The future of education in Girdwood will be discussed at a community forum hosted by Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau, Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Girdwood Elementary/Middle School.
Two city departments with large roles in buying, selling and developing property and other economic development have new directors.
Carma Reed is the new executive director of the Anchorage Community Development Authority. Bill Mehner is the new executive director of the Heritage Land Bank. Mehner replaces Robin Ward who stepped down from the position last month for another job.
Reed has been the director of the MOA’s Department of Neighborhoods for the past four years. Mehner has been an Associate Broker for Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate for nearly 15 years.
The Heritage Land Bank’s land base currently consists of approximately 8,000 acres distributed between Chugiak and Girdwood, with most of its acreage (approximately 5,000) in the Girdwood Valley. The inventory includes residential, commercial, industrial, open space and recreational areas. The Heritage Land Bank Advisory Commission oversees the operation of the Heritage Land Bank and the HLB Fund.
Girdwood’s two largest future development projects, Crow Creek neighborhood development and Glacier/Winner Creek development are all overseen by the HLB.
The state has extended the studded tire season for two weeks in certain areas of the state that are experiencing lingering winter driving conditions. Included in the extension is the South Central region including Turnagain Arm communities. Motorists now have until May 15 to drive with studded tires, after which a $50 fine may be given to drivers caught with studded tires on their vehicles.
Memorial service set for former Whittier resident and business owner
A Memorial Service will be held for Joanne Jeanette Heckey, Sunday, April 22. Miss Heckey, 65, owned and operated the Tunnels End Café in Whittier. She passed away Jan. 26 of natural causes. A boat will depart at noon and return at approximately 3 p.m. for a “celebration of life.”
The Whittier Coast Guard Auxiliary will be holding a boating class Sunday, April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Begich Towers, homeowner’s lounge. Topics include: introduction to boating, safe boat handling and necessary equipment, boating law, navigation, boating problems, trailering and maintenance. The fee is $35. For more information call Charlotte Jones at 332-4441.