“The Anchorage Assembly voted Tuesday night to authorize the Municipality to move forward with the purchase of four properties for substance treatment and homelessness resources. The controversial plan brought multiple protests on both sides of the issue, plus nearly thirty hours of public testimony and thousands of emailed comments.
The four properties are the Midtown Alaska Club, the Best Western Golden Lion in Midtown, Bean’s Cafe in downtown and America’s Best Value Inn in Spenard. Assembly members Crystal Kennedy and Jamie Allard voted against the purchase of all four properties. Assemblyman John Weddleton voted against the purchase of the Alaska Club, but in favor of the others. The other eight members voted in favor of all four properties.
Over the course of public testimony, many residents railed against the proposal, raising concerns with the planning process and the proximity of some of the treatment and housing facilities to nearby neighborhoods.”
View the whole story here: https://www.alaskapublic.org/2020/08/12/anchorage-assembly-authorizes-city-to-purchase-properties-for-homeless-services/