Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has called for a pause on a proposed behavioral health treatment center in the Fairview neighborhood, following significant pushback from residents and elected officials. The Anchorage Assembly was set to approve a contract with True North Recovery to establish the center at 1217 E. 10th Ave and allocate $750,000 in federal grant funds for the initiative. However, the specifics of the project had not been publicly discussed prior to the Assembly meeting, leading to concerns from the Fairview Community Council about the area's saturation with social services. Council President Allen Kemplen expressed that the neighborhood is already overwhelmed, stating it is creating an ecosystem that contributes to urban decay. In response, LaFrance requested that the Assembly pause the contract to facilitate a community-wide discussion on the placement of treatment facilities in Anchorage. True North Recovery's CEO, Karl Soderstrom, emphasized that the organization aims to connect individuals to resources without negatively impacting the community. The Anchorage Health Department plans to meet with both True North Recovery and the Fairview Community Council to discuss the next steps, including revising the grant process to ensure a 30-day public comment period and a public hearing for future projects. Community members hope to find a different location for the center, citing concerns over the existing concentration of services affecting local businesses and safety.