The COVID-19 delta variant is further complicating the city’s efforts to find enough shelter capacity for Anchorage’s homeless population this winter.
Sullivan Arena was never meant to be a long-term solution. Still, as the mayor and the Assembly have yet to agree on a plan, some officials suggest it should stay a shelter beyond September.
“This is an opportunity that will not come again,” said Dr. John Morris. “It will not come again.”
The mayor said Wednesday he was reevaluating the situation and expects to share a new plan soon.
In a procedural twist, members of the Assembly refused to put Bronson’s proposal on the agenda for a public hearing at their next meeting on July 27.
Some Assembly members have sent a counterproposal, calling on the mayor to allow more time to develop the plan, and suggested continuing to use Sullivan Arena through the winter.
Mayor Dave Bronson, who had until Friday to follow through on a deal set up by the former administration, will instead push for a large-scale shelter in East Anchorage.
Members of Bronson’s administration said they will request about $15.3 million for their own shelter proposal, involving a single large-scale homeless shelter and navigation center in East Anchorage.
Visits to shelters in California and Nevada cited by Anchorage officials offer a glimpse into what’s working — and what isn’t.
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Officials say they’re seeking new ways to address the homelessness problem, which has worsened dramatically since the pandemic began.
Anthony Herring, 21, is facing murder charges in the death of 37-year-old Jaclyn Welcome.
“We do police. We do fire. Guess what? Now we do homeless,” Bronson told the audience at a packed town hall focusing on his plan.
The town hall is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Wilda Marston Theater.
The plan, involving city property along Tudor Road, represents a big potential change in the city’s role in addressing homelessness.
Homeless service agencies and Anchorage Assembly members say they’re hearing the administration plans for “dome-like” fabric structures near the old Anchorage Police Department headquarters that could serve up to 900 people.
The Assembly narrowly voted against waiting to take up the shelter licensing ordinance until after Mayor-elect Dave Bronson takes office in July, and plans to consider both proposals on June 22.
City officials say it would help ensure that shelter users, nearby businesses and residents are kept safe. But some shelter providers worry adding more requirements could burden already-strained resources.
Cheryl Frasca, a longtime fiscal policy official, will lead a budget review team. Dr. John Morris, a local anesthesiologist, will develop Bronson’s strategy for improving homelessness in Anchorage.
The Assembly is holding town halls on the two ordinances, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday at the Dena’ina Center.
