
Austin Quinn-Davidson
1:05 - 1:54
"There is the direct public benefit that Alaska Natural Burials Project will provide much needed cemetery space for the municipality while also providing the indirect financial public benefit by not relying on taxpayer funding or the passing of bond measures."
“There is the direct public benefit that Alaska Natural Burials Project will provide much needed cemetery space for the municipality while also providing the indirect financial public benefit by not relying on taxpayer funding or the passing of bond measures.”
HLB staff recommends that the assembly approve this ordinance for several reasons. The use of this property as a natural burial cemetery is compatible with the surrounding open space and recreational uses. There is the direct public benefit that Alaska Natural Burials Project will provide much needed cemetery space for the municipality while also providing the indirect financial public benefit by not relying on taxpayer funding or the passing of bond measures. This project has proven to be one of the most highly supported projects I've ever experienced during my time at hlb. Over the years, we've received dozens of comments of support not only from community councils, but also from the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Management Services Division, the Municipal cemetery Director, and a long list of residents and who would love the opportunity to receive a natural burial in such a beautiful location.
The Anchorage Assembly will hold a public hearing Tuesday on transferring 9.6 acres of Heritage Land Bank property at no cost to Alaska Natural Burial for a natural burial cemetery, addressing the municipality's shortage of burial space after voters rejected a $4.1 million cemetery bond.
