The condition of The structures that line the streets of Nome has been a topic of discussion for years. Buildings that appear dormant and unattended are a common sight, but the actual number of empty buildings in this northern hub may surprise even local observers.
At the Nome City Council meeting early this week, city planning commissioner Sara Lizak raised the issue of Nome’s unattended buildings while proposing a new registry and a new set of accompanying regulations for the city’s vacant structures. “A third of our buildings are vacant, I think it is over a third, and many of them are not currently being maintained,” Lizak noted. The directives would help keep property owners accountable for the care and upkeep of vacant properties. These regulations and registry were brought before the council for a first reading during the meeting.
The issue of vacant housing is not a new issue for Nome. A 2013 community survey conducted by the City of Nome, Lizak says, showed a surprisingly high degree of concern among local residents regarding the status of their town’s vacant properties. “I wasn’t expecting the magnitude of the negative feelings that people really had and elaborated on, and so, I really encourage you all to look at those comments and get an idea of what people are thinking and feeling about how we are not maintaining our community very well,” Lizak said to the council.
Councilman Matt Culley echoed Lizak’s sentiments. As he addressed the council on the proposed ordinance that would enact the new registry and regulations, he said, “I know that it is stringent, I know there are things in there we don’t like, but I think it is the right step forward. It’s about time we make this town something special.”
The city council agreed to open the vacant structure registry to public discussion in an upcoming meeting.
