Housing

The project was approved by the planning commission despite safety concerns brought up by neighbors, city officials and the fire department because of its hazardous location and the lack of easy access for emergency services.

The petition is called “Stop the Bulldozers on Telephone Hill.” The city plans to demolish the houses on the hill in December to make way for newer, denser housing in response to the city’s housing crunch.

The remnants of Typhoon Halong left a catastrophe in this Western Alaska village. The handful of people left there are determined — but face an immense challenge.

The mayor’s task force on short-term rentals wrapped up four months ago, but its findings offered no immediate recommendations on regulations or restrictions.

The shelter accepts anyone who comes in search of a place to sleep, as long as they aren’t disruptive to other patrons. It’s a stopgap solution and meant to be a last resort for people to go for the night when the weather gets cold.

The hope was that by allowing for denser housing in those areas, it would entice private developers to build units there. But so far, nobody’s biting.