I want to address the recent decision by the Planning Commission to approve a heliport CUP on Chilkat Lake Road. To quote Jeffrey Lebowski, “This is a very complicated case… You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you’s. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man.” Well, it’s all laid out in the Planning Commission’s meeting packet from May 11, 2023.
This discussion started 15 years ago and has been decided multiple times by the Haines Borough legal process and confirmed by the State Superior Court: heliports don’t belong in our residential neighborhoods. The surrounding properties are absolutely NOT “heavy industrial” as was characterized in the application and the Manager’s letter of support.
I’ve had front row seats to the Campbell’s illegal heliport business, operating from their property, for years, with approximately 36 landings (please correct if wrong). Multiple reports were made to the Haines Borough, via phone/ email. According to public records, in May 2022, Mr. Campbell admitted to “slinging loads” with a helicopter. Eight months later, after more illegal landings and a public records request, the Borough issued a “cease and desist” letter.
The Campbells don’t have a “right” to supersede the majority of residents’ Right to Quiet Use and Enjoyment; please read the 20 or so letters in opposition. This is established in US law and violated by this development. Current General Use Zone activities are a Use By Right, and the extreme noise and disruption caused by helicopters violates this right.
Erika Merklin