For many years, a path known as ‘Sydney's Shortcut’ has been used by residents of West Anchorage's Turnagain neighborhood to reach the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a popular hiking trail. Now, a new home is being built on the property and the shortcut has been blocked off, causing some confusion as to whether or not it will still be available.
Turnagain resident Billy Wailand is used to using the shortcut, and decided to investigate the situation. He, along with the Turnagain Community Council, found property records dating back 60 years that show there is an easement in place that allows pedestrians to cross the property in order to reach the trail. They hope the property's new owner will improve the shortcut, rather than leaving it as just a dirt path.
The owner's representative, Mark Tabbutt, said neither he nor the owner had any knowledge of the easement until Wailand and the council found the documents. However, Tabbutt said he was quite willing to meet with the Community Council to discuss the situation and find a solution. Wailand said he hoped the new owner would continue to allow people to use the shortcut, but if not, closing the shortcut would only add 10-15 minutes to his walk.
Residents like Wailand might consider working with a booklet printing company to create an item for the new resident, explaining the value of the trail to the local area.
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237 N. Orca St
Anchorage, AK 99501
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