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Urban Design Commission approves AMATS Fish Creek Trail connection
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Summary
The commission unanimously approved the 1.1-mile AMATS Fish Creek Trail connection from Northern Lights Boulevard to the Coastal Trail, endorsing the 75% design, safety improvements and AMATS funding plan; petitioner and supporters cited long-standing public backing and a planned pedestrian bridge and retaining wall.
The Urban Design Commission on Wednesday voted 6–0 to approve case 2026-0047, the AMATS Fish Creek Trail connection, a proposed roughly 1.1-mile non-motorized pathway linking Northern Lights Boulevard to the Coastal Trail.
Planning staff recommended approval, saying the project is consistent with Anchorage planning documents and noting recent supportive comments from stakeholders. "We found this trail to be consistent with elements of the comprehensive plan and other plans and studies with the municipality," a staff presenter said.
Petitioner Matt Edge of CRW Engineering described the 75% design, including a 40-foot pedestrian bridge over Fish Creek supported on piles, a 350-foot soldier-pile retaining wall to set the trail below adjacent yards, and fencing to limit trespass near railroad tracks. "This project's been going on for almost 30 years," Edge said, referencing the 1997 area-wide trails plan; he said AMATS provides 90% of the funding with the municipality providing approximately a 10% local match.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about fencing, wildlife, drainage, maintenance and visibility for neighboring properties. Edge said the estuary-side fence is proposed as a 3-foot wood-clad chain-link and the railroad-side fence as a 6-foot chain link with barrier (and barbed wire at the top), required to reduce trespass. He acknowledged design options for openings to prevent animals from being trapped between fences.
Diana Rhodes of the Anchorage Park Foundation testified in support, citing decades of community planning and voter-approved bonds that produced the local match. "We are a strong supporter of the Fish Creek Trail," Rhodes said, adding that place‑making elements — including an indigenous place-names plaza at the estuary — are envisioned.
During deliberations commissioners cited compliance with adopted plans, safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, and extensive stakeholder outreach as reasons to approve the project. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Lenegg and seconded by Commissioner Strait; the commission voted 6–0 to pass the project.
Next steps: the approval is a commission recommendation and parties of interest have a limited period to file appeals under AMC procedures before the commission's written findings and decision are finalized.
