Girdwood Begins Construction on Holtan Hills Development

Girdwood Begins Construction on Holtan Hills Development

Construction for the Holtan Hills housing development has officially started in Girdwood, Alaska. This significant project aims to clear paths for roads, walkways, and utility lines through a local rainforest, marking the beginning of what will be Girdwood’s largest development in decades. The development is situated on wooded land northwest of the Alyeska Resort and will include critical housing options amidst growing community concerns over affordability and local impact.

Details of the Project

The first phase of the Holtan Hills project involves preparing 50 “shovel-ready” home sites that will accommodate various types of housing, including homes, duplexes, and townhouses. Additionally, there are plans for two multifamily lots expected to provide about 20 housing units. The total project spans 60 acres and was approved by the Anchorage Assembly last year, following an agreement made in 2022 between the project’s developer, Connie Yoshimura of CY Investments, and the Heritage Land Bank.

Community Concerns and Support

Despite the assembly’s approval, the project has faced strong opposition from many Girdwood residents. Concerns center around housing affordability, potential displacement, and the risk of public money benefiting private developers. More than half of the existing residential units in Girdwood have recently been converted into “dark homes” or short-term rentals, exacerbating affordability issues in the area.

Supporters of Holtan Hills, including Yoshimura, argue that the development will alleviate the tight housing market, which has been considerably tightened by soaring home prices and a lack of housing availability for local residents and workers. To address some housing concerns, guidelines have been established limiting short-term rentals on single-family homes and the majority of multifamily units in the development. Specific provisions require that two multifamily lots will be designated for a Girdwood housing trust, aiming to promote affordable options.

Project Transparency and Future Discussions

The developer has attempted to foster transparency by disseminating over 600 announcements regarding the project to the Girdwood community. However, skepticism persists among community representatives, particularly regarding the financial implications for the city and the overall feasibility of the project. The project’s future success will also depend on additional municipal funding for the necessary infrastructure upgrades.

Recognizing the local opposition, Yoshimura has highlighted a commitment to building a thriving community, urging a focus on the long-term benefits for Girdwood residents.

Upcoming Public Meeting

A public meeting is scheduled for September 23 at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows. The purpose of this meeting is to provide further details about the Holtan Hills development and allow residents to voice their concerns. Furthermore, the Anchorage Assembly plans to discuss additional restrictions related to short-term rentals in light of the community’s worries.

Conclusion

The Holtan Hills development represents both a significant opportunity and a challenge for Girdwood. As construction progresses, balancing the demand for housing and the needs of the local community will be essential to ensure this development meets its goals without exacerbating existing affordability issues.