On May 15th, the Planning Commission denied the glass-blowing permit, cutting off a meaningful, small-scale art opportunity for the community.
This letter isn’t to blame—just a sincere expression of disappointment. We worked in good faith to address concerns from neighbors. We cut from 500 to 180 guests, limited to four at a time, and total guests less than 12 per day.
Despite these efforts, the hearing was marked by negativity and personal attacks. Some residents cited unrelated issues, such as past four-wheeler activity. Another argued that our permit was improperly filed, which was later disproven. Others raised concerns about potential traffic, noise, and emissions, even my character.
I understand there is a history between residents and the property owner, yet I respectfully note that holding onto past grievances keeps all of us from