8/5/26: The RSA16 Board decided to send a letter or resolution to the Assembly supporting the Northern Route. RSA25 has not taken a position.

8/4/26: The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on 8/3/26. Public works presented their recommendation for the Northern Route. The NLCC (CLICK HERE) and others testified in support of the Southern Route. The Commission voted unanimously to approve a new Resolution (CLICK HERE), addressed to the MSB Assembly supporting the Southern Route. It is unknown exactly when the Assembly will hold their hearing and make a final decision.

7/27/26: The NLCC and the Fishhook Community Council (FHCC) approved a joint resolution (CLICK HERE) to the Planning Commission recommending the Southern Route. It has been submitted for the 8/3 Planning Commission Public Hearing packet.

7/16/26: The Final Route Selection Report (still recommending the Northern Route) has been published and is available on project website (CLICK HERE). The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on August 3rd to decide on a resolution they will send to the Assembly. The Assembly Public Hearing is tentatively set for August 18th, but may be rescheduled into September. The NLCC is working on a Resolution to present to the Planning Commission.

6/26/26: The Public Hearing is set for the August 18th Assembly Agenda.

6/18/26: The final route selection report is expected by the MSB Public Works this week. They will then prepare their recommendation (Northern Route) to go before the Assembly. The NLCC will also prepare to testify at that meeting in support of the Southern Route.

6/6/26: The NLCC and others presented to the MSB Transporation Advisory Board on 5/29/26 (CLICK HERE). We and several others advocated for the Southern Route. A copy of Hanson’s verbal testimony was provided (CLICK HERE). The TAB indicated they will continue their support for the Northern Route, but would amend or provide an adendum regarding Engstrom / Bogard safety. We later provided them with some draft language to consider (CLICK HERE).

5/27/26: Updated Fact Sheets provided.
Engstrom to Trunk (CLICK HERE).
Tex-Al to Tex-Al (CLICK HERE).
Engstrom North to Tex-AL (CLICK HERE).

5/22/26: The NLCC submitted a three page document (CLICK HERE) to the MSB to guide our presentation to the Transportation Advisory Board on 5/29/26.

4/24/26: The NLCC received a letter from the Borough (CLICK HERE) in response to our November 30, 2025 letter providing input to the Draft Route Selection Report. We are reviewing that letter to decide on next steps.

4/10/26: NLCC provided written (CLICK HERE) and verbal testimony to the Transportation Advisory Board, suggesting they gather public input and re-consider their earlier resolution of support for the Northern Route. They agreed. That meeting is scheduled for 5/29/26.

3/27/26: Assembly public hearing and decision on route is planned for the second Assembly meeting in June.

3/19/26: The NLCC testified at the March 10th Joint meeting. No decisions were made. Public Works will now finalize the Route Selection Report and come back to the Assembly for a decision.

3/10/26: Joint Assembly / Planning Commission Meeting tonight. NLCC Testimony (CLCIK HERE).

3/4/26: The NLCC submitted a letter (CLICK HERE) to Assembly members and Planning Commissioners in preparation for their March 10th Joint Meeting.

2/26/26: The NLCC learned that a presentation by Public Works was made to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) on 2/13. The presentation (CLICK HERE) was of the DRAFT report and recommended the Northern Route. The TAB prepared a resolution (CLICK HERE) of support for the Northern Route selection. We are reaching out to see if they are open to reconsideration. We also informed the Assembly on 2/17 that we will be providing feedback in support of the Southern Route at their March 10th Joint Assembly / Planning Commission meeting. More info forthcoming.

1/21/26: Central Gravel Products sent an email (CLICK HERE) to the Borough indicating their willingness to provide ROW and build the road base.

1/20/26: The NLCC included this project in a Resolution 26-001 (CLICK HERE) asking it to be included as a priority for federal funding through the MPO / MVP organization.

12/18/25: Update from MSB. They have our comments and are still reviewing. Expecting to update Route Selection Report in early 2026 and then to Assembly for decision. Report will likely still recommend a Northern Route.

