At yesterday’s Regular Assembly Meeting, the Anchorage Assembly took action on housing policy, including adopting a Housing Action Plan, approving a proposal to make triplexes and fourplexes easier to build in zones where they are already allowed, and introducing a proposal to authorize land disposal for the Holtan Hills development in Girdwood.
Housing Action Plan
By a unanimous vote, the Anchorage Assembly approved AR 2023-433 to adopt the Housing Action Plan, a result of more than 18 months of collaboration alongside housing industry experts, municipal staff and community members to align strategies to resolve the Municipality’s housing shortage crisis. Sponsored by Assembly Members Anna Brawley and Felix Rivera, the Housing Action Plan establishes tactics and measures to evaluate progress toward a vision for housing in the Municipality: The Municipality of Anchorage has affordable, abundant, and diverse housing opportunities, so everyone who wants to live here can find a home that fits their needs and preferences.
Triplexes & Fourplexes
The first of two ordinances sponsored by Assembly Members Kevin Cross, Randy Sulte and Daniel Volland aimed at making triplexes and fourplexes easier to build in zones where they are already allowed, the Anchorage Assembly approved (11-1) AO 2023-103(S), As Amended. The ordinance revises Title 21 – Land Use to align three- and four-unit developments with the same regulations as single family homes and duplexes in zones where multifamily housing is allowed in accordance with the Anchorage 2040 Land Use Plan. Amendments were approved to require snow storage and standardize height and setback restrictions for any project with 1-4 units. The second, complementary ordinance, AO 2023-130 amending Title 23 – Building Code, will open to a public hearing on January 9. The sponsors have introduced a substitute (S) version for consideration.
Holtan Hills Land Disposal
A new version of a previous proposal to dispose Heritage Land Bank (HLB) property in Girdwood was introduced by Assembly Member Meg Zaletel. The ordinance proposes that the sale of HLB land to CY Investments for a multi-use residential development is contingent upon the designation of a multifamily unit to a future Girdwood housing trust or non-profit entity and the engagement of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors throughout the project. A public hearing on the item will be held during the January 9 Regular Assembly Meeting.
“Our final meeting of the year exemplifies the unity we’ve developed over these past 18 months to take action in solving Anchorage’s housing shortage crisis,” reflected Assembly Chair Christopher Constant this morning. “We made housing action a priority in 2023 and we’ve stuck to it. Every member has a hand in the work, tackling the problem from every angle and bringing the community alongside us. We have a lot to be proud of, and even more to look forward to in 2024.”
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CONTACT
Christopher Constant | Assembly Chair
District 1, North Anchorage
christopher.constant@anchorageak.gov