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Residents thank Matanuska-Susitna Borough after Heather Way property cleanup
Summary
Multiple residents told the Assembly they felt safer and could resume everyday activities after borough staff cleared an abandoned property at 895 Heather Way. Assembly members and staff were thanked during public comment.
Several residents of the Tenaya and Heather Way neighborhoods told the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly on Feb. 19 they could again walk their children and dogs and drive out of their driveways after borough crews cleared an abandoned property at 895 Heather Way.
Speakers during audience participation repeatedly credited borough staff, Assemblymember Fonoff and Borough Attorney Jason Ortiz for leading the cleanup. “I would like to give my sincere thanks to the Mat Su Borough and their initiative and efforts in the cleanup of the property at 895 Heather Way,” a resident told the Assembly, adding that criminal activity had decreased and children could now walk safely in the neighborhood.
The comments were made during the Assembly’s general public comment period. Tenaya Community Council representative Will Hastings thanked "borough staff and the borough assembly for all the leadership and energy" that led to the cleanup, and urged the borough to develop a more structured approach for similar problems as the valley grows.
Assembly members publicly acknowledged the work during committee reports and thanked the staff and volunteers involved. The clerk also noted that the assembly received several related communications and that multiple assembly members highlighted the cleanup during their remarks.
Citizens who spoke said the cleanup restored a sense of safety and normalcy to the block, describing improved ability to walk their dogs, drive out of their properties without obstruction and reduced visible trash and abandoned vehicles.
The Assembly did not take a formal vote tied to the public comments during the meeting; the remarks were part of audience participation and committee reports. Borough staff present said they would continue coordination with community councils to identify similar problem properties and explore ways to respond more systematically.
The comments and staff acknowledgements indicate strong neighborhood support for the cleanup and point to interest from residents and some Assembly members in establishing clearer procedures for future property-abatement actions.
