Rules scaled-back for the Port by Anchorage Assembly

An amendment to city land use and zoning rules now allows the Port of Anchorage to maintain its storage tanks near Government Hill but requires a public process before any new tanks can be built.

“It is challenging having this amount of chemical, toxic, flammable materials in one location,” said assembly member Amy Demboski as the Anchorage Assembly considered amending Title 21.

On Tuesday, the body approved a proposal from the city to delete the 1,000 foot buffer for the port and require a conditional use permit from the city.

“I do understand the position of the neighborhood and the pressure to relinquish the setback, they want to reduce their losses and in terms of public health, safety, fire considerations, hydrocarbon off gassing I’m not convinced that removing the buffer is in the best interest of the public,” said assembly member Suzanne LaFrance.

The change was approved in a vote of 9 to 1 with LaFrance opposed.