund budget and $3.7 million for the sales tax fund budget. Parks and Rec will have a loss of $366,944 and the city will have a $75,000 increase in sales tax. Additionally, the borough will contribute in kind utilities to KSTK, the Senior Center and the Chamber of Commerce, like last year.
The Wrangell Assembly meets at 7 p.m. on June 24. Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting should either call city hall at 874-2381 or email clerk@wrangell.com before 5 p.m. There will be a workshop on micromobility devices at 6 p.m. at city hall as well.
View the full borough assembly agenda here.
