Proposed road would cut across small businesses

WASILLA — After years of providing services to the residents of Wasilla, the Windbreak Café and Six Robblees Inc. are fighting to keep their businesses alive.

Recent development of the area behind the businesses along the Parks Highway has stirred up controversy that spilled into Monday’s Wasilla City Council meeting. The controversy stems from a proposal by developer Jack Barrett, who wants to build a retail center in the area. His plans include a new road that, if built, would run through the Six Robblees warehouse and bisect a corner of the Windbreak’s property. The city is considering the proposal, including the road. Although city council hasn’t made a final decision on the plans, those opposed wanted to be sure the council is aware of their concerns.

Business owners, employees and the general public said they would not stand by while two longtime Wasilla businesses are strong-armed by the new guy on the block.

“It would essentially destroy our business,” said Sean Benahan, manager of Six Robblees. “Six Robblees stands firmly against this proposal.”

Annete Andres spoke on behalf of Bob Andres, her husband and owner of the Windbreak Café. She referred to a letter sent out by Mayor Dianne M. Keller informing some businesses and residents that the city is willing to take a “more aggressive approach” toward securing the land for the proposed retail center and road. Disgusted by the letter, Andres wanted to make the public aware that the city seems willing to be “aggressive” in taking land from small business owners.

“I think the city needs to learn how to conduct business in an open and transparent fashion,” Andres said.

A roar of applause filled the council chambers after each of about five residents voiced their opposition to the road, while some council members waited to make their own positions known.

“We built this city,” Wasilla resident Alice Massie said. “Let’s not sell out to all the big box stores and big money.”

“While I’m still on [Wasilla city] council there’s no way big development is going to come in and push out small businesses,” council member Steve Menard said.

Deputy Mayor Ron Cox and council member Mark Ewing agreed with Menard. Mayor Keller did not take a position saying the issue is still being discussed among council and staff.

Contact Chris Gillow at 352-2284 or at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com.