Basher Trailhead lot goes to hearing Monday at 52 spaces, under estimated demand

Anchorage planning staff recommend approval, with five conditions, of a plan to replace the 16-vehicle gravel lot at the Basher Trailhead with a 52-space paved lot, with a public hearing set for Monday, Sept. 14. The applicant is the Municipality's Project Management and Engineering Department, with Parks and Recreation.

Voters funded it: $300,000 for design on Proposition 9 in April 2025, and $1.65 million for construction on the April 2026 Chugach State Park Access bond.

A survey of 408 respondents between Dec. 17, 2025 and Jan. 16, 2026 found 70% cited limited parking availability and 47% cited unsafe roadside parking.

The recommendation carries reservations. Staff warn the lot "will likely attract more private vehicle users to the area, especially if the parking is not priced," and urge that the facility be "cost neutral to the Municipality." Accessible spaces drop from six to three.

The design started near 60 spaces, fell to 45, then rose to 52, still under the Municipality's own demand estimate of 80 to 100 spaces. Seven CASA Advisory Committee members, a majority, asked for a return to 60, or room to stripe them later, plus space for a shuttle.

The Assembly took it up April 14 in a resolution asking for 60 spaces unless the administration justified otherwise. Members struck the section declaring they would withhold construction money, 9-2, then the motion to approve failed 5-6.

The hearing is 6:30 p.m. at the Z.J. Loussac Library. Written comments are accepted until 1 p.m. Friday.