Planning Commission approves variance for bike shop
The only public hearing at last week’s Nome Planning Commission meeting dealt with an application for a variance to add onto a lot on Lomen Ave. This particular variance was relatively straightforward but lead to commissioners discussing simplifying the process to promote development.
The lot at issue is at the corner of Lomen Avenue and Bering Street and is classified by the city as “substandard” due to the fact that it is smaller than 5,000 square feet. The zoning code requires a lot be at least 5,000 square feet to build on without a variance, to ensure there is enough room for onsite parking. The zoning code requires one parking spot per unit of living space.
As explained by applicant James Ventress, the variance is needed to build a structure out of two shipping containers already at the lot, elevate them on beams and pads, for the Nome Youth Bike Shop. Upon confirming the necessary setbacks, it was agreed that the construction wouldn’t encroach on the neighbor or any public right of way.
Discussion on this particular variance was short. Since the project met all eight conditions listed in the Nome Zoning Code, the variance was given. The bigger issue, which was decided to be discussed at a later date, was if these variances could be given administratively, rather than requiring the applicant to come before the commission. Such a change could prevent delays in construction, which was almost the case for this application, when a quorum wasn’t reached until 15 minutes after the meeting was supposed to start.
Ventress told The Nome Nugget that he has contractors coming in early June to start on the foundation, and a series of teams to work on the project throughout the summer. They’ll insulated the containers and hook them up to utilities so that the repairs – and the activities for youth – aren’t limited by the weather. “I don’t want to go another winter without it,” Ventress said.
The second piece of new business was a discussion on cultural street signage, which was brought up during discussions at the Nome Common Council. The proposal, led by Councilmember Meghan Sigvanna Topkok, is to add Inupiaq names to the street signs. City Manager Glenn Steckman explained that the city’s Public Works Department is working to meet federal standards and investigating the costs and time frame to replace the 600 street signs in Nome. Topkok explained that she is working with language experts in the community on translations, being careful to accurately reflect the numerous dialects in the language. “I think it would be really great to help revitalize our indigenous languages and support the language revitalization efforts that currently ongoing,” she said.
In the staff reports, Steckman announced that NSEDC had granted the City $100,000 for improvements at the pool. In addition to $300,000 from community benefit grants, the money will go to switch the pool back to a chlorine-based system, as the saltwater has been destroying the pipes.
Building Manager Cliff McHenry thanked the commission for the approval of the variance for the bike shop and was excited to work on his first sub-standard lot. He also mentioned that a FEMA official was here recently to talk about flood plains.
McHenry has been working more on fire codes and property maintenance codes, which he said will help with abatements.