A local architect is warning that Juneau’s plan for Telephone Hill is a “time bomb” that could leave taxpayers footing the bill for expensive liabilities. Carole Bookless, a Douglas resident, has ignited a fresh wave of opposition to the city’s high-density redevelopment plan, accusing officials of rushing a confusing and inconsistent Request for Qualifications (RFQ) through the Assembly.
The critique surfaced during a Monday night Committee of the Whole Worksession as the Juneau Assembly reviewed the next steps for the 1.4-acre downtown site. The proposal seeks to transform the historic land into a residential neighborhood featuring up to 155 housing units, including 30 designated as affordable housing. But for Bookless, the document governing the project is fundamentally flawed.
Contract risks clash with ecology
Bookless argues that any ambiguity in a contract provides a loophole for developers to inflate costs. Beyond the finances, she pointed to a glaring contradiction regarding the site’s ecology. While the RFQ prioritizes green spaces, Bookless noted that the methods required to prepare the site appear to negate those very goals.
“There is no way to keep the trees on site if you blast the top off with dynamite,” she wrote.
The visual impact of the project also remains a point of contention. Bookless cited Place Guide drawings that show all trees being removed from the main site, contradicting the project's stated intent to blend into the surroundings. “Based on a need to blend in with the trees, the buildings are supposed to be dark on the exterior—I can’t imagine what dark material is envisioned for the buildings and I am anxious about the neighborhood feel of massive dark buildings,” she said.
Allegations of rigged selection processes
The selection process itself is under fire. Bookless claimed the current RFQ draft lacks an evaluation point system, a deficiency she suggests could make the developer selection process appear “whimsically” or “rigged,” potentially exposing the city to lawsuits.
She further argued that the document fails to account for the specific engineering demands of Southeast Alaska, such as earthquakes, high winds, steep slopes, and remote logistics. “I was told that local experience cannot be a consideration, but it should be,” Bookless said. “Building on a flat site in the middle of an urban or rural prairie in the Lower 48 does not equate to building on Telephone Hill.”
City manager defends long-term vision
City manager Katie Koester stood by the document, describing the RFQ as the result of “three years of extensive public process, debate, and work.” While she acknowledged the complexities of the project, Koester maintained that the Assembly has worked to align the vision with community values. “However, we understand that there are many factors that influence feasibility and a developer’s ability to bring the project to fruition,” Koester said.
The redevelopment is already mired in legal and physical tension. Following an Assembly decision in June 2025 to evict occupants from 13 homes, a civil lawsuit is scheduled to begin next month. Last month, fencing was installed around the Telephone Hill site to secure the properties.
The timeline ahead
Despite the pushback, the city is moving toward a specific schedule. An RFQ evaluation is slated for Jan. 4 to 15, 2027, to vet developer proposals. The Assembly is expected to review the results on Feb. 1, 2027.
