Author: Board Member

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Winter 2025 Newsletter – Issue XVII

Welcome to issue XVII of the Girdwood Inc Newsletter! Read on to learn more about the progress of the Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project, Little Bears Playhouse Art Request for Proposal, Girdwood Parks Plan, updates on Holtan Hills, Girdwood Arts Council, Safer Seward Highway Project, Girdwood Kids Grow and Ruane/Alyeska Highway proposed development.

Photo Credit: Julie Martyn Photography

Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project

Girdwood Inc is the fiscal sponsor for the Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project. The goal of the project is to build a new and safe childcare center in the Girdwood valley. We are excited to report that the joint project and new building for Little Bears Playhouse is moving along nicely! The center, which includes seven classrooms, and a multipurpose room is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. After 30 years of this community identified need, Little Bears Playhouse plans to open their new doors in Fall 2026. Waitlists will be cleared, and a new era of childcare experience will become available. Collectively, Girdwood Inc and Little Bears Playhouse have fundraised $5.6 M to date. Recent contributions include $200,000 from the Municipal Marijuana Tax, which is dedicated to childcare and early education. A financial need of $370,000 still exists to complete the building. We are also working hard to open the new facility with a playground, which has an additional financial need of $500,000 – 700,000. You can learn more or donate at www.girdwoodinc.org/childcare

Little Bears Playhouse Issues Art Request for Proposals (RFP)!

Little Bears Playhouse is issuing an RFP for the “Gratitude Tree(s)” artwork!

“Project Overview: Little Bears Playhouse, Inc. invites proposals from Alaska artists to design and create an original, two-dimensional or low-profile artwork titled “Gratitude Tree.” This installation will be prominently displayed on the lobby and hallway wall of our new childcare center and will serve as a donor recognition piece, honoring up to 300 contributors who helped make the new facility possible.

The artwork should evoke themes of gratitude, community, and growth, reflecting the spirit of Little Bears Playhouse and the Girdwood community. Because the piece will be placed in an active childcare environment, it must be durable, safe for children to occasionally touch, and made from materials that can withstand frequent cleaning and daily contact.”

To learn more about Little Bears Playhouse RFP, please visit www.littlebearsplayhouse.com or scan the QR code to be directed to the page.

Please see back page for our updated list of the donors to be recognized. We would like to extend a big “thank you” to all of you. If you would like to join the Gratitude Tree, please consider a donation today!

Girdwood Parks Plan

An open house was held for the Girdwood Parks Plan on September 16th. The contractor displayed boards of infographics using the results of a survey they conducted. The plan is commissioned and paid for by Girdwood Parks and Recreation and is actively underway. The Girdwood Parks Plan draft is expected to be presented at a public event scheduled for December 16th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Gerrish Library Girdwood Community Room.

Holtan Hills

CY Investments presented their newest plans for Holtan Hills in two recent meetings. The first, was held at The Meadows Community Room below Our Lady of the Snow Chapel on September 23rd. The meeting was well attended, and a new site plan was on display showing a total of 39 lots, two of which are programmed to be multi-family lots, in phase 1.

On October 21st, a public joint meeting of Girdwood Land Use and Girdwood Board of Supervisors was held at Gerrish Library Community Room with a panel of Holtan Hills project members. This was the “community meeting” required by the Municipal Planning process for a Planned Unit Development (PUD). At this meeting, the two lots which were identified in the ordinance for community housing purposes were discussed. Lance Wilber, who oversees Planning, Development and HLB, confirmed that Heritage Land Bank (HLB) would pay CY Investments fair market value for the lots, and it is the intention of HLB to donate them to a local nonprofit. The authorizing ordinance stated that one of the lots shall be multifamily and one lot single family or multifamily. The formal PUD and Platting application have been submitted to the Anchorage Planning Department. The hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

Girdwood Arts Council

The Girdwood Arts Council is convinced that Girdwood fills a special place in the broad art arena.  They believe this can be enhanced through cooperation and support of many excellent existing groups and individuals.  The Girdwood Arts Council (GAC) recently won a Community Arts Development Grant and a Workshop Grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. These grants will fund workshops and other programs that celebrate art creativity in Girdwood.  Eventually the GAC would like to develop a Girdwood Art Center.  Individuals interested in joining or supporting the effort can gain more information at girdwoodarts.org.  

