CityView Portal
| Submitted comments will appear below after staff approval. | |
|---|---|
| Mike Mosesian | 1/7/2026 2:35:38 PM |
| The proposed amendment to allow a locally owned small business winery as an accessory use—specifically permitting the production, but not the sale, of alcoholic beverages within a residential zone—advances several important public interests and planning objectives. Firstly, this proposal would encourage residents to grow more of their own food and agricultural products. Allowing small-scale, accessory food and beverage production supports household-level and neighborhood-based agriculture, helping residents engage directly in food production rather than relying exclusively on distant suppliers. This aligns with broader goals of sustainability, resilience, and responsible land use. Secondly, throughout the lower 48 states, farms are steadily diminishing, and the nation is losing one of its most critical resources: the American farmer. Alaska already faces unique challenges related to food supply and agricultural viability. Supporting small, locally owned producers helps preserve agricultural knowledge, skills, and independence while fostering a more resilient local food system. Thirdly, increased energy prices and rising transportation costs have made it increasingly difficult for producers to operate effectively. These pressures result in reduced food availability and higher costs for consumers. By enabling small-scale, local production close to where people live, this proposal reduces reliance on long-distance transportation and external supply chains, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers. Additionally, escalating labor and fuel costs are driving food prices upward at an unsustainable pace. Food security and economic stability are matters of clear public interest and are appropriately within the concern of the Assembly. Supporting accessory production uses contributes to a more diversified and locally anchored economy, helping mitigate these cost pressures over time. Finally, in the event of a natural disaster in Anchorage—such as a significant earthquake—the proposed use presents ancillary public safety benefits. Because employees and operators of a small residential-adjacent winery would live in the immediate vicinity, they would be well-positioned to respond quickly to emergencies, provide assistance, and support disaster response efforts if an incident were to occur on-site or nearby. In summary, permitting accessory food and beverage production within residential zones balances neighborhood compatibility and economic resilience. The proposal supports local agriculture, strengthens food security, reduces transportation dependence, and serves the broader public interest without introducing commercial retail activity into residential neighborhoods. | |
| Ron Thompson | 12/23/2025 11:42:29 AM |
| I would like to state my support for this change to the requirements in regards to "Retail and Pet Services" to be allow by Conditional Use. I think this allows a path forward to properties and owners that have a property that can accommodate the retail sales of food for many other large animal properties on the hillside A recent change in interpretation has impacted the continued practice of selling feed to those that rely on it. The ability for an owner to at least file for a conditional Use seems fair and a great resolution to the issue and then the owner will be forced to be held to a standard and allow a public process to determine if the site is satisfactory or not for the type of use described. This is a very good way to resolve this. I hope this is approved forward and code is changed to reflect this. | |