Assembly to decide fate of Holtan Hills today

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

After hearing an hour and a half of testimony then discussing and passing several amendments, the Anchorage Assembly pushed debate on Holtan Hills to Wednesday at 5 p.m.

With several more amendments waiting to be discussed, the Assembly ran out of time and adjourned a half hour before midnight.

Girdwood residents drove through a cold night and waited for testimony on Holtan Hills to open, which didn't happen until just after 9:30.

While several contractors from Anchorage spoke in support of the development, the majority of testimony was in opposition. 

A handful of residents asked the Assembly to wait until the Girdwood Area Plan is completed. Others noted that little has changed in the ordinance that was rejected last year.

Among the various amendments, one would increase the amount of multi-family housing to 50 percent. Another would add language to the ordinance to encourage rules that comply with goals of the Assembly's housing plan, but the provision has no "teeth", assembly members admitted, and would be mere "window dressing."

This is an on-going story. Check back for updates.