11/30/25: After discussion and review of a draft letter at our 11/20/25 NLCC meeting, the NLCC Submitted this letter (CLICK HERE) in response to the draft route selection report.

10/30/25: The MSB Project Manager presented the current status of the Route Selection Report and provided an overview of the project at the October 30 NLCC meeting. NLCC membership agreed to have the Board prepare a letter regarding this project. The draft will be reviewed at the November 20 NLCC Meeting.

7/31/25: The NLCC met last week with the MSB Public Works and Planning Department Directors and the Project Manager. We continue to advocate for the Southern Route selection based on Bogard Road Safety and the ability to get the project completed sooner and at lower cost to taxpayers.

2017 - 2025 Background (CLICK HERE)

This topic started off as Larson School Closure. Now that the decision to close Larson has been finalized, the subject has shifted to the traffic impacts of Birchtree Charter moving into the facility.

7/29/26: A draft document has been prepared (CLICK HERE) outlining near term mitigations and potential long term recommendations. It will be reviewed at our 7/30 Membership Meeting.

6/18/26: The State DOT (responsible for Seldon Road) will be asking the MSB to prepare a new Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) because of the change in use from an Elementary School to a Charter School with significantly different traffic expectations.

6/4/26: NLCC meeting - started discussion about community concerns with road and pedestrian traffic impacts due to Birchtree Charter School being located at Larson. Need further input and then engage with the Borough.

5/16/26: Amy Bushatz, with the Mat-Su Sentinel is planning a series of stories over the next year on the impacts of school closures. She has requested that those interested in participating contact her through the following link. https://forms.gle/dutuxG9pMLhmVmCU8‍ ‍. Contact information gathered will not be published, sold or used in any public way. She encourages anyone with questions to contact her at 907-795-7058.

5/16/26: Recent MSB Assembly Budget deliberations resulted in additional funding for the School District, but not enough to prevent school consolidation due to overall district occupancy. Larson Elementary School (as well as Meadow Lakes and Glacier View Elementary schools) will be closed.

4/13/26: Attended Assembly / School Board Committee meeting on the budget. School District is moving forward with the planning and notifications to support the closure of Larson, Meadow Lakes, and Glacier View elementary schools. Assembly will be considering a budget increase of approximately $3.3 million, which will not be enough to stop school consolidation. Assembly vote expected in early May.

4/1/26: Regular School Board Meeting. Ben Mohr from the State reported potential for additional $21 million for MSBSD, based on increased state revenues because of high oil prices. Unlikely to see that amount. Traini discussed uncertainty and that the District is moving forward with school consolidation (closure) plans. New boundaries were presented. Larson students will be distributed to Tanaina, Cottonwood Creek, and Finger Lake elementary schools. NLCC Opinion: Consolidation will occur, regardless of Borough funding or State windfalls. This is due to the under-capacity enrollment and the need for fiscal efficiency and stewardship.

3/24/26: Joint Assembly / School Board Meeting. Significant public testimony. School Board presented request for approximately $9 million from the Borough. Borough proposed budget increase of approximately $2 million. Very unlikely that budget will be approved with the additional $6 million of funding due to impact to taxpayers. NLCC expects lower budget and school closures. Debate will continue with Assembly in April. Links to meeting materials and video of the meeting are available on School Board website.

3/18/26: School Board Meeting (recording available on the School Board website). For the past few years, the State has reduced funding for MSB schools because MSB property taxes are rising and the State expects the MSB to fund schools from the increased taxes. The School Board decided to ask the MSB to offset not only the $3.3 million State reduction for 2027, but also to provide offset to State reductions from the last few years. Total request of the MSB is around $9 million. If approved, this would offset some of the $22.5 million gap between expected revenue and expenditures. School closures are still very much on the table, depending on MSB decisions. There is a joint MSB Assembly / School Board meeting set for 3/24 at 6pm.

3/17/25: There was another School Board work session on 3/16. It was also educational and explained some of the cost details. A recording is available on the School Board website. The big news was a major grant from the Mat Su Health Foundation, which will allow continuation of school nurses in 2027 and allow more time to explore a more efficient nursing model.

