Assembly Report for November 1, 2005

ONCE AGAIN: THE BATTLE FOR BICENTENNIAL PARK: Assemblyman Dan Coffey has fired the first shot in another battle over Far North Bicentennial Park by publically challenging a compromise that ended a bitter three year battle over construction of new ball fields inside the park. The previous Assembly settled the dispute between the Simonion Little League and friends of Bicentennial Park in December, 2002 by allowing relocation of the three ball fields in exchange for dedication of new, replacement parklands. Although details are not known, on October 18th Mr. Coffey introduced AO 2005-162 by title only which would amend the Far North Bicentennial Park Plan by deleting the "mitigation measures" and the "prohibited uses" portion of the Plan. Coffey has not yet released the actual text of the ordinance to the public; how its enacatment might affect the Simonian compromise or the city's obligation to replace 17 acres of Bicentennial Park now occupied by the Simonians remains unclear.

ACTION ON ANCHORAGE BOWL PARKS PLAN DELAYED: A public hearing on a proposed Anchorage bowl parks plan was briefly opened and then continued to Tuesday, November 8, 2005. People who have not already testified on the plan will be allowed to do so at that time. No information is currently available on potential assembly amendments to the plan.

NEW REGULATIONS FOR STREET VENDORS: The Assembly unaminously passed a new ordinance revising current regulations of downtown street vendors. The new law replaces an old lottery system with a new bidding system, and shifts administration of the program from the city clerk’s office to the Right of Way Division. A sunset clause eliminating the entire program on November 1, 2007 was also enacted. A primary source of concern expressed by downtown businesses operating out established places of business was unfair competition from seasonal street businesses that do not pay property taxes or maintain operations during winter months.

NEW GIRDWOOD LAND USE REGULATIONS AND MAPS APPROVED: The Assembly unanimously approved a new set of land use regulations for Girdwood, providing some 29 separate land use districts and a listing of permitted and prohibited uses in each district. The new regulations follow public hearings which concluded on July 20, 2005 and with a favorable recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Actual zoning of Girdwood land under the new ordinance is accomplished through maps incorporated into the document and requires no additional action of the Assembly. Copies of the new land use regulations and maps are available in the Planning Department and on line.

ASSEMBLY "LEADERSHIP" READIES FY 2006 BUDGET CUTS: A two page document offered by unnamed members of the "Assembly Leadership" on Tuesday outlines a slew of potential challenges to Mayor Begich’s 2006-7 general government operating budget. The memorandum hints at cuts including some $1,250,000 proposed for Museum operations and maintenance, $1,700,00 earmarked for "planting flowers" and elimination of the Cops in Schools program. Questions are also raised regarding funding for a Hillside District Plan and staffing levels necessary to support other planning efforts including a Central Business District Plan, and the Chugiak/Eagle River Comprehensive Plan. A second public hearing on the Budget is scheduled for November 8, 2005 with final action planned for November 22, 2005