Planning panel approves Comprehensive Plan survey
In a regular Nome Planning Commission meeting on March 2, the panel approved the final draft of a survey which will ask Nome’s citizens about what they’d like to see for their town.
The 26-question document, developed by City Planner Eileen Bechtel, asks questions about housing, transportation, commercial development, zoning and other topics which will inform the update of the Nome Comprehensive Plan. It’s the opportunity for the citizens of Nome to help shape how Nome will face the future. The two-hour discussion focused primarily on points of grammar and subtle meanings of the questions. The motion to approve the survey and disseminate it to the public passed unanimously. As the Comprehensive Plan Survey has been approved it will soon be presented to the public both online and in a printed paper format.
Architect and contractor for the Nome Historic Plan Gary Gillette presented his views on creating the plan. It must be presented to the State Historic Preservation Office by June 30, 2021. He joined the meeting via Zoom. “One of the keys is to ensure that we have in the plan a frame so that the follow-through of historic preservation becomes part of our plan for economic development and the development of our tourism infrastructure,” said commission chair Ken Hughes. “I’m very excited about the Historic Preservation Plan primarily as a key for future economic development. I think tourism is going to be a large portion of our economy when we’re finally able to open the doors again. We’ll need to be doing a far better job than we have in telling Nome’s complete story from many different cultural perspectives that we have to share.”
In other business, the commission passed a variance for Clark A. Pearson for his property at 206 W 3rd Ave., Block 51B lot 10A. The zoning is residential and the variance is for lot size.
The commission amended the Nome Code of Ordinances Chapter 2.10 Acquisition and Disposal of Real Property. “It was suggested a while ago and allows over-the counter sales of real property,” said Ken Hughes. This is in the case where sealed bids do not sell a piece of city-owned property being disposed of. The motion carried.
GCI has applied for a permit to build a new tower on 3rd Ave. Bering Air is preparing to build a new hangar on the spot where they’ve been using a tent.
“Thank you all for your patience with the Zoom and everything,” said Eileen Bechtol in her commissioner’s report. “The King Island grant for historic preservation is still a go. They need to get a mock-up of the sign before the deadline to get the grant. Survey results will be in by the next meeting.”
“Congratulations to everybody for making it through the 26 pages of the survey again,” said Commissioner Mathew Michels.
The city chambers, where the meeting was held, were dressed up in their new furniture. Tables and
chairs are sturdy and of excellent quality as well as being pleasing to the eye. The Zoom connection has improved with every meeting and at this particular meeting approached a seamless state. Commissioner Carol Piscoya and City Planner Bechtol attended via Zoom while the rest of the commissioners were present in person.