3/7/26: NLCC attended the 3/4/26 School Board Meeting and the 3/5/26 School Board Work Session.
There was extensive public comment in the Mar 3 Assembly Meeting and at the Mar 4 School Board meeting opposing any school closures and other reductions.
The Mar 5 work session was educational and got into a lot more detail on the proposed cuts, how they were analyzed, and how they would be implemented. Significant discussion occurred about exploring additional revenue from the Borough. This would increase property taxes for area residents and is not expected to be approved.
Another work session was scheduled for 6pm on Mar 16. Decisions will be made at the Mar 18 School Board meeting on what they will propose.
Budget decisions will then be finalized at a Joint Assembly & School Board meeting on Mar 24.
The NLCC has advised the Borough and the School District that, if Larson Elementary is closed, the building be used for Birchtree Charter School instead of constructing a new building next to Shaw Elementary.

3/2/26: Links to information:
Agenda for Mar 4 School Board meeting (CLICK HERE)
FY 2027 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget Adoption memo for March 4 Meeting (CLICK HERE)
Agenda for the Mar 5 School Board Work Session (CLICK HERE)

2/26/26: The MSBSD is proposing to close 3 elementary schools based on declining enrollment and budget pressures. One of those is Larson Elementary, located within the North Lakes Community Council.

Upcoming opportunities for public input are as follows:

1. March 2nd - “Save Larson Elementary” PTA community meeting at the school gym at 6:30 pm.

2. March 4th - School Board Meeting at 6pm

3. March 18th - School Board Meeting at 6pm

There is also a School Board Budget Work Session planned on March 5th. Public is welcome to attend, but there will be no opportunity for public comments.

Here is a link to the MSBSD website on this subject. (CLICK HERE).

Here is a link to an FAQ document on the proposed closures (CLICK HERE)

7/2/26: Discussion with the Borough: They continue to collaborate with the State for a land transfer for purposes of a community park. The MSB is optimistic this will happen. More detail is available by reviewing the 7/30/26 Correspondence & Activity Report.

4/21/26: The Borough Assembly approved a resolution directing the Manager to pursue puchase of a portion of the State property for use as a borough-managed park. Refer to their agenda for the resolution and information memo.

3/27/26: Still no word from State DNR.

1/6/26: Spoke with MSB (Jillian Morrisey, Community Development) and there has been no update yet from the State.

10/30/25: The MSB Parks, Recreation, & Trails Advisory Board approved and issued a resolution of support earlier this week. (CLICK HERE)

9/27/25: Informed by the MSB that the State is still in deliberation.

8/19/25: The MSB Administration presented a feasibility study (CLICK HERE) to the Assembly recommending continued negotiations with the State and outlining an initial cost estimate for the park. The Assembly indicated support.

7/31/25: The MSB continues to have discussions with the State of Alaska about transfer of property to the MSB for public use. The MSB administration supports the concept. The Fishhook Community Council membership approved a “letter of support” and sent it to the Borough.July 19, 2025.

6/24/25: The NLCC presented our concept for a well-managed day-use community park to the MSB Parks, Recreation & Trails Advisory Board yesterday. They were quite supportive and will be preparing a resolution to that effect. For our summary document (CLICK HERE) and for the concept sketch (CLICK HERE).

6/6/25: At our March NLCC Meeting, the State of Alaska DNR reviewed a plan (CLICK HERE) for subdivision and sale of residential lots on a parcel that was historically park and public access land at Wolf Lake. There were 62 guest and area residents at the meeting. The vast majority were in strong opposition of the proposed development and favor a Borough owned and well-managed park and better controlled lake access. A significant concern was the potential safety impacts to summer and winter aviation operations on the lake and conformance with the Wolf Lake Management Plan.

7/21/26: The MPO organization presented the list of projects to the Assembly. The Assembly will prepare a resolution supporting their approved projects and matching funds on their September 1st agenda.

