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Municipality plans transfer of long‑vacant Pine Street parcels to Habitat for Humanity, official says
Summary
Municipal staff told the Assembly committee they will introduce an action to transfer two long‑vacant Pine Street parcels to Habitat for Humanity and described coordinated code‑abatement and demolition work, plus new pre‑approved ADU plans to make small housing easier to build.
Bob Dole, director at the Municipality of Anchorage Office of Community and Economic Development, told the Assembly Housing and Homelessness Committee that the municipality will ask the full Assembly to approve transferring two long‑vacant parcels on Pine Street to Habitat for Humanity.
Dole said the properties were acquired decades ago for right‑of‑way purposes, have sat vacant and drew no offers when the city previously sought buyers. "We are proposing to transfer it to Habitat for Humanity," he said, adding the transfer would be introduced to the Assembly on March 24. Dole pointed to a prior successful transfer where Habitat removed an abandoned structure and replaced it with a duplex that brought attainable housing to the site.
Separately, Dole described the municipality's approach to the most dangerous properties, stressing interagency coordination among fire, police, health, land‑use and code abatement staff to prioritize sites that pose the greatest risk to occupants, neighbors and first responders. He cited two recent demolitions — a cleared lot on a Peterin address and the removal of a hazardous building at 1020 Edward Street — and said departments are coordinating follow‑up work with property owners.
Dole also described an arson incident at a debris pile following a demolition, and said firefighters were able to contain that fire without entering a building. "It highlights the challenges of these complex properties," he said, noting how multiple issues (structures, people and materials) can complicate abatement and cleanup.
On the housing‑building side, Dole said Development Services has rolled out pre‑approved building plans to simplify construction of accessory dwelling units and small structures. "Development Services is going forward with four pre‑approved plans available for anyone to build an ADU or a small structure," he said, noting the first plan is available on the municipal website and additional options will follow.
Next steps: the Assembly will receive an action seeking approval of the Habitat for Humanity transfer; staff said they will continue coordinated code‑abatement and demolition efforts and promote pre‑approved ADU plans to expand attainable housing.
