Housing
Goal
Improve the availability of affordable housing, both long-term and short-term, to accommodate working families, seasonal workers, seniors and students.
Actions
Open the Benchlands property.
Development costs are higher than anticipated. Strategies to proceed must be identified as development of housing and this land are important to Sitka’s future. Cost for project elements that benefit more than the subdivision (e.g. water tank) should not be paid solely by future lot owners.
- Research cottage home communities.
- Increase the availability of rental properties and seasonal housing.
- Devise a program so that some of Sitka’s 600-700 aging trailer units remain affordable.
- Support BIHA and THRHA housing projects.
- Support Sitka Borough actions relating to housing.
- Articulate that research shows success in developing and keeping affordable housing depends on long-term public sector involvement.
- Open up City lands for sale.
- Promote economic development activity as revenue source to alleviate tax assessments.
- Determine the need for additional senior housing and/or assisted living facilities and develop recommendations.
Status
Research is being done regarding senior housing options and recommendations for action.
SEDA is advocating for speedy development of the Benchlands property.
SEDA is researching affordable housing options, such as cottage communities/pocket neighborhoods.
To learn more about housing issues, please visit the Sitka Community Development Corporation website.
DOWNLOAD the 2007 Sitka Housing Report
