Anchorage delays decision on Linda's Place shelter permit

The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission postponed its decision on a conditional use permit for Linda's Place until Dec. 14.

The 150-bed homeless shelter operates at 1911 E. Fifth Ave. under a temporary emergency order issued in 2024 by the Anchorage Health Department.

Operators from MASH Property Management are seeking the permit to transition the facility to permanent status and meet city licensing requirements.

Shirley Eichholz, who has lived on East Fourth Avenue for her entire life, testified at the commission's Oct. 19 meeting that she has faced harassment since the shelter opened in September 2025.

Eichholz reported three incidents on her properties and one in a nearby alley. She stated that a man tried to drag her from her car during one encounter, while another incident involved a man with a knife who attempted to throw urine at her.

Lisa Stephens of Castle Megastore, a sexual wellness business adjacent to the shelter, also raised concerns. She cited dumpster fires, human waste on the property, and shelter guests offering services to customers in the parking lot.

Stephens noted that customer traffic and the appraised value of her property have decreased since the shelter opened. She stated, "However, supporting this mission should not come at the expense of the safety of neighboring businesses, employees, customers or residents."

Police data from April onward shows that first responders are called to the shelter almost daily. These calls involve mental health crises, trespassing, disturbances, and sexual assaults.

Phil Johnson, general manager of Air Source Alaska on East Third Avenue, described the area as a "zombie apocalypse." He said his company hired private security for $1,400 a month to protect employees and vehicles.

Johnson submitted a letter on Oct. 16 asking the commission to deny the permit. He argued that a for-profit company is negatively impacting his business through vandalism, loitering, and drug activity.

Sheldon Fisher, co-founder of MASH Property Management with former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, said the permit is a core requirement for the shelter's license.

Fisher noted that the city awarded MASH a contract in July 2024 for up to $11.1 million to operate the shelter through the end of 2027. He said the company has increased safety patrols to a continuous, around-the-clock schedule and is considering body-worn cameras to document their work in the neighborhood.