Welcome to issue XV of the Girdwood Inc Newsletter! Read on to learn more about the following topics: Girdwood Area Plan moves to Anchorage Assembly, Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project and update on the new Little Bears Building, and the Girdwood Arts and Recreation District project.
Girdwood Area Plan
A message from Imagine Girdwood: “The Anchorage Assembly will hold a public hearing on adoption of the Girdwood Comprehensive Plan on the evening of December 17th. While the Girdwood community has been extensively involved in developing the draft plan over several years, the Assembly decides whether to adopt it or change it. This is your chance to send written comments and/or speak directly to Assembly members before they vote.
The new Girdwood Comprehensive Plan sets the high-level goals and policies for land use and other development within Girdwood Valley, replacing the existing plan which was written over 30 years ago.
More information can be found on imaginegirdwood.org”
Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project
The joint project of Girdwood Inc and Little Bears Playhouse has made exciting new progress. Site clearing occurred in July. Test holes were dug in August to confirm the geotechnical core sample was accurate. In October, the water line and sewer line were installed. The gravel needed for the project was successfully delivered to the site. The building pad will be completed before the end of May 2025 and vertical construction is planned to begin in June 2025. Construction is set to be completed by Spring 2026. Little Bears intends to open its doors to the new facility in Fall 2026.
These important steps are in part due to a wonderful team of volunteers who participate on Building Committee. This includes Joan Lower (Little Bears President), Justina Phillips (Building Committee Chair), Rachel Byers (Little Bears Executive Director) John Rense (Girdwood Inc.), Ana Kaiser and Andrea Anderson. Girdwood Inc would like to express our thanks to these individuals for their time and commitment to making the new and safe childcare facility in Girdwood a reality for decades to come.
Little Bears Playhouse was recently gifted a $132,754 donation by the John Trautner Trust. This is both a step forward for the overall stability of the organization and contribution toward the new building.
Project Anchorage Update:
Girdwood Inc is neutral regarding the Project Anchorage proposed sales tax initiative.
Local Girdwood citizens participated on a working group to submit a proposal to include Girdwood, should the tax pass.
The proposal was chosen by Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Project Anchorage selection committee, to be included on the slate of proposed projects to be funded, should the initiative pass assembly and move to a vote of the Anchorage voters in April.
Should the project proceed, Girdwood Inc has voted and is willing to be the fiscal sponsor for the project. Girdwood Inc has previously served as fiscal sponsor on: Roundhouse at Alyeska renovation and restoration, Girdwood Library and Community Room project and the Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project (new Little Bears Building).
View the Presentation for Girdwood Arts and Recreation District proposal.
We humbly request your feedback on this project. After reviewing presentation, please click here to provide feedback. Thank you!
