 by Joseph Branco January 26, 2005
Developers Borgmalm and Machini are proposing constructing a new building at Number 17 Creek Street that will house retail space on the first floor and four apartments each on the upper two floors. Most of the debate surrounding
the building proposal has centered on the definition of what
constitutes a "third-story". Joseph Machini and Helena
Borgmalm, who proposed the project, say that the building would
be two stories and an attic, thus complying with the non-specific
wording of the code regulations. Opponents consisting of some
businesses and residents of Creek Street speaking under the name
of Creek Street Neighbors Seeking Compliance with the Code say
that the attic in question is a third story and clearly violates
the Creek Street building code. The fact that the so-called
"attic" was intended to include four bedrooms and four
bathrooms was a topic that fueled the opposition to the proposal. Board of Adjustment members Jack Shay, Mike Painter, David Landis, George Tipton and Dave Kiffer voted to send the building proposal back to the Planning Commission for more review. Board members Glen Thompson and George Lybrand voted no. The board recommended that the Ketchikan Planning Commission's review process also resolve any other design issues and that the developers, Joseph Machini and Helena Borgamalm, work with the borough to modify the original plans to comply with the Creek Street building code that states "no person shall build a new structure of more than two stories, plus attic space.". After the building proposal
is revised it will be brought back to the board for consideration.
The board hopes that the decision will satisfy concerned members
of the Creek Street community and remain encouraging to business
growth in the area through stronger clarification of vague development
guidelines.
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