HH Construction to Begin July 7: Road Building in ‘Holtan Hills’ takes GBOS by surprise
Developer Says Local Trails Will Feel ‘Impact’
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
The developer of a planned "Holtan Hills" subdivision behind Girdwood's school said Monday that road construction will begin July 7 and affect two popular local trails for three months this summer.
Fences, "private property" signs and "no trespassing" signs will appear in an area long considered public lands. Two trails, the Middle Iditarod Trail and Girdwood School's Athabascan Trail may see closure.
The news, which came unannounced during a Girdwood Board of Supervisors meeting, took supervisors by surprise.
"At the point in time (when) the road is under construction at the entrance of Holtan Hills, there will be a sign that says 'private property' and 'no trespassing'," developer Connie Yoshimura told the Board. "I know that many of you have used that as trail and walking areas. Unfortunately this is what insurance requires."
The Anchorage Assembly approved the so-called "Holtan Hills" despite overwhelming local opposition last year. A swath, 10 feet wider in places than permitted, was clearcut into old-growth forest behind the school in August.
Yoshimura said a contract for $2 million was signed with GMC Construction and that the company is currently "shopping" for gravel.
Construction of a road and gas, sewer and electric connections will take place during the height of summer tourist traffic in downtown Girdwood and will continue past the opening of school in early August.
"We were quite frankly a little disappointed (GMC Construction) could not begin a little earlier but it was their choice to begin after the Forest Fair," Yoshimura said.
Supervisor Brian Burnett called the lack of details surrounding construction "unacceptable".
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Dachshunds invade Girdwood
Rotary and Girdwood Brewery Coordinate Fall Festival Fun
By Brooks Chandler
TN Contributor
With impeccable timing the Girdwood Rotary Club hosted its second Fall Festival at Girdwood Town Square Park Saturday on the first day of fall, Sept. 21.
Dry skies and a blessed burst of afternoon sun lent a soothing aura to fairgoers wandering past a variety of booths.
The sense of community was palpable as friends and neighbors reconnected. Kids played corn hole, “Ring the Stump” and blew giant bubbles in the park center. Pumpkins abounded and provided a lovely backdrop for family photos.
But dogs were by far the stars of the fair—not only the hot dogs sold next door from one of Girdwood’s newest food trucks—but a stunning array of dachshunds.
Who knew so many of these “hot dogs” lived in Anchorage and Girdwood?
Yet there they were parading from the park to Girdwood Brewery in a variety of costumes: green checked hats, pink boas, hot dog coats, and doggy lederhosen.
Neither dogs nor dog owners seemed uncomfortable to be seen in such finery. Traffic was backed up on Alyeska Highway as dozens of dogs and owners crossed from the bike path to the brewery where a dog race was held. Results were not available at press time.
Read the entire story and see more photos at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/dachshunds-invade-girdwood