Safer Seward Highway Project

The Safer Seward Highway initiative has run into resistance, as is common on major, strategic projects.  Department of Transportation (DOT) will continue to look at ways to improve the dangerous road between Bird and Potters Marsh.  We encourage readers to remain engaged and when possible, express specific concerns that need to be addressed. For example, Girdwood Inc is especially concerned about a half-dozen under-designed curves, and the dangerous highway conditions by the goat cliffs.  We also believe pedestrian and bicycle safety is woefully poor, and the pullout viewing opportunities and access points to the water for emergency response should be enhanced and increased.  

Girdwood Kids Grow

Building on a successful event of Little Bears Playhouse children and families planting and revitalizing the community garden near the existing building and KEUL radio station, Girdwood Inc received a State of Alaska Pediatric Development Grant for children 0-12. Girdwood Inc sponsored a “Girdwood Kids Grow” event for planting lilac and mock orange trees to replant the area disturbed for the childcare center’s new sewer line, on the right side of Our Lady of the Snows Chapel. Children rode Glacier Valley Transit from Little Bears Playhouse to the new building site. The children were able to view their new future building under construction and take part in planting the trees and spreading wildflower seeds. More funds will be utilized for landscaping and ornamental trees at the new childcare center, with children participating and learning about the growing process.

Girdwood Kids Grow

At the Girdwood School, this grant helped support the Girdwood School Garden. The Girdwood Inc contribution funded building new raspberry beds, planting garlic and organic fertilizers, in hopes of growing larger potatoes and healthy herbs. Girdwood School children also planted bulbs that they will see come up and flower in the spring. A special thanks and recognition to Summer Stone and Christie Davidson, who were instrumental in coordinating this effort at the Girdwood School.

Ruane and Alyeska Highway

A resolution of support from Girdwood Board of Supervisors has indicated they are supportive of a 13.5 acre section of land be subdivided off of a nearly 70 acre parcel at the corner of Ruane and Alyeska Highway. The 13.5 acre portion is zoned residential. The vast majority of the surrounding land is wetland, with no proposed development at this time. The resolution states support for a “community led development project” on the 13.5 acre residentially zoned tract.

The resolution states “GBOS supports the Heritage Land Bank subdivide the buildable tract from the parcel as a whole and designate the land for development by a Girdwood non-profit via Public Private Partnership, with a goal of at least 50% of the land dedicated to development of workforce/affordable housing purposes.” Heritage Land Bank has made efforts to complete the subdivision and has given the legal name “Orca Mountain View” for platting purposes. This item is expected to go before the Platting Board on January 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

Conceptual Designs:

Thank you donors!

If you notice anything that needs to be updated for the list above, please email girdwoodinc99587@gmail.com.

Until Next Time!

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Summer 2025 Newsletter – Issue XVI

Generous Donation Received

Girdwood Inc is thrilled to share about a generous donation received from The Byrne Family. On February 28th John Byrne III returned to Girdwood and announced the donation of $1,000,000 for the new childcare center.  The Girdwood Inc/Little Bears Playhouse building committee had offered building naming rights for a donation of this size. In a heartwarming speech, Byrne expressed interest in naming the building after decades-long Girdwood local volunteer Diana Livingston.

John Byrne III with Diana Livingston

Community Spotlight: Diana Livingston

Diana has called Girdwood home since 1976. She managed the books of several long-standing and successful Girdwood businesses. In 2004, she helped to found Girdwood Inc. This initiative, along with Chris von Imhof and others, helped preserve the Roundhouse at Alyeska. As the oldest structure on the mountain, it is now listed as a historical landmark. This action was deserving as it was a key feature of Mount Alyeska becoming the ski area it is today.

Diana has been a tireless community volunteer. She attended most Girdwood Board of Supervisors meetings for years and worked to fundraise infrastructure for the community she held dear. She served as Treasurer of Girdwood Inc for 20 years and remains a board member today. Diana is directly responsible for writing and being awarded grants for Girdwood and offering her CPA knowledge and expertise without any compensation.

Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project – Childcare Center Under Construction!

