HH Construction to Begin July 7: Road Building in ‘Holtan Hills’ takes GBOS by surprise

Developer Says Local Trails Will Feel ‘Impact’

Survey tape indicates path of eradication of forested hills and meadows between Crow Creek Road and Glacier Creek in the area dubbed "Holtan Hills". (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

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". 

"Our access to public land is being threatened here in Girdwood," Burnett said. Given the "Holtan Hills" project and expansion plans by Alyeska Resort, "we're going to see our ability to access public land impacted negatively," said.

Critics have said the sprawling 60-acre "Holtan Hills" subdivision does not guarantee workforce housing and that most of the homes will become unoccupied "dark homes".

When asked about two parcels dedicated by the Assembly for affordable housing, Yoshimura said, "that is a discussion you'll have to have with the Heritage Land Bank."

Burnett said he expects the Board to contact HLB soon. "We have some questions for HLB to answer," he said.

The Assembly solicited for a consultant to act as a liaison between Girdwood and Anchorage but no one applied. During a second offering, one person submitted a bid, but was found to be unqualified.

Phone and email messages left for a Heritage Land Bank spokesperson were not returned in time for publication.

This is a developing story. Check back with TN for updates.