Anchorage residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on a proposal that could change what kinds of housing can be built along some of the city’s major roads and transit corridors.
The Missing Middle Housing Opportunity Overlay, or MMHOP, goes before the Anchorage Assembly for a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 15.
MMHOP is a zoning tool that would create an optional overlay in some areas of the city, allowing for a wider range of residential development than current zoning may permit. The proposal includes housing types such as townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes—the kinds of housing often described as “missing middle” because they fall between detached single-family homes and larger apartment buildings.
Current zoning regulations can make housing more difficult or expensive to build, and the idea is that MMHOP could provide an option for flexibility around lot size, building dimensions, and the number and arrangement of structures on a property.
Supporters argue it creates desperately needed lower-cost housing by allowing more flexible lot sizes and building configurations. The city says the proposal is intended to expand housing options, make more efficient use of existing land, and support development along established transportation corridors.
Opponents have raised concerns about how additional development could affect existing neighborhoods, including issues such as parking, property impacts, and changes to neighborhood character.
Anchorage housing advocate Jason Norris said any potential changes would happen slowly, if MMHOP is adopted.
“The thing that people have a hard time envisioning is housing policy is like steering a battleship, and it takes forever to turn it, especially here in Alaska,” Norris said. “In 10 years you’re going to start seeing some of these buildings—enough that you’ll be like, ‘Oh, that’s new. That looks different.’”
Norris, who is also president of the Huffman/O’Malley Community Council, said concerns about changes to neighborhoods and off-street parking should be weighed against the difficulty some Anchorage residents face finding affordable housing.
“Are your fears of shadows and your fears of parking worth us losing an entire generation of Anchorage kids because they cannot afford to live here?” Norris said.
Rhys James is the creator and head organizer for Anchorage’s Youth Action Network, which has been organizing events for local youth to learn more about the housing initiative. She said she believes MMHOP is a viable option in getting young people to stay in Anchorage.
“Young people want to stay here,” James said. “We don’t want to have to live in other places—this is home. We want to stay and make Anchorage better, but it’s getting increasingly hard to do that.”
The Sept. 15 assembly meeting gives residents an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the proposal and share their views on a decision that could shape how Anchorage grows and what housing choices are available in the years ahead. The hearing begins at 6 p.m. at the Z.J. Loussac Library.
Victoria Petersen is an Anchorage-based freelance journalist covering food, culture and climate.
