As Mayor LaFrance abates festering encampment, criminal camps spread and businesses lock doors

August 7, 2024

As Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance begins to clear street people camping on a stub of Fairbanks Street in midtown Anchorage, adjacent to Home Depot on Tudor, encampments are popping up across the city, with camps expanding on C Street by Walmart, as well as in greenbelts and parks.

Before the abatement started, the Eagle Street encampment had taken over the entire street, which dead ends past Brown Jug.

The CEO of Premier Health, located near Moose’s Tooth rests issued a warning to patients coming to the midtown location.

“This information is for the safety of our patients and our staff. Last week, the Municipality of Anchorage abated a large unhoused persons camp. Unfortunately, many of the displaced individuals are now setting up camp across the street from our office. Multiple businesses in the area, including Moose’s Tooth, Rock Gym, Kinley’s, and Alaska Job Corp, are being impacted. We are doing everything possible to address this issue within legal boundaries and maintain a safe and secure environment.”

This process will take time, said Premier CEO Laurie Mapes, with obvious concern for both staff and patients.

“In the meantime, our building will remain locked 24 hours a day. For your appointments, you will need to call us upon your arrival (phone number on the entrance door). Our staff will then meet you at the entrance.We appreciate your patience and understanding during this trying time, if you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”

Along 15th Avenue, a large encampment has grown by the rainbow-painted fishing reel bridge.

Along Northern Lights Blvd, the camp continues to grow at New Seward Highway under the watchful eye of Alaska’s member in Congress.

Camps have grown along state rights of way, including on 36th Ave. The Anchorage Assembly refused to allow former Mayor Dave Bronson to address the criminal element, which now Mayor LaFrance has inherited. Bronson attempted to set up a navigation center to get the drug addicts and down-and-outers some help, but the Assembly, led by LaFrance, threw roadblocks every step of the way.

Winter is coming. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, the city will start providing hotel rooms and free meals to many of these vagrants, and the cycle will continue next summer.

If you have seen an encampment that poses a safety problem to residents, add your comments and the location of the in the comment section below.