6/24/26: Here is the final MTP Project List as provided to the Steering Board today. (CLICK HERE)

6/18/26: The project list (2027 through 2050) is being finalized for the initial Municipal Transportation Plan (MTP). Many significant projects with high cost estimates (over $10 million are not included because of this program’s resource limitations. Other funding strategies will be necessary. The NLCC will share the plan once it’s been finalized.

Update 4/14/26: MVP / MPO Technical Committee met to review prioritized list. NLCC attended. Good news. All of the projects we identified in our Resolution are being addressed in the MTP (or are being executed directly by the Borough).

Update 3/27/26: Over 70 transportation projects were nominated, including those suggested by the NLCC. Scoring and ranking is underway. Expect public visibility in May.

Update 3/7/26: The MSB is working through their nominations and is considering the input provided by NLCC. They will review that with the NLCC before submitting to the MVP / MPO organization.

Update 2/13/26: Sent letter (CLICK HERE) to MVP supporting full funding of Valley Transit with no funds transferred to Alaska Railroad.

Update: 1/20/26:

The NLCC sent the MPO / MVP office a Resolution 2026-01 outlining NLCC top priority MSB projects to be considered for Federal funding. (CLICK HERE)

Project nominations by the MSB / City of Wasilla / City of Palmer and the public start on 1/31/26 and end on 2/28/26. DOT projects are not requesting funding from the MPO organization.

Members of the MVP Technical Committee will conduct evaluations and prioritize in March. Recommendations will be reviewed at the April meeting.

7/20/26: We’ve received the first 4 permits and are awaiting on the others.

6/24/26: The NLCC installed 6 “Welcome” signs in 2025. We are pursuing permits to install the remaining 14 signs in 2026 and a few additional signs in 2027 and 2028. Here is the prioritized list (CLICK HERE). Volunteers are needed!

7/16/26: The Borough driveway permit for Engstrom now allows loaded trucks to exit either left or right on Engstrom. Eastbound trucks can then make a left onto Bogard and the Bogard-Engstrom intersection, rather than using Green Forest. There will be no signage installed on Green Forest. The State will not approve speed reductions from 50 mph to 40 mph through this area on Bogard.

6/18/26: The State has approved the use of a temporary “right turn only” configuration of traffic delineators to be installed at the CGP driveway onto Bogard. There will be no flaggers. Truck traffic bound toward Palmer will need to use other routes or travel to the Bogard / Seldon roundabout to do a 180-degree turn. This is causing concern on Green Forest drive. NLCC is working with the Borough to explore additional signage discouraging that route. The NLCC has also recommended speed reductions from 50 mph to 40 mph from Trunk to Sebastian on Bogard. The State is considering that proposal. The Borough is finalizing the driveway permit for CGP access to and from Engstrom.

6/11/26: The NLCC coordinated a meeting on June 4th with State DOT, MSB, and Central Gravel Products (CGP) representatives (CLICK HERE) The purpose was to understand the status and criteria for the driveway permits onto Bogard and onto Engstrom. The parties are working to resolve safety concerns relating to loaded gravel trucks departing CGP. The NLCC will continue to engage until all parties are aligned and risk management measures are clearly established.

7/16/26: The Foxtrot extension road base has now been contructed all the way from the end of the existing Foxtrot to meet up with Wasilla Fishhook. It will be opened to the public when paving is complete, likely in September. The priority right now is to get the new traffic circulation roads completed around Shaw Elementary before school starts in late August.

6/18/26: Construction is underway on the roads surrouinding Shaw Elementary and extending Foxtrot. Trees are being stacked for access to the public for firewood. Coordinate with the Project Engineer.

5/27/26: Open House Fact Sheet (CLICK HERE). Construction will be starting this week.

5/19/26: MSB schedules Construction Open House for 5/27 from 4pm to 6pm at Shaw Elementary School (CLICK HERE)

3/27/26: Birchtree Charter School has been put on hold pending school closure decisions. The road project is proceeding with contruction in 2026. Construction of the intersection with Wasilla Fishhook is expected in 2027.

3/7/26: The NLCC has reached out to the Borough and the School District recommending that, if Larson Elementary is closed, the building be used for Birchtree Charter School instead of constructing a new school building next to Shaw Elementary.

2/19/26: The phase 1 is out to bid. The MSB is also working to potentially accelerate phase 2, which includes construction of the Roundabout at Wasilla Fishhook. The hope is to have that intersection functional before the new Birchtree Charter school starts up in the fall of 2027.

1/14/26: MSB announces public Open House to be held on 1/28/26 from 5pm - 7pm at Shaw Elementary. (CLICK HERE)

1/9/26: Met with MSBSD Assistant Superintendent and with Assemblyman Sumner (CLICK HERE). They will not be revisiting the Birchtree School Site location, or the goal of going operational in the fall of 2027. There are willing to consider traffic management and busing policies to reduce risks.

12/18/25: NLCC Meeting - DOT now on record objecting to use of Birchtree school traffic onto Wasilla Fishhook until after intersection is improved. This forces all traffic to the east on Foxtrot.

9/17/25: MSB provided copies of the detailed traffic studies that were the basis for off-street traffic flow around Shaw and Birchtree schools. We are satisfied that they are adequately addressing our concerns and that traffic should not back up onto Foxtrot.

9/4/25: Sent a letter to the MSB (CLICK HERE) updating our position and providing further recommendations.

9/2/25: Testified on this project at the Assembly Meeting (CLICK HERE)

8/4/25: The NLCC was asked to comment on a 35% design package. We reviewed our response at the July 31st NLCC Monthly Membership Meeting. We submitted a detailed response to the MSB on 8/4/25. (CLICK HERE).

May 29, 2025: Resolution 25-004 (CLICK HERE) was approved at the 5/29/25 NLCC meeting and then forwarded to the MSB and DOT.

May 22, 2025: The Borough is planning a project to improve access to Shaw Elementary. Project elements include extension of Foxtrot to the intersection of Wasilla Fishhook and Paradise Lane; major upgrades to that Foxtrot / Wasilla Fishhook / Paradise intersection; and an upgrade (including pedestrian path) of the existing Foxtrot Avenue from Charley Drive to the MSB school property boundary. The Borough presented information on the project at the April 24th NLCC Membership Meeting. The NLCC initially objected to the Foxtrot connection and provided testimony to the MSB Assembly on 5/20/25 (CLICK HERE).

6/18/26: The DOT expects to finalize ROW procurement on 2 remaining properties in the near future. Construction work is expected to start in the spring of 2027 and the new roundabout will be functional by the fall of 2027. Additional construction activity (finalizing lighting, signage, striping, etc.) is expected to carry over into 2028. During construction activity, trucks from Central Gravel will likely be allowed to turn left onto Bogard within the construction zone and with flaggers.

05/27/26: Updated Project Data Sheet received. (CLICK HERE). DOT is still negotiating ROW and project construction is now likely delayed.

5/19/26: Assembly approves funding for Pike Barrier to be installed on Cottonwood Creek in 2026, downstream of Anderson Lake.

5/16/26: The NLCC reviewed the 75% design package for this project and prepared a summary (CLICK HERE). We sent an email response to the MSB Project Manager (CLICK HERE).

4/19/26: Discussed in Transportation Committee meeting. The Borough has reviewed our letter and is considering the recommendations. They are still open to the idea that the road might best be dead-ended in the middle and no longer serve as a connector between Bogard and Palmer-Wasila Highway.

4/4/26: NLCC sends letter (CLICK HERE) to the project team. Letter sent out via MailChimp and Facebook with encouragement for individuals to submit their own comments.

4/2/26: Work group met to finalize the letter.

3/26/26: NLCC Membership Meeting. Reviewed key points for a draft letter. Voted to approve a letter to be sent to the project team.

3/23/26: Public Open House held at Pioneer Peak Elementary School.

2/26/26: A representative from Kinney Engineering (working for the MSB) presented preliminary information on this project at the NLCC Membership Meeting. Comments to the project team are encouraged and are due April 6th.

3/27/26: Development continues with ROW clearing for the subdivision roads. Access is off the end of Kilo drive. No clarity yet on pedestrian features.

2/25/26: Informed by MSB Planning Director that they will be working with the developer on the sidewalk concept and that it will likely come back in front of the Platting Board for approval again.

2/19/26: The NLCC is pushing for meaningful pedestrian improvements. We testified at the 2/17 Assembly Meeting (CLICK HERE) and at the 2/18 Platting Board (CLICK HERE)

2/8/26: Sent email (CLICK HERE) to Assembly Members and Administration regarding pedestrian code.

2/5/26: Public Hearing - NLCC provided testimony (CLICK HERE). The plat was approved. The Platting Officer added a Condition of Approval requiring the developer to follow MSB Code on pedestrian features for subdivisions near schools.

1/26/26: NLCC letter to Platting Officer for 2/5 Public Hearing (CLICK HERE)

1/20/26: Public hearing at the Platting Board is now set for 2/5/26. A whole new set of drawings (CLICK HERE) and updated traffic analysis from the developer has now been submitted for review. NLCC is preparing a response.

12/18/25: Public hearing postponed again to allow time for developer to adjust to new DOT requirements that no access will be allowed directly to Wasilla Fishhook. All access needs to be from Kilo and Foxtrot.

The NLCC received an RFC from the MSB in September for a proposed 50 acre / 43 lot large subdivision to be developed between the Shaw’s Tri Lakes subdivision and Wasilla Fishhook, just north of the Shaw / Birchtree school property. The preliminary plat shows connections to Wasilla Fishhook, E. Kilo Drive, and Foxtrot Avenue. At the September 25, 2025 NLCC Membership Meeting, this project was reviewed with membership and area residents. Numerous concerns were captured, mostly revolving around traffic impacts. A letter (CLICK HERE) was sent on October 3rd from the NLCC to the MSB Platting Office providing feedback on the proposed platting action. 

3/27/26: No progress underway.

1/25/26: The MSB Assembly held a special meeting on 1/20/26 to discuss waterbody setback requirements and see if there was alignment on the path forward. There does not yet appear to be. There may be another work session and/or the Administration will come back with proposed legislation. It appears there may be alignment on: keeping a 75-ft setback; providing a way for existing property owners (about 760 Borough wide) who are not in compliance to obtain a one-time opportunity to be deemed “grandfathered” by providing specific information to the MSB; continuing the “mandatory” land use permit going forward for lakefront properties; additional environmental measures to protect the environment; and a much stronger approach to compliance going forward. Here is a link (CLICK HERE) to the 1.5 hour long discussion. Although there was opportunity for public testimony at the beginning of the meeting, no one stepped forward. The NLCC will stay engaged and consider more formal input again.

12/18/25: Assembly work session scheduled for January 20th at 4pm.

9/16/25. The MSB Assembly rejected the proposed ordinance. They also chose NOT to go forward as recommended by the Planning Commission. Some of the Assembly members seemed interested in proposing a new ordinance, but they plan to discuss first. We may see something else come forward by year end. This issue has been under review now for about two years. The NLCC provided significant feedback during the process. Our files have been archived and will be re-visited if the Borough decides to advance an ordinance in the future. If you have questions about our prior work, please contact a Board Member and we can provide or review archived material with you.

3/19/26: Kathleen Yerbich has agreed to take the lead for the NLCC in preparing a CIP nominaton.

3/7/26: This topic was on the agenda at the 2/23/265 meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Trails Advisory Board (PRTAB). The NLCC discussed our proposal based on the 11/24/25 letter. There was general support for our proposal. The Advisory Board recommended that North Lakes work with the Borough Planning staff to have this project advanced under the next cycle of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). They offered to prepare a resolution of support, once a nomination is completed.

11/24/25: As discussed at November NLCC Meeting, the NLCC sent a letter to MSB Parks, Recreation & Trails Advisory Board. (CLICK HERE) The letter outlines community concerns with this park area and made several recommendations. The PRTAB has put this on their next public meeting.