Municipality proposes transferring long‑vacant Pine Street lots to Habitat for Humanity

Bob Dole, director for the Municipality of Anchorage Office of Community and Economic Development, told the Assembly Housing and Homelessness Committee that the municipality plans to transfer two Pine Street parcels that have sat vacant since 1984 to Habitat for Humanity at no cost.

"Habitat for Humanity reached out to us and suggested we transfer it to them at zero cost and they will develop them," Dole said, describing the proposed transfer that staff will introduce to the Assembly on the 24th. He showed a prior MOA transfer where Habitat replaced an abandoned building with a duplex as an example of the intended outcome.

Dole also described a coordinated approach to code abatement and property management, saying the municipality has more problem properties than it can address and is shifting from siloed department responses to monthly multi‑agency meetings that prioritize the most dangerous sites. He listed recent demolitions, including properties noted on the record as "392 3902 Peter" and "1020 Edward Street," and said owners or landlords in those cases obtained demolition permits after coordination with municipal departments.

Dole warned that such sites can present complex safety risks: a debris pile at one recently demolished lot was set on fire after removal, but crews contained a rubbish fire outside the building so firefighters did not have to perform an interior search. He framed the demolitions and coordinated response as steps to reduce hazards to occupants, neighbors and first responders.

On housing supply, Dole said Development Services has posted the first of four pre‑approved small‑structure plans on the municipality website to help owners and builders create accessory dwelling units and small affordable structures, which staff called a "multiplier of the housing options in our municipality." He closed by inviting questions; none were raised at the work session.

The committee will see an action to transfer the Pine Street parcels to Habitat for Humanity at the Assembly meeting referenced by staff, and staff said the transfer is intended to spur development of affordable duplexes on lots that already have off‑site infrastructure.