Girdwood Inc is pleased to report that state and municipal building permits are approved, and the childcare center has restarted construction!  The building pad is complete and deep plumbing has been installed, with the foundation pour expected soon. The project is on target to be substantially complete by spring 2026. Little Bears Playhouse will open their new doors by fall 2026. Follow along major building milestones at Girdwood Inc Instagram account: @Girdwood_Inc

You can read more about the upcoming building on a recently published story on Alaska Public Media here. The photo above is the 2025 Rendering of the to-be-built building! If you are interesting in joining our gratitude tree, please click here!

Girdwood Comprehensive Plan

At the March 18th meeting, the assembly passed the Girdwood Comprehensive Plan. The updated Plan has been underway for a least 7 years by local volunteers and is replacing a plan from 1995. Five amendments were passed to be included in the plan. The final step, assembly accepting Planning Department’s memorandum and approving the finalized plan including amendments, occurred on April 22, 2025. This means the new Plan is now considered fully adopted. Girdwood Inc was the fiscal sponsor for this project. We would like to extend our congratulations to former and current Imagine Girdwood board members, as well as nearly one thousand individuals who participated to reach this achievement. You can view the plan at imaginegirdwood.org and will also be archived on the municipal website.

Girdwood Parks Master Plan Process Begins

Now that the Girdwood Comprehensive Plan has been completed, Girdwood Parks and Recreation can begin on a Girdwood Parks Master Plan. A Parks Master Plan will “inform Girdwood Parks and Recreation’s efforts to prioritize future projects desired by the community, support strategies to improve well-loved existing resources, and to acquire new park areas and resources for development,” stated Kyle Kelley. Huddle AK has been selected to assist in the planning effort and work through 4 phases over the next 12 months. An advisory group is being created now, and stakeholder interviews are occurring this summer. Public workshops are planned for August and December 2025. These workshops will provide opportunity to comment and help shape the Girdwood Parks Master Plan.

Project Anchorage

At the March 18th meeting, the assembly voted to indefinitely postpone AO 2024-105(SA). If the ordinance had passed, the matter of a sales tax would have been put on the ballot for the voters to decide the fate of the proposed 3% sales tax, with 2% being applied toward a reduction in property taxes. The vote was 8-4, in favor of not placing the question on the ballot. An indefinite postponement means the item is no longer up for consideration, but any member could bring a new version forward in the future. Community members working on the proposed Girdwood Arts and Recreation District project voiced interest in continuing to pursue the project, regardless of the Project Anchorage sales tax initiative. Out of 300 ideas submitted, this project was included in the final top 10 to move forward on the ordinance, which speaks to its area-wide appeal.

Girdwood Arts Council

We would like to welcome a new organization, the Girdwood Arts Council, to our membership. It is established to help Girdwood as a premier art center, and to be a catalyst for a wide range of the arts. “Girdwood is a well-known artistic community, we should continue to build up this place-making trait. Many resort communities are home to beautiful arts centers, which draw visitors contribute to the overall culture of Girdwood,” said Girdwood Inc board member John Rense. Stakeholders and those who are interested in furthering the arts or joining a committee are encouraged to reach out to Girdwood Arts Council and take this survey. Read more at girdwoodarts.org.

Development in Girdwood

Regarding development, there is so much happening around town these days! Girdwood Board of Supervisors has been including a spreadsheet of the various development projects in their monthly packet. Spreadsheet Author: Mike Edgington

Department of Transportation’s “Safer Seward Highway” Project

The Safer Seward Highway project focuses on the area between Bird and Potters Marsh, which spans from milepost 98-118. Unfortunately, since so much of our lives involve that highway, Girdwood Residents and commuting workers are some of the most vulnerable groups to accidents and delays. DOT provided us a map showing historical accident locations in this part of the Seward Highway, although Chief Michelle Weston asserts the number is higher and many incidents are not reported, as they require law enforcement to enter into the system. DOT reports that after 2.5 years of investigation, they have concluded that a 4-lane highway is best for safety. DOT are implementing Safety Seward Highway “Express Projects,” which are improvements that will come sooner than the larger project and can be acted upon now. These include: Sign Safety Express Project – bigger and better signage for wayfinding and mileage markers in pullouts as requested by Chief Weston. There will be a hidden driveway sign added with expanded notice for McHugh Creek. You should notice all the new signs installed before July 1, 2025. The DOT is planning to add a left turn lane at McHugh Creek and do additional rock stabilization at milepost 113.2, where traffic is often routed into the pullout due to icefall issues. The DOT team is trying for 2025 improvements, but stated those are more likely to occur in 2026. Eventually a four-lane road could mostly eliminate the many-hour closures and other uncertainties that characterize that part of the Seward Highway. We applaud DOT’s numerous efforts to communicate their plans and progress. In addition to safety improvements, we see potential benefits such as a bike path, much better viewing areas, safer school transportation, and greater access to Girdwood from a large and important workforce.

