Sitka’s planning division will examine whether there are any sections of state-owned and city-owned land that can be used for housing development.
Both the comprehensive and strategic plans for Sitka aim to solve the city’s housing crisis. Amy Ainslie, Planning Director of Sitka Planning Commission, highlighted areas of municipal land that could be used for housing development at a recent meeting. Ainslie stated that she focuses on large areas of land close to power and water connections.
Ainslie stated that the further you are from the utility infrastructure, the higher the cost will be. “And if the goal is affordable housing, then obviously having high utility expenses…contravenes the whole goal, right?”
Ainslie stated that Sitka High School, which is on a large portion of city-owned land, is at the top. She suggested that the Indian River Valley be considered as a state-owned area.
Ainslie stated that “I believe it’s an area worth investigating and with the current administration there has been some interest to work with municipalities to open state land, in particular to grant state lands to municipalities.” “There is a lot of emphasis on housing also. It’s a great opportunity to work with the state on this piece.
Ainslie stated that there are three things city staff must answer when evaluating land: whether it is safe and buildable; how many housing can be built in this area; and what it will cost. Ainslie stated that she is budgeting for a study on the properties. She hopes to start it by the end of next fiscal year and then fund it through grants.
Commissioner Katie Riley expressed excitement about the possibility of more land being made available for housing. However, she pointed out that this doesn’t address the immediate issue of Sitka’s affordable housing.
“Houses get built. Riley stated that they are sold to those who are able to afford them. This is often not the people looking for housing in the town. So having a discussion amongst the body of affordability, what does that mean? It’s something that everyone has a different opinion on so I’m eager to explore it as well.”
Martina Kurzer, a Sitka resident, said that she hopes developers will consider other options than single-family homes when they make public comments. She mentioned the apartment buildings she saw while on a recent trip in Juneau’s Auke Bay.
“I saw three buildings that were very attractive…overlooking the harbor there,” Kurzer said. “And I was curious, they have much more space than us. Is that a problem? What are we able to do? What could we do to make the most of the space we have?
Ainslie the planning director said that the commission might hold a special session in the new year to get more feedback from the community about the land and potential housing development.
