NOTN- The Juneau Assembly on Monday approved zoning changes at two Lemon Creek properties, one near Costco, and directed more than $2 million from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund to support several housing developments, as officials continue efforts to address a persistent housing shortage.
Deputy Mayor Greg Smith said housing was the focus of Monday night’s meeting.
The rezones were “tricky” he said, as certain zoning districts may not always be appropriate for housing.
“The Comprehensive Plan has a map that says what zoning districts are for good reason, people may not want to live next to an asphalt plant, or a rock crushing place, or a shooting range. So there are these zoning deserts, and there’s reason for it.” he said. “The development department and the planning commission looks and says, how will this use work? I think kind of a broader sentiment at the assembly was. some of these sites have been developed in a long time, we really need housing. lets give it a shot.”
Despite earlier recommendations against the changes from the Planning Commission, one property had been zoned industrial, where housing was not allowed, and the other required a zoning adjustment to permit expanded residential development.
The votes were not unanimous, he said.
In addition to the zoning decisions, the Assembly approved five measures allocating money from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund to projects across the city. Altogether, the developments are expected to add roughly 40 housing units, including a mix of single-family homes and multifamily buildings.
“We passed five that appropriated funds from the affordable housing fund for various projects throughout the borough, that was big.” Smith said.
Among the projects receiving support is the planned redevelopment of the former Bergmann Hotel in downtown Juneau. The developer is seeking to convert the long-closed building into an apartment complex. Other funded projects include new single-family homes and a small multifamily development in various neighborhoods, like Pederson Hill.
The Assembly also formally adopted its goals for the coming year, building on priorities identified during a December retreat.
City representatives will be attending the Southeast Alaska Conference this week.