Girdwood Farmers Market Returns

The Girdwood Community Land Trust (GCLT) will be continuing pop-up markets in town square again this summer. For the past 4 years, GCLT has provided permitting and insurance for the Girdwood Farmers Markets. The purpose of these markets is to encourage local economic development by providing an inexpensive option for small businesses to pop up, as well as create a fun and healthy way for families to interact. This year, the market will run every Sunday, except for Forest Fair weekend. This is an opportunity to support local businesses, artists, creators and musicians in a family friendly environment. Events are Sundays 11-4 PM. If you are interested in having a booth or signing up to play music, visit girdwoodlandtrust.org.

Crow Creek Mercantile

We would like to extend a thank you to Daria Severson, who is the manager down at the Crow Creek Mercantile. She has been surveying the community to better understand how the store can meet Girdwood’s needs. We encourage people to communicate their thoughts to her at “the Merc.” To date, she says price is the primary concern, but they are also trying to provide additional healthy options. The Merc is owned by Albertson’s and receives its supplies from the Carrs system. As we all know, Albertson’s has not taken steps to invest in Girdwood, so the Girdwood store managers and staff do the best they can. We appreciate their hard work, and the challenges of a very small space.

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Girdwood Inc Newletter Issue XV

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.

Water line install to Childcare Building
Water line install begins
Sewer line install begins
Project gravel delivered on site
Water Line and Sewer line installed October 2024.

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.

View as a slideshow

We humbly request your feedback on this project. After reviewing presentation, please click here to provide feedback. Thank you!

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Project Anchorage – Girdwood Arts and Recreation District Proposal

Girdwood Inc is neutral in regards to 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 Project Anchorage selection committee.

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).

There are multiple ways to access the proposal.

View PDF of the presentation.

View as a slideshow

We humbly request your feedback on this project:

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Issue XIV – What Girdwoodians Need to Know

Welcome to issue XIV of the Girdwood Inc Newsletter! Read on to learn more about the following topics: Alyeska Resort Development, Short Term Rental Regulation, Project Anchorage, Girdwood Area Plan public hearing, Girdwood Community Land Trust’s Request for Information on South Townsite, potential RV Park parcel and newest funding secured for Girdwood Inc/Little Bears Playhouse joint project.

Alyeska Resort Development:

In April, Alyeska Resort formally submitted their development plans to the Anchorage Planning Department.

In May, a Resolution of Support for modification to the Alyeska Resort Master Plan and Development plan was discussed and presented at Girdwood Land Use and Girdwood Board of Supervisors.

At the May Land Use Meeting, a motion to support the project via GBOS resolution was made and seconded. It was then amended to remove support for the Glacier Creek subdivision portion of the development plan. An opportunity to vote on the full project as proposed was not discussed or voted upon.

The following week, GBOS voted to approve the Resolution of Support, but removed the exception of Glacier Creek. This passed in a 3-2 vote. Within 24 hours, a special meeting was called to reconsider the vote. At this vote, the decision was made to keep the exception of Glacier Creek and be consistent with the vote that occurred at Land Use. The resolution was forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners in their packet.

On June 3rd the proposed Amendment to the Alyeska Resort Master Plan and Commercial Frag lot plan was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. During the hearing, it was discussed numerous times that the Glacier Creek subdivision is consistent with the current area plan, but not the newest map submitted to Planning for the Girdwood Area Plan. The area north of the airport has switched from Mixed Use to Open Space on the draft map between February and now. When speaking regarding both housing and recreation, Commissioner Krishna stated, “this seems to be a place where two of Girdwood’s top priorities are in conflict.” This area is proposed for Phase 4 and was given a 2031 timeline by the resort. Development for future phases will require additional future approvals. At this hearing, there was no testimony heard in opposition to any portion of Phase I. Phase I includes the childcare and learning center, recreation center, employee housing, condo building, hotel extension, additional parking and new ski school.

