HLB needs to involve public more on subdivision project
To the Editor:
There is always a tendency, on the part of some bureaucrats, to leave the voice of “we the people” out.
Public meetings are often messy. Comments are not always polite. And, most of all, they're time consuming.
So, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when the Heritage Land Bank and its private consultant tried to cancel a public hearing on the proposed mega-subdivision along Crow Creek Road.
And I shouldn't have winced when a point man for R&M Engineering (HLB's latest contractor) pushed the muni's platting board to remove an easement for the Iditarod Trail.
But these are the entities that are planning subdivisions with more than 700 homes. If HLB's behavior at a platting board hearing last month is any indication of how it will react to local concerns about its project, we can expect heated controversy ahead.
Despite the concerns of local residents, HLB wanted to have future private homeowners dedicate the location and width of the Iditarod Trail. Platting board members were shocked by HLB's insensitivity regarding the Iditarod Trail and by its efforts to curtail the public process.
In a rare move, and after hearing the comments from local residents, the board decided to add conditions to the plat approval: HLB now must hold a public hearing with a municipal trails coordinator and openly review how the trail will be protected.
As one of the platting board members said, “The public ought to be involved and be comfortable with where (the Iditarod Trail) is placed.”
This is a sentiment, however, HLB doesn't not appear to agree with. For example, some people might not be aware that the Athabascan Trail, a trail designed and constructed by Girdwood School students, would be demolished for the subdivision.
By ignoring community concerns, by trying to foreclose public involvement, the HLB is pursuing a reckless and anti-democratic course.
Thankfully, this time the platting board was alert. Keep a vigilant watch.
Sören Wuerth
Girdwood
Girdwood radio station can save taxpayers money by raising its own
To the Editor:
After attending the GBOS meeting and noting the cuts in funding to the Girdwood Radio I thought about the fundraising drive on Anchorage Public Radio station KSKA (91.9 locally) and said to myself why doesn't the Girdwood Radio do the same thing—have a call-in fundraising drive. That way the people who do listen to the radio and like it can call in and pledge their support and those who don't listen to the radio won't have their tax dollars going to something they don't use.
I believe this is an idea worth pursing by this non-profit organization.
Lynné Doran
Girdwood
Angel Tree a way to help those in need during the holidays
To the Editor:
The holidays are fast approaching. If you know of a family who might need some extra help with food or gifts for their children this year, please contact the Angel Tree. You may leave a message in the Four Valleys Community Schools office at 742-5317 for Julie Doepken. Please include your name and phone number in the message and Julie will return your call. All information will be kept confidential.
Thank you,
Julie Doepken
Girdwood
