On Sept. 21, my 5-year-old daughter and I set out to watch the sunset, but we encountered a tragic scene — a dead body covered in a sheet in the middle of West Northern Lights Boulevard. Since Aug.
31, six pedestrians have lost their lives on Anchorage streets, a reality that deeply impacts countless families and residents.
I’ve taught my daughter vital traffic safety lessons. She knows to raise her hand in busy areas, to stop and look both ways and always use crosswalks. Ask any resident and they will provide a litany of experiences with dangerous pedestrians on Anchorage roads. As we navigate these tragic events, I find it hard to place the blame solely on drivers. The emotional burden of these accidents extends to them as well, leaving a lasting trauma for everyone involved.
Recent policy changes, like the removal of jaywalking fines, were intended to create safer conditions for pedestrians but have seemingly led to more chaos on our streets. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance recently stated that everyone deserves secure streets, yet the administration’s approach to homelessness — allowing individuals to camp on public property even when shelter is available — complicates safety for the broader community.
With around 1% of Anchorage’s population experiencing homelessness, many residents now feel unsafe in public spaces, diminishing our ability to enjoy what our city has to offer. The consequences are evident, with a 2.3% population decline over the past decade, contributing to labor shortages and rising crime.
It is crucial that we prioritize the safety and well-being of the 99% of residents who seek to live in a secure environment. Balanced policies that address the rights of the community at large and the root causes of homelessness are essential.
How can we work together to advocate for the meaningful changes our community desperately needs?
— Elizabeth Irwin
Anchorage
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