In the Mat-Su Valley, what is locally known as "Felony Flats" has been a controversial topic for years.
But after the Alaska Department of Transportation purchased the stretch of land for highway development -- forcing the "Flats" to be cleared -- the controversy has moved inside the walls to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting.
Big Lake resident Darwin Fischer believes the amendments proposed Tuesday night would create another "Felony Flats" scenario.
"The poor health conditions, the environmental hazards, and everything else that goes along with the crowding that we now see at Felony Flats is now going resume its presence in our neighborhoods," Fischer said. "It would open it wide-open for non-descript dwellings to open up any place in the borough."
As the ordinance stands now, it allows five dwellings per 40-thousand square feet, but an amendment would allow 12 dwellings per 40-thousand feet. Mat-Su assembly member Darcie Salmon says it's simply to encourage development.
"This has everything to do with providing affordable housing in the Mat-Su valley, so they can enjoy the community and convenience that we have to offer," Salmon said.
The assembly put off a vote until March 26. Members say they want to meet with the borough planning committee before making a decision.
Contact Garrett Turner:
