FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA
THIS MEETING WILL BE VIA ZOOM HOSTED FROM THE MONA LISA DREXLER ASSEMBLY CHAMBERS AT THE JUANITA HELMS ADMINISTRATION CENTER 907 TERMINAL STREET, FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
November 23, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Please use the link below to join the webinar: https://fnsb.zoom.us/j/97848584060
Or Dial 888 475 4499 (Toll Free) Webinar ID: 978 4858 4060
A. ROLL CALL
B. MESSAGES
1. Chair’s Comments 2. Communications to the Historic Preservation Commission 3. Citizen’s Comments (each person’s comments are limited to three (3) minutes)
i. Agenda items not scheduled for public hearing ii. Items other than those appearing on the agenda
4. Disclosure and Statement of Conflict
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*) on Agenda. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless any Commission member so requests. In the event of such a request the item is returned to the general agenda.
D. *MINUTES
*Approval of the October 20, 2020 meeting minutes.
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Updates on topics on the HPC Priorities List 2. CIP and the SS Nenana 3. Update from the Friends of the SS Nenana 4. Bailey Bridge update a. Recognition of the Bailey Bridge Contractor 5. Anchorage Local Landmark Register ordinance 6. Teaching with Historic Places lesson plan for the Nenana 7. Friends of Creamer’s Field – Storage of Historic Dairy Hardware
F. NEW BUSINESS
1. Update on historic building projects i. Chena Building ii. Masonic Temple 2. Section 106 Projects i. Minnie Street ii. Fort Wainwright replacement of entry door transom, Building 1043 iii. Fort Wainwright heat and electrical upgrades (EIS)
G. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Elliott Hwy improvements (outside of HPC jurisdiction; outside of FNSB boundary)
H. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
I. AGENDA SETTING
J. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting will be in digital format, through teleconference and/or web-based technology. More specific information will be posted on the Stay Connected with the Historic Preservation Commission webpage at http://www.fnsb.us/Boards/Pages/HPC-Covid.aspx prior to the meeting so that participants can attend by telephone or other electronic means.
For more information how you can provide verbal testimony or submit written testimony, please visit our website or contact the Department of Community Planning by calling 459-1260 or e-mailing [email protected] .
Any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Historic Preservation Commission at 907-459-1260 or via email at: [email protected]
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FNSB Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes October 20, 2020
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 20, 2020
A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was held in the Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly Chambers at the Juanita Helms Administration Center, 907 TERMINAL STREET, Fairbanks, Alaska. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Molly Proue.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Molly Proue Kirsten Freeman Matthew Reckard Patricia Peirsol Amy Viltrakis Martin Gutoski
MEMBERS EXCUSED: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Melissa Kellner, FNSB Staff Representative Kristina Heredia, FNSB Staff Representative Patricia Schmidt, Friends of the SS Nenana Jeannie Creamer-Dalton, Friends of the SS Nenana Alexis Fackeldey, FNSB Trainee Clerk Laura Melotte, FNSB Clerk
A. ROLL CALL
B. MESSAGES
1. Chairman's Comments
Chair Proue announced Amy Viltrakis and the Salcha Historical Society were recognized with the Elva R Scott Local Historical Society award from the Alaska Historical Society.
2. Staff’s Comments
Ms. Kellner stated that the Mayor’s recent memo regarding the upcoming repairs to the SS Nenana and an email from Patty Piersol with photos and the latest info on the Bailey bridge had been distributed to the HPC this afternoon and will be part of the packet. Ms. Kellner also announced that the Cultural Resources Group on Fort Wainwright would not be meeting in the fall and would meet again in the spring. She also mentioned the need for changing the dates of future meetings.
3. Citizen's Comments HC Minutes October 20, 2020 Page 2 of 3
None
C. *MINUTES
Ms. Peirsol suggested amendments clarifying the minutes of September 21, 2020.
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*) on agenda. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless any Historic Commission member or citizen so requests. In the event of such request, the item is returned to the general agenda.
MOTION: Moved by Ms. Peirsol, seconded by Ms. Viltrakis that the Agenda and Consent Agenda be approved to include the minutes of September 21, 2020 as amended. Motion Passed Six in Favor/Zero Opposed
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Updates on topics on the HPC Priorities List Chair Proue stated she had not had time to follow up. 2. CIP and the SS Nenana Appointing member to RFP Review Committee MOTION: Moved by Ms. Peirsol, seconded by Mr. Reckard that Molly Proue be appointed as HPC representative for the RFP Process. Motion Passed No Objection
3. Update from the Friends of the SS Nenana
Patricia Schmidt commented on the restoration of the SS Nenana. Jeanie Creamer-Dalton thanked the commission for its help and support. Mr. Reckard discussed the USKH report from 2009, a previous 5 year plan to restore the SS Nenana, and the state of the SS Nenana moving forward.
4. Bailey Bridge update
Ms. Peirsol updated the commission on the state of the Bailey Bridge Construction and she stated the wish to honor the contractor Brian with an official thank you letter on FNSB letterhead. Ms. Peirsol will be writing the HC Minutes October 20, 2020 Page 3 of 3
letter. This was agreed to by the rest of the commission.
F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ms. Viltrakis updated the commission on the Historic Places Lesson Plan. 2. Ms. Kellner inquired of Commissioner availability for a new standing meeting day: fourth Monday (time to remain at 5:30). Everyone agreed that the new date would fit into their schedules. 3. Amendment to Fort Wainwright’s programmatic agreement The Amendment’s contents were discussed and it was agreed upon that the Commission would be signing the amended agreement.
MOTION: Moved by Mr. Reckard, seconded by Ms. Viltrakis that the Commission sign as a concurring party on the programmatic agreement amendment. Motion Passed Six in Favor/Zero Opposed
4. Section 106 Projects Kristina Heredia presented a Section 106 review request for a communications tower at 3410 Laurance Road to the commission. MOTION: Moved by Ms. Viltrakis, seconded by Ms. Freeman that the Commission will not reply to this application. Motion Passed No objection
G. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Ms. Peirsol congratulated Ms. Viltrakis on the award received by the Salcha Historical Society and also wished to congratulate the Friends of the SS Nenana on the awarding of their grant.
H. AGENDA SETTING
The commission discussed the agenda and set items to move forward into the next meeting.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Moved to adjourn by Mr. Reckard, seconded by Ms. Peirsol. No objections.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 23, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
HPC Priorities List
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FNSB HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Potential Project List The HPC would like to gain an understanding of the Administration’s priorities and concerns regarding historic preservation. In identifying their own priorities for the forseeable future, they would like to know which of the following potential actions the Administration would support or prioritize: Demolition Permits review Tax exemptions Nomination of Pioneer Park to the National Register SS Nenana preservation Nomination of local historic districts Community outreach and education DEMOLITION PERMITS REVIEW . HPC is concerned about demolition of historic structures without an opportunity to comment or act. . City of Fairbanks currently issues demo permits over the counter. FNSB would have to pursue an agreement regarding a process and criteria for review. . Commission duties (FNSBC 4.52.050D): Review and make recommendations on local projects, including the alteration of existing structures, new construction, demolition permits , and changes in zoning and platting that might affect properties identified in the local inventory and historic or prehistoric resources that have not been discovered yet. TAX EXEMPTIONS . HPC would like to incentivize activities that preserve privately-owned historic structures. . AS 29.45.050 allows municipalities to “by ordinance classify and exempt from taxation….historic sites, buildings and monuments”.
11 NOMINATION OF PIONEER PARK TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER . One of the HPC’s 2018 grants was awarded to research and prepare materials to nominate Pioneer Park to the National Register of Historic Places. . The nomination has been prepared; HPC’s next steps include: i. Working with the State Historic Preservation Officer to meet their approval; ii. Soliciting comments from the public regarding the nomination; iii. Participating in the state Historical Commission’s hearing regarding the nomination. . Commission Duties (FNSBC 4.52.050C): Develop and review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places for properties within the Fairbanks North Star Borough. SS NENANA PRESERVATION . Friends of the SS Nenana are doing the heavy lifting on this project. . HPC could support them by: i. Seeking out funding sources ii. Providing letters of support iii. General advocacy and education iv. Additional research and outreach NOMINATION OF LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS . FNSBC 4.52.060 outlines a process for property owners to nominate a local historic site or district and an approval process by the HPC and Assembly. This approval requires a rezone request to incorporate the Historically Significant zoning overlay. . The Historically Significant overlay is included in Title 18 but has not been applied to any properties in the FNSB. . No local districts have been created; the most recent national district created was Illinois Street Historic District in 2001. . If local districts are created, FNSB code requires review by the HPC and approval by the Assembly of changes to the exterior of any property or structure in the district. COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION . In support of any of the aforementioned projects. . In support of historic preservation in our community in general. . To promote preservation by private property owners.
12 . Commission Duties (4.52.050F): Develop a plan for the continuing education of residents of the Fairbanks North Star Borough regarding historic preservation and the history of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
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Section 106 Projects
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Minnie Street
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Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
NORTHERN REGION Design and Engineering Services
2301 Peger Road Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-5388 Main: 907-451-2200 Fax: 907-451-5126 TDD: 907-451-2363 dot.alaska.gov
In Reply Refer To: Minnie Street Improvements State/Federal Project Numbers: NFHWY00509/0634(005) Consultation Initiation
October 22, 2020
Melissa Kellner, Liaison FNSB-Commission on Historic Preservation Fairbanks-North Star Borough-Borough Administrative Center 809 Pioneer Road Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Dear Ms. Kellner:
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has assumed the responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 U.S.C. 327, and is proposing to reconstruct Minnie Street between Illinois Street and Old Steese Highway (Table 1 and Figure 1).
Table 1. Project location Township Range Section(s) USGS Quad Map1:63,360 Meridian 001S 001W 2,3,10,11 Fairbanks D-2 Fairbanks
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated November 3, 2017, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF. For purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act, the DOT&PF, acting as a Federal agency, is initiating this consultation with you to assist us in identifying historic properties that may be affected by the proposed project. Consultation is being conducted in accordance with the 2017 First Amended Programmatic Agreement…for the Federal-Aid Highway Program in Alaska.
Project Description Project activities include: Widening sidewalks on the north side and constructing new sidewalks on the south side – resulting in “proposed ROW acquisition” shown on Figure 2 Providing sufficient shoulders to accommodate bicycles on both north and south sides Relocation of overhead utilities underground “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.” 16
Minnie Street Improvements 2 October 22, 2020 State/Federal Project Number(s): NFHWY00509/0634(005) Consultation Initiation
Relocation of utilities located in the sidewalk (fire hydrants, street lights, and above ground utility centers) onto a proposed ROW easement behind the proposed sidewalk (small areas of approximate 50-300 square feet beyond the “Proposed ROW Acquisition” shown on Figure 2) Underground utility relocation and/or betterments (water, sewer, power, communications) Installation of underground natural gas lines Storm drainage improvements (installation of a storm drain system), requiring approximate 15-ft wide ROW easement within the “Proposed ROW acquisition” in the area shown west of Noyes Slough on Figure 2 Improvements to side street intersections (repave as needed to match new pavement on Minnie Street, align side street utilities with Minnie Street utilities) Landscaping in accordance with FAST Planning Green Streets as ROW permits Modifying roadway profile (the proposed roadway will be slightly lower in some places to assist with drainage from the neighboring properties and roadways to the new storm drain system) New pavement, signage, and striping
Study Area The Study Area encompasses all Tier 1 properties directly adjacent to Minnie Street from Illinois Street to the Old Steese Highway in Fairbanks, Alaska (see Figures 1 and 2). The Study Area also includes small portions of Erceg, Monroe, Betty, Fulton and Clara Streets and associated Tier 1 properties to ensure the pavement and utilities make a smooth transition at those intersections. The Study Area falls within the historic Charles Slater Subdivision (also known as Slaterville), which has potential to be a historic district (see Figures 1 and 3). Potential visual effects were taken into consideration when establishing the Study Area.
The materials for this project will be contractor furnished from commercially available material sites. The staging area and underground utility relocations areas are not yet determined but will be included in the Findings Letter. The Study Area includes all currently identified potential construction locations (see Figure 2).
The Area of Potential Effect (APE) will be defined after comments are received from the SHPO and other consulting parties.
Identification Efforts A search of the DOT&PF Northern Region Cultural Resources Library and the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey-IBS (AHRS) database on September 25, 2020 indicated that there are Thirteen (13) AHRS sites located within the Study Area. Seven (7) properties have not received a determination of eligibility (DOE) for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (FAI-02541, FAI-02543, FAI-02544, FAI-02546, FAI-02542, FAI-02539, and FAI-00514); one (1) historic district has not received a DOE for the NRHP (FAI-00018); one (1) bridge has not received a DOE for the NRHP (FAI-01739), however this bridge is exempt from Section 106 review under the Program Comment on Post-1945 Concrete and Steel Bridges; two (2) properties are not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP (FAI-02218 and FAI-00513); one (1) historic district is eligible for inclusion on the NRHP (FAI-00349); and one (1) property is a contributing property (FAI-00350) to a historic district (FAI-00349). The AHRS sites within the Study Area are briefly described in Table 2 below.
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Minnie Street Improvements 3 October 22, 2020 State/Federal Project Number(s): NFHWY00509/0634(005) Consultation Initiation
Table 2. AHRS Sites within the Study Area AHRS Site Name Site Comments NRHP Status Number FAI-00514 Adams 346 Minnie Street. One-story, single No Determination of Residence family residence built in 1953. Eligibility for NRHP. FAI-00513 Fitzgerald 348 Minnie Street. One story, single- Determined not eligible for Residence family residence. The lot was part of the the NRHP by SHPO on original Tanana Mill Site, but the package 09/02/2004 because the home wasn’t built until 1958. residence had been extensively modified and, therefore, lacks historical integrity. FAI-00349 Illinois Street Illinois Street Historic District represents Determined eligible for the Historic the residential, administrative, and NRHP by SHPO under District industrial operations of the Fairbanks Criteria A and C on Exploration Company that was the 01/28/1991. principal gold mining operation in Interior Alaska during the second quarter of the twentieth century. This company was a very important economic engine and the largest employer in the Fairbanks area from 1925 until World War II. The remaining buildings at the company’s core include the most important residential buildings, the main administrative building, and one of the most important industrial buildings. Although the buildings are of several architectural styles, they form a cohesive and distinct group typical of a big business administrative and industrial center of the times. Three individually listed properties also contribute to this district (FAI-00273, FAI-00334, and FAI-00445). FAI-02541 Cave House 234 Minnie Street. One story, single- No Determination of family residence built in 1941. Eligibility for NRHP. Associated with the Charles Slater Subdivision. FAI-00018 Graehl Fairbanks Neighborhood. The Original No Determination of Townsite listed in 1916 Polk’s Gazetteer, Eligibility for NRHP has Graehl dates back to the founding of been performed for this Fairbanks in 1903, was likely the first district. suburb of Fairbanks. During the Gold Rush, it was sometimes known as “North Fairbanks”. Until the 1960’s it was largely a community of log cabins and junk yards. The bulk of Graehl was not annexed to the City of Fairbanks until 1970.
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Minnie Street Improvements 4 October 22, 2020 State/Federal Project Number(s): NFHWY00509/0634(005) Consultation Initiation
AHRS Site Name Site Comments NRHP Status Number FAI-02539 CP&H 139 Minnie Street. One-story commercial No Determination of Building building that formerly housed Johnny’s Eligibility for NRHP. Express fuel oil delivery service that was built in 1943. The building is associated with the Charles Slater Subdivision. FAI-01739 Noyes ADOT&PF Bridge No. 0295. This is a No Determination of Slough three-span steel stringer bridge with a Eligibility for NRHP. This Bridge at reinforced concrete deck and curb that bridge is exempt from Minnie Street was built in 1953. The bridge crosses Section 106 review under the Noyes Slough at Minnie Street and is Program Comment on Post- associated with the historic Graehl 1945 Concrete and Steel Neighborhood (FAI-00018). Bridges. FAI-02218 230 Old 230 Old Steese Highway. One-story Determined not eligible for Steese commercial building that originally the NRHP by SHPO on Highway housed a gas station but now houses an 02/21/2014 due to lack of insurance office that was built in 1966. integrity. Associated with the historic Graehl Neighborhood (FAI-00018). FAI-02544 McGilvary 206 Minnie Street. Two-story single- No Determination of Cabin family residence built in 1940. Eligibility for NRHP. Associated with the Charles Slater Subdivision. FAI-02546 Thomas 140 Minnie Street. One-story multiple- No Determination of Building family residence that was built in 1936 as Eligibility for NRHP. a commercial property, which was later (date unknown) converted into a residential building. Associated with the Charles Slater Subdivision. FAI-02543 Donovan 216 Minnie Street. One-story single- No Determination of Cabin family residence built in 1941. Eligibility for NRHP. Associated with the Charles Slater Subdivision. FAI-00350 Noyes House 407 Illinois Street. Two-story single- Determined to be a family residence built prior to 1911 and contributing property within remodeled in 1925, 1928, and again after the Illinois Street Historic a fire in 1961. It was purchased by the F.E. District on 01/28/1991. Company as a staff House in 1925, and is associated with the Illinois Street Historic District (FAI-00349). FAI-02542 Flaharty 201 Minnie Street. One-and-a-half story No Determination of Building single-family residence built in 1941. Eligibility for NRHP. Associated with the Charles Slater Subdivision.
The literature review of the project Study Area revealed that the area, which encompasses a portion of the Charles Slater Subdivision, had not previously had a systematic historic structures survey performed on it (see Cole 1989, Bowers and Gannon 1998, and Dowl 2019). A historic structures survey for the proposed 19
Minnie Street Improvements 5 October 22, 2020 State/Federal Project Number(s): NFHWY00509/0634(005) Consultation Initiation
Study Area is scheduled to be completed by Statistical Research, Inc. (SRI) personnel. The results of that survey will be included with the Findings Letter for this project.
Consultation Efforts The following consulting parties are being contacted regarding this project: the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO); The Fairbanks North Star Borough Commission on Historic Preservation; the Tanana- Yukon Historical Society, Tanana Chiefs Conference; Doyon, Limited; and Denakkanaaga, Inc. No federally recognized tribes or communities have been identified within 50 miles of the Study Area.
If you have questions or comments related to this proposed project, I can be reached at the address above, by telephone at 907-451-2227, or by e-mail at [email protected].
We request your input on our proposal so that we can incorporate your concerns into project development. Your timely response will greatly assist our compliance efforts and the preparation of any required environmental documentation. For that purpose, we request that you respond within thirty days of your receipt of this correspondence.
Sincerely,
Holly J. McKinney Cultural Resource Specialist-Archaeologist (PQI) State of Alaska DOT&PF, Northern Region
Enclosures: Figure 1. Project Overview Map. Figure 2. Project Study Area Map. Figure 3: Plat of the Charles Slater Subdivision (A.K.A. Slaterville)
References: Dowl, 2019 Minnie Street Corridor Study: Planning and Environmental Linkages Study Report. Report to the City of Fairbanks, December 2019.
Cole, Terrence M., 1989 Historic Resources of the Minnie Street Corridor- Final Report. Report to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
Bowers, P.M. and B.L. Gannon, 1998 Historical Development of the Chena River Waterfront, Fairbanks, Alaska: An Archaeological Perspective. Report to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
Electronic cc w/ enclosures:
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Minnie Street Improvements 6 October 22, 2020 State/Federal Project Number(s): NFHWY00509/0634(005) Consultation Initiation
Ivet Hall, P.E. DOT&PF Northern Region, Project Manager William Kulash, DOT&PF Northern Region, Environmental Impact Analyst Brett Nelson, DOT&PF Northern Region, Regional Environmental Manager Molly Proue, DOT&PF Northern Region, NEPA Manager Kathy Price, DOT&PF, Statewide Cultural Resources Manager
21 NOYES STREET Utqiagvik
Prudhoe Bay Noyes Slough Point Hope ELLINGSON STREET COLLEGE ROADKotzebue
Nome CROSSOVER WAY Fairbanks Eagle
Tok McGrath Glennallen
CLARA STREET CLARA Bethel AnchorageValdez Kenai Cordova INA STREET Seward Haines FULTON STREET FULTON Homer Dillingham
Kodiak
Cold Bay Unalaska
CHARLES STREET
BETTY STREET BETTY MONROE STREET MONROE
ILLINOIS STREET
MINNIE STREET
WELL STREET OLD STEESE HWY
ERCEG STREET
3RD STREET SLATER STREET
FRONT STREET SECOND STREET CHURCH STREET
Chena River
NFHWY00509 Legend STATE OF ALASKA Date: October 2020 Figure 1 0 50 100 200 Feet Minnie Street Improvements Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2301 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 22 Fairbanks, Alaska Project Study Area . Project Location and Vicinity Map Document Path: examples\MinnieOverview_Fig1.mxd C:\Users\AMKeirn\Desktop\Adina'sDocument Junk\GIS CHARLES ST MINNIE ST. - WEST
ILLINOIS ST MONROE ST BETTY ST BETTY
MINNIE ST
ERCEG ST
MINNIE ST. - EAST MINNIE ST
Approximate 15' wide ROW acquisition
NOYES SLOUGH
Legend
Project Study Area
Replaced Sidewalks
New Sidewalks
Proposed 4' Bike lanes
Proposed ROW Acquisition
Existing Right of Way
Parcel Lots Lines
NFHWY00509 STATE OF ALASKA Date: October 2020 Figure 2 0 25 50 100 Feet Minnie Street Improvements Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2301 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 23 Fairbanks, Alaska . Project Study Area Document Path: examples\MinnieStudy_Fig2.mxd C:\Users\AMKeirn\Desktop\Adina'sDocument Junk\GIS 24
Fort Wainwright Replacement of entry door transom, Building 1043
25 Office of History and Archaeology: Cultural Resources Report Coversheet (Must Accompany All Compliance Reports Submitted to OHA/SHPO)
Office of History and Archaeology Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation Alaska Department of Natural Resources 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1310 Anchorage, AK 99501-3565 Phone: (907) 269-8721 Fax (907) 269-8908 http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/oha/index.htm
Was this survey/investigation(Check one): Negative Positive x Negative = no cultural resource sites are reported or updated. Positive = cultural resource sites are reported or updated.
Note: Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (AHRS) numbers are required for reported cultural resource sites, including buildings. AHRS numbers can be obtained by contacting 907-269-8718).
Project/Report Information: ● Report Title: Building 1043 Replace Transom ● Report Author(s): Elizabeth Cook ● Report Date: October 2020 ● Submitting Organization/Agency United States Army Garrison Alaska (USAG Alaska) ● Project Name and Project Number: Building 1043 Replace Transom ● Principal Investigator (PI) name: Elizabeth Cook
Geographic Information (attach an extra sheet or cite report page numbers if necessary) ● USGS Mapsheet (1:63,360 if available) Fairbanks, D2 Alaska ● Meridian/Township / Range / Section (MTRS) location: (all affected sections) Format example: “F021N018E|13-14” ● Verbal description of survey area Project is located at Building 1043 at the intersection of Peach Street and Marks Road (for example: “123 Acme Street,” “confluence of Fish and Moose creeks,” “Milepost 9-16 …”
● Does this report contain boundary coordinates for the surveyed area? Yes X No Page #(s)
● Does this report contain boundary coordinates for reported sites? Yes X No Page #(s) ● Land owner(s): USAG Alaska
● Answer one: Acres Surveyed N/A Hectares Surveyed
Cultural Resources Management (CRM) Information ● List AHRS numbers of new and updated sites – (do not list sites that are merely described in the background section). FAI-00451, FAI-01288, FAI-00236
● Is the report part of a National Historic Preservation Act - Section 106 consultation? Yes X No
● Is the report part of an Alaska Historic Preservation Act compliance consultation? Yes No x
● Does the report’s data support a submitting agency’s determination of eligibility? Yes X No
● Does the report’s data support a submitting agency’s determination of effect? Yes X No
● Was this report submitted to fulfill State Field Archaeology Permit requirements? Permit No.: Yes No x
● Was this project and/or report overseen or authored by someone meeting the minimum qualifications of the Sec. of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines (48 FR 44738-44739)? Yes x No
● Is the Principal Investigator’s resume’ appended to the report or on file at OHA? Yes x No
26 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY GARRISON ALASKA 1046 MARKS ROAD #6000 FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA 99703-6000
SUBJECT: Replacement of Entry Door Transom, Building 1043
Judith E. Bittner State Historic Preservation Officer Office of History and Archaeology 550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 1310 Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3565
Dear Ms. Bittner:
United States Army Garrison Alaska (USAG Alaska) proposes to replace the fixed- sash transom above the entry door of the Building 1043 (FAI-00451) (North Post Chapel (Figure 1). Building 1043 is a contributing resource to the Ladd Field National Historic Landmark (NHL) (FAI-00236) and the Ladd Air Force Base Cold War Historic District (HD) (FAI-01288) (Figure 2). This project will be essential to the continued survival of Building 1043 and USAG Alaska requests your concurrence with the finding of No Historic Properties Adversely Affected by the proposed renovation.
Description of Undertaking (36 CFR § 800.11 (e) (1)): This undertaking involves removal of the seven-light, single glazed fixed-sash transom located over the double front entry doors of Building 1043. (Figure 3) The current window is not original and dates to approximately 1947. (Figures 4 and 5) Currently the glass is broken and the single glazing does not meet current Army energy standards. The window will be replaced with a double glazed window with false muntins to recreate the seven lights of the current window.
Steps Taken to Identify Historic Properties (36 CFR § 800.11 (e) (2)): Historic context reports and other relevant material were reviewed, including, The Ladd Field National Historic Landmark Nomination Form, National Park Service (NPS) 1984; World War II Heritage of Ladd Field, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) 2004; and The Cold War Historic Context of Fort Wainwright and Ladd Air Force Base, 1946 – 1991, CH2MHill and Northern Land Use Research, Inc., 2007. Historic property inventory forms, photographs, historic site maps, and other relevant documents were reviewed. The latest site visit to this property was on 1 October 2020.
Description of Affected Historic Properties (36 CFR § 800.11 (e) (3)): Building 1043 is a one-story, rectangular plan, wood-frame building on a concrete foundation measuring 78’ x 37’ and located on Ladd Field/Fort Wainwright’s North Post, situated with Marks Road to the south, Apple Road to the north, and Peach Street to the west. It is a World War II-era 800 Series building. Building 1043 is clad in steel drop siding with an embossed wood-like pattern. The moderately pitched, gable roof is finished in
27 aluminum standing seams. The south (primary) façade is dominated by a centrally- placed steeple with spire set flush in the gable end. The steeple has a new tar-paper cladding (2016), metal finial, and single metal louver on its south façade. A centrally placed, wooden double door provides access to a gable-roofed arctic entry and is topped by a seven-light fixed-sash transom and lamplight. A set of tapered, concrete steps with wrought iron side rails leads to the arctic entry. Above the arctic entry and below the steeple is a fixed, triple window. There are four six-over-six double hung sash windows on the south elevation, two located on the east and west elevations of the arctic entry and two more flanking the arctic entry. The east and west elevations are virtually identical with five evenly spaced large 18-light fixed sash windows above six- light awning windows between two six-over-six double hung sash windows. The north elevation contains a centrally-placed, shed-roofed one-story addition with a steel personnel door on its west façade accessed via a wooden stairway with landing. Four six-over-six double hung sash windows are found in the north elevation, two unevenly spaced on the addition and the others flanking the addition.
Description of Undertaking’s Effect on Historic Properties (36 CFR 800.11 (e) (4)): Replacement of the window will have no adverse effect on the integrity of Building 1043. This project will involve replacing non-original materials with substitutive material while paying homage to the building’s Cold War/current appearance.
Application of the Criteria of Adverse Effects (36 CFR § 800.11 (e) (5)): After examining the undertaking and applying the Criteria of Adverse Effects as specified in 36 CFR § 800.5 (a) (1), USAG Alaska has found that there are No Historic Properties Adversely Affected by the proposed replacement of the fixed transom light.
Copies of this determination will also be furnished to our consulting parties—National Park Service, Tanana Yukon Historical Society, and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission—with an offer for consultation to follow.
If you have questions concerning this submittal, please contact Elizabeth Cook, USAG Alaska Cultural Resources Manager at (907) 361-3002 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Tim A. Sponseller, P.E. Director, Directorate of Public Works
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Figure 1. Building 1043 in 2020
Figure 2. Location of Building 1043
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Figure 3. Building 1043 transom
Figure 3. Building 1043, circa 1944-1945
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Figure 4. Building 1043, circa 1950
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Fort Wainwright Heat and electrical upgrades (EIS)
32 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ADDRESSING HEAT AND ELECTRICAL UPGRADES AT FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA PROJECT FACT SHEET OVERVIEW The Department of the Army announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the environmental planning process to address heat and electrical upgrades at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The Draft EIS evaluates reasonable alternatives, potential environmental impacts, and key issues of concern.
Heat and power need to support more than 400 facilities across the 9-million-square-foot Garrison. The U.S. Army Garrison Alaska generates most of its own electricity by burning coal at a central heat and power plant (CHPP), which has been in use since 1945. The Draft EIS is being prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to evaluate potential environmental impacts that could result from the four alternatives.
ALTERNATIVES BEING CONSIDERED To provide reliable heat and power for Fort Wainwright, the following four possible alternatives are evaluated in the Draft EIS:
Build New Build New Dual- Install Distributed Natural No Action CHPP Fuel Combustion Gas Boilers Turbine Generator The Garrison would continue This action would CHPP The Garrison would transition away involve construction of from reliance upon a centralized heat to use the a new, modern, coal- and power model. Instead, the Garrison existing heat This action would involve fired CHPP and steam would install multiple high-efficiency, and electrical replacement of the existing distribution system. natural gas-fired boilers that would infrastructure, CHPP with a new, modern, be dispersed at facilities across the and would not dual-fuel combustion turbine installation to provide heat, and would construct any generator CHPP. purchase all required electricity from a new facilities. local utility provider.
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1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ADDRESSING HEAT AND ELECTRICAL UPGRADES AT FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA DRAFT EIS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
U.S. Army Garrison Alaska invites the public to provide input on the Draft EIS. A digital copy of the Draft EIS is available at https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright/NEPA/HEU-EIS. Copies of the Draft EIS will be available for review at the Noel Wien Library, 1215 Cowles Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701; Post Library, Building 3700, Santiago Avenue, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703; and Tri-Valley Community Library, 400 Suntrana Road, Healy, AK 99743 if these facilities are open; and upon request.
The public comment period is October 9, 2020, through December 8, 2020.
YOUR INPUT Your input is important. There are several ways to provide comments. Email: [email protected]
Online Open House: https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright/NEPA/HEU-EIS
Telephone Public Meeting: Monday, November 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dial toll-free 855-756-7520 and use access code 65742.
Mail: Ms. Laura Sample, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Program Manager Attn: IMFW-PWE (Sample) 1046 Marks Road #4500 Fort Wainwright, AK 99703-4500 QUESTIONS? If you need additional information or have questions on the NEPA process, please contact Laura Sample via email at [email protected] or visit the project website at https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright/NEPA/HEU-EIS.
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2 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ADDRESSING HEAT AND ELECTRICAL UPGRADES AT FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Army proposing to do? U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Alaska is proposing to upgrade its central heat and power plant to a more reliable and sustainable heating and electrical infrastructure system that would be compliant with Army installation energy security requirements and air quality regulations for the region.
What is the Army’s purpose and need for the proposed action? The purpose of the proposed action is to provide reliable heat and electrical infrastructure for the installation that resolves current safety, resiliency, fiscal, and regulatory concerns.
The need is to construct heat and electrical infrastructure on the installation to prevent the potential failure of heat and power generation and distribution, which could require evacuation of the installation and severely affect mission readiness. USAG Alaska also needs to meet energy efficiency, energy security, and resilience criteria mandated by the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, and be compliant with air quality regulations.
Why does the Army need to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS)? The possible upgrades to the central heat and power plant (CHPP) on Fort Wainwright require the Army to prepare an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The EIS evaluates potential effects of this project on the natural, physical, and social environment.
What is the current condition of the CHPP and distribution system? The CHPP is one of the oldest operational coal-fired power plants in the United States and is operating beyond the average design life of similar facilities. The distribution system for transferring heat throughout the installation is also operating at or beyond its design life.
What alternatives are USAG Alaska considering for upgrading its heat and electrical generation and distribution? Alternatives include (1) a No Action Alternative; existing heat and electrical infrastructure would be maintained to be in compliance with regulatory standards, (2) construction of a new coal-fired CHPP, (3) construction of a new dual-fuel combustion turbine generator CHPP that would be fueled primarily by natural gas and/or ultra-low sulfur diesel, and (4) installation of distributed natural gas boilers for heat and purchase of all electricity directly from a local utility provider.
What are the anticipated environmental impacts? The Draft EIS evaluates the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the alternatives. Adverse impacts would be minimized to the extent possible through prevention, minimization, and mitigation measures.
Unavoidable environmental impacts would result from implementation of any of the proposed action alternatives. ▪ Significant, adverse impacts would be anticipated for socioeconomics (Alternatives 2 and 3, reduced coal demand), environmental justice (Alternatives 2 and 3, reduced coal demand), and cultural resources (Alternative 3, distributed boilers in addition to utilidor upgrades in Ladd Field National Historic Landmark). Under the No Action Alternative, significant, adverse impacts would be anticipated for utilities, environmental justice, and human health and safety due to continued risk of plant failure. ▪ Less than significant impacts would include increases in water turbidity; disturbance of sediments; noise from construction; localized habitat degradation; soil disturbance and erosion; stormwater runoff into surface water; and increased traffic, air emissions, and noise associated with construction vehicles and activities. ▪ Beneficial impacts would be anticipated for utilities (increased heating efficiency and improved system reliability).
Page 1 35 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ADDRESSING HEAT AND ELECTRICAL UPGRADES AT FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA
What is the schedule for completion of the EIS? The EIS process is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The Draft EIS is currently available for a 60-day public comment period. The Final EIS is expected to be published in mid-2021.
