Opinion: Invest in sustainable infrastructure

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While the girl’s parents are busy at work, the girl and her grandfather are enjoying an afternoon downtown. Suddenly the girl crossed her legs with a worried expression and she said: go! ” He held her hand and looked around her, and as he stood up he realized that he too “had to go.” But here? There are no porta potties in the park, the mall is several blocks away, and you will have to buy something to find a store that has a restroom (if there is one).

where can they go? Where are you going?

We support the “Anchorage Goes” proposal. Proposition 8 is a community-wide public restroom deposit aimed at Anchorage voters during the upcoming April 2nd regular city election. This proposal addresses the critical need for public toilets across the municipality to serve residents and visitors of all ages, paying close attention to cleanliness, safety, accessibility and cost-effectiveness. It corresponds to

The proposed bond package (totaling $5 million) would allow the city to competitively purchase, equip, and most importantly maintain approximately 10 to 15 public restrooms throughout Anchorage over the next 20 years. You will be able to do this. These toilets (one example of the brand is the famous “Portland Loo”) are made of thick steel. These durable, easy-to-clean units withstand heavy use and are resistant to vandalism and staining.

Why not continue signing up more portable toilets? The city has used this service in parks and other public spaces, but these units are not suitable for permanent, year-round use. Currently, Anchorage spends more than $450,000 annually on portable bathrooms, which are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and maintain. The contractors we work with are becoming less and less interested in working with municipalities because of the abuse of property. Unlike plastic portable toilets, the bathrooms purchased under this proposal will provide communities with a more robust, long-lasting and hygienic solution in high-traffic public locations.

Safety is our top priority. These facilities include features such as ground- and ceiling-level openings for increased visibility, motion-sensing blue lights to deter illegal activity, and practical designs to prevent lingering. The unit is designed to operate in cold climates and is currently in use in areas from Boston to Western Canada. The unit must be plumbed and include a small heating element to keep the water flowing during the coldest months of winter, as well as a hand-washing feature and a fountain feature to fill water bottles.

It is important to emphasize that these public toilets are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. These facilities are meant to serve the entire community: mothers with young children, seniors exploring downtown, out-of-state tourists, the homeless or the disabled.

Where will these units go? The city has already begun a study to identify locations that will best serve the community, from downtown to popular parks and trailheads in areas like Chugiak and Girdwood. doing. Through collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation and other partners, a comprehensive study is currently being conducted to determine the best location for these units to inform future decisions regarding restroom placement.

And why the high cost? The answer is simple. The bond offer would provide the funds to not only buy these units in year one, but also guarantee his one generation’s worth of maintenance to keep them in good condition. The proposed $5 million includes both purchase and installation costs, as well as 20 years of maintenance (mainly regular cleaning) to ensure continued safety and functionality. Also includes an annual maintenance fee of $30,000 per unit. From abandoned public restroom buildings years ago to the legacy of deferred maintenance from the Project 80s, our community has learned from our mistakes. Unlike before, smart investments in public infrastructure can be made with maintenance funding.

As Anchorage residents participate in the ongoing vote-from-home election, we urge you to support this practical proposal. Ballots will be mailed on March 12th and it is imperative that voters make their voices heard by returning their ballots by 8pm on April 2nd at the latest.

christopher constant (District 1), Meg Zaletel (District 4), and anna broley (District 3) He serves on the Anchorage Assembly and is a co-sponsor of Proposition 8.

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