City of Soldotna

The proposal would create a new multi-use zoning district for roughly 50 acres along the Kenai River. That’s the footprint of the so-called Soldotna Riverfront Redevelopment Project.

The market is Soldotna’s prime gathering place for residents in summer. But city officials have long had bigger dreams for that part of town, envisioning a walkable tourism district parallel to the river. But some council members voiced concerns about the limits of the new zone type.

City council members voted Wednesday to put the issue on the next municipal ballot.

Members considered a proposal that would have bumped their regular meeting time up by half an hour.

Sponsors say the new time would be consistent with the city’s other groups and make it easier for people to participate.

The votes came after a work session with city parks and recreation staff, who presented some of their nuts-and-bolts proposals for the 42,000-square-foot field house. For example – how much people will pay to get into the building.

The request comes almost two years after the city council defunded the center amid allegations of financial mismanagement.

Visitors of the Soldotna City Council chambers won’t have to look at old council member photographs on the walls any more. That’s because they’ve been replaced with local student art, part of an initiative to bring more art and culture to the city.

The City of Soldotna's Storefront Improvement Program offers up to $7,500 to cover 50% of building facade improvements. More than 20 local businesses over the last decade have received funding through the program.

The Soldotna City Council enacted the tax about a year ago.