In reference to the many questions received today regarding Snowzilla, below is the response from city officials.
Snowzilla Response
December 23, 2008
Anchorage prides itself on being a family-focused city, encouraging community spirit and comraderie. However, there must be a balance, especially for those most affected by spectacles like Snowzilla, which is the neighbors who are enduring hours of increased traffic flow; cars stopped and parked to take photos; the latest pattern of inebriated locals stopping in the middle of the night to photograph Snowzilla; and the overall impact of having a structure this size in the middle of a neighborhood. This is a neighborhood of small homes on small lots connected by small streets. It can't support the volume of traffic and revelers that are interested in Snowzilla.
This property owner has repeatedly ignored city attempts to find ways to accommodate his desire to build a giant snowman without affecting the quiet, residential quality of the neighborhood. The property owner appears to operate a large junk or salvage operation year-round from this residence. He has violated MOA land use codes for thirteen years. The owner has reneged on dozens of commitments he has made to his neighbors and city officials to cease the most offensive property uses. He currently owes the city more than $100,000 in fines and other assessments, primarily related to his junk and trash operations.
We continue to be willing to meet with the property owner to resolve these legitimate neighborhood concerns. We don't expect the city to take any further action until after the Christmas holiday.
Jenny Evans
Communications Director
Office of Mayor Mark Begich
907-343-7103
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