In June, Alyeska Resort and YMCA announced that the two entities have signed a letter of intent for the Recreation facility.

Short Term Rental Regulation:

Municipal-wide Short Term Rental regulation, via AO 2023-110, was passed by Assembly but vetoed by the Mayor. Randy Sulte, in his report to GBOS, mentioned that the Assembly lacks the votes needed to override the veto. Sulte also noted that there might be support within the Assembly for Girdwood-specific regulations.

Girdwood-specific regulations are now being discussed at Girdwood Housing and Economic Committee, Girdwood Land Use and Girdwood Board of Supervisors over the coming months.

Project Anchorage:

Taking inspiration from Oklahoma City, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation  (ADEC) is spearheading an effort to implement a new sales tax package, which also includes a reduction in property taxes. Jenna Wright from ADEC presented the item.

“Project Anchorage is an initiative put forward by a coalition of Anchorage businesses and business leaders to make Anchorage a better place to live, work and play. The initiative would implement a 3% sales tax to be dedicated as follows:

  • Two thirds of the revenue would go dollar for dollar to lower property taxes, increasing housing affordability and making Anchorage a more attractive place to live and do business.
  • One third of the revenue would fund projects that make Anchorage a better place to live, work and play.”

Wright indicated that a variety of projects from across the municipality, including Girdwood, will be selected in a package put forward to the assembly. The public is encouraged to submit their project ideas to their website: https://projectanchorage.com/ by September 15, 2024.

Girdwood Area Plan:

The public hearing for the Girdwood Area Plan is scheduled for July 15th 2024 at the Anchorage Loussac Library Assembly Chambers at 6:30 PM.

This is the public’s opportunity to comment or recommend changes to the plan before final approval.

7/14/2024 UPDATE from Imagine Girdwood:

“The Planning Department has proposed that PZC recommend 10 substantive changes to the Comprehensive Plan, including:

  • Remove requirements for Vegetative Buffers
  • Remove areas identified for Future Parks
  • Change land use for area north of airport to Mixed Use rather than Open Space
  • Extend area of Mixed Use in South Townsite “Squirrel Cages” rather than Open Space
  • Change land use for area west of Alyeska Basin to Low-Density Residential
  • Change Upper Valley from Commercial Recreation Reserve to Commercial Recreation
  • Clarify alternatives to road paving
  • Emphasize the Tsunami Risk to Old Girdwood

You can review the full comments from Planning along with comments from other agencies including HLB under Latest News at the imaginegirdwood.org website” or at the municipal agenda link here.

Maps Submitted to Planning:

Girdwood Community Land Trust – Request for Information – South Townsite:

If you have taken a walk through Forest Fair park area recently, you may have noticed the flooding occurring again around the pavilion area and beer garden stage. Girdwood Community Land Trust has been holding site visits for interested parties to view the neighboring parcel, to gain insight into how the meandering creek might affect the adjacent lower elevation parcel for future use. To share your thoughts regarding this area, please email girdwoodlandtrust@gmail.com. Responses for the RFI are due by  August 15th 2024.

RV Park – HLB Parcel 6-134:

This is the parcel under consideration and discussion at Girdwood Housing and Economic Committee for a permanent RV park. In the Heritage Land Bank Annual Work Plan it states the next steps for this item would be, an approval of the new updated area plan and “Girdwood South Townsite Master Plan – potential update after the GAP (Girdwood Area Plan) is complete.” Efforts will then commence to request a withdrawal from HLB to transfer the parcel to Girdwood Parks and Recreation. This would enable Girdwood Valley Service Area to initiate an RV park feasibility study as the next step.

Funding from State Budget:

Senator Cathy Giessel’s long-standing support for Girdwood continued this legislative session. Senator Giessel’s successful support for $500K in state funding for the much-needed Little Bears / Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project is just the latest she has helped secure funding for. The Senator’s support in previous years was key in funding for the Girdwood Clinic, upgrades to the Alyeska Highway path and other trails in the Valley, spearheading the funding to get the Anchorage Police Department patrol area to include the Seward Highway, among others.