Even free land gets foreclosed on in Alaska; home formerly owned by ex-Sonic star Gary Payton for sale

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Reality trumped the dream for most winners of a land giveaway in Alaska's rugged interior. The town of Anderson — population 300 — is foreclosing on 18 of 26 large, spruce-covered lots it gave away because the new owners did not develop them as required.

Officials blame a lack of local jobs and a bad economy for the failed homesteading experiment devised by high-school students to boost the town's dwindling population.

The March 2007 giveaway prompted thousands of calls from around the world. By the day of the land grab, 44 parties were waiting in line. Many camped out in weather as cold as minus-25 for a shot at the 1.3-acre lots, which went to the first 26 people to claim them and put down nonrefundable $500 deposits.

The Associated Press

For sale: A home that a glove could love

High atop Somerset in Bellevue is a six-bedroom, six-bath, 3-acre estate once owned by former NBA All-Star Gary Payton — also known as "The Glove" for his tight defense. The current owner, who didn't play for theSeattle Sonics, has put the extensively remodeled house up for sale for $4.75 million, listed with John L. Scott Real Estate.

The house includes a rec room named "Payton's Place" and also an athletic court, a four-car garage and a superwide driveway with room for pickup games of 5-on-5 basketball. And like a good arena, the property has a gated entry.

Payton, a fan favorite during his 12-year stay in Seattle, won an NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006 and also has two Olympic gold medals for playing on the USA basketball teams in 1996 and 2000.

Seattle Times staff