Ketchikan Gateway Borough management is recommending that the assembly reject a requested rezone that would allow a firearm manufacturing facility and outdoor gun range in the Ward Cove area.
The borough’s Planning Department and Planning Commission, though, recommend that it be approved.
The assembly will decide Monday whether to introduce an ordinance allowing the proposed rezone to move forward.
The rezone from General Commercial to Heavy Industrial would allow Elliot Enterprises to develop a firearm manufacturing facility, with indoor and outdoor ranges to test the firearms they want to build. The company also proposes offering the ranges for local law enforcement and the general public, including training and safety classes.
Neighboring properties are primarily zoned for commercial use. But there are some homes nearby, as well as a 20-acre site that the owner plans to develop for residential use.
According to the agenda statement, borough management recommends against the rezone partly because the proposed use is already allowed under its current zoning designation with a Conditional Use Permit.
There also are concerns about the future residential development, the site’s proximity to the Ward Lake recreation area, proposed tourism development in the area, and a public walking path that is downrange from the site. The agenda statement also questions the community’s need for another gun range, and recommends that the public notice area be expanded due to the expected noise.
Also Monday, the assembly will hold a public hearing and second vote on an ordinance to raise the single-item sales tax cap from $1,000 to $2,000. The tax cap has been the same for about 40 years.
Monday’s meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in borough assembly chambers at the White Cliff building. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