Will USAG Alaska coordinate with other agencies on this project? Throughout the development of the EIS, USAG Alaska is coordinating with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies; Alaska Natives; Native Americans; Native American organizations and tribes; public organizations; and the public about its proposal to upgrade the installation’s heat and power generation capabilities. Agency involvement activities include formal scoping meetings with agency representatives throughout the project and comment inclusion on the Draft and Final EIS.
Where can I get a copy of the Draft EIS? An electronic copy of the Draft EIS is available online at https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright/ NEPA/HEU-EIS. Copies of the Draft EIS will be available for review at the Noel Wien Library, Fairbanks, AK; Post Library, Fort Wainwright, AK; and Tri-Valley Community Library, Healy, AK if these facilities are open; and upon request.
When does the comment period end? The Draft EIS comment period is from October 9, 2020, through December 8, 2020. Comments received during the 60-day comment period on the Draft EIS will be fully considered prior to determining which alternative would be the Army’s preferred alternative. This preference will be identified when the Final EIS is published.
How do I provide comments? There are several ways to provide comments during the comment period. Email: [email protected]
Online Open House: https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright/NEPA/HEU-EIS
Telephone Public Meeting: On Monday, November 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dial toll-free 855-756-7520 and use access code 65742.
Mail: Ms. Laura Sample, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Program Manager Attn: IMFW-PWE (Sample) 1046 Marks Road #4500 Fort Wainwright, AK 99703-4500
What if I have questions? If you need additional information or have questions on the NEPA process, please contact Laura Sample via email at [email protected] or visit the project website at https://home.army.mil/alaska/ index.php/fort-wainwright/NEPA/HEU-EIS.
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Correspondence
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Fort Wainwright Programmatic Agreement
38 Melissa Kellner
From: Cook, Elizabeth A CIV (USA)
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
All‐‐
Please find a final, signed copy of the amendment to FW‐PA‐1601. Thanks you for your participation.
Very respectfully,
Elizabeth A. Cook, MA Cultural Resources Manager / Native Liaison U.S. Army Garrison Alaska
(907) 361‐3002 desk (907) 388‐1197 mobile (907) 361‐9867 fax [email protected]
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
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Elliott Hwy improvements (outside of HPC jurisdiction; outside of FNSB boundary)
43 From: Melissa Kellner To: Kristina Heredia Subject: FW: Request for Agency Scoping on the Elliott Highway MP 51-63 Rehabilitation Project Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020 5:18:57 PM Attachments: image001.png
From: Donald Galligan
Kerri, thank you for sending through this request for early agency scoping. This project begins at MP 51 on the Elliott Highway, and the FNSB Boundary ends at MP 32 of the Elliott, so we will not be making comment on this draft CE document.
Thank You Don
Donald C. Galligan, Jr. AICP | Planner IV—Transportation Fairbanks North Star Borough | Community Planning 907.459.1272 (direct) | 907.459.1260 (department) [email protected] |
From: Martin, Kerri L (DOT)
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Dear Agency Staff:
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is soliciting your comments on a proposed project. Please comment on the project including your knowledge of resources in the project under the jurisdiction of your agency or organization and the potential need for permits and approvals from your agency or organization. To ensure that your comments are addressed in the project’s design and environmental documentation, please refer to the project by the above name or number, and send or e-mail your comments to:
Brett Nelson/ Northern Region Environmental Manager Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Attn: Kerri Martin 2301 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 Email: [email protected] Phone: 907-451-2238
Thank You, Kerri
Kerri L. Martin Department of Transportation & Public Facilities| NR Highway Design Environmental Impact Analyst, III 2301 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 | (: 907.451.5289 | 7: 907.451.5126 | *: [email protected]
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Creamer’s Field
46 From: Meitl, Sarah J (DNR) To: Kristina Heredia Cc: Bittner, Judith E (DNR) Subject: RE: Creamer"s Field - Storage of Historic Dairy Hardware Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020 3:45:29 PM
Hi Kristina,
Thanks for reaching out. It is our understanding there was a proposal for doing some rehab and installation of some of the historic dairy hardware for interpretive value, but that proposal is not moving forward at this time. The last update we received was that ADF&G had requested that any of the materials owned by the Friends of Creamer’s Fields, including the historic dairy hardware, be removed from the buildings and grounds. Our office is coordinating with ADF&G about the historic buildings; however that effort is in the very early stages. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss.
Best, Sarah
Sarah Meitl Review and Compliance Coordinator Alaska State Historic Preservation Office Office of History and Archaeology 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1310 Anchorage, AK 99501-3561 Office: 907-269-8720 Teleworking - Email is the best method of communication.
From: Bittner, Judith E (DNR)
From: Kristina Heredia
Good afternoon Judy and Jean,
The FNSB Historic Preservation Commission is inquiring if there is any updates/news involving Creamer’s Field and their storage of Historic Dairy Hardware. There was a rumor about utilizing Fish and Game resources, but we have no information, and were wondering if you did?
47 Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!
Very truly yours,
Kristina Heredia Planner III [email protected] (907) 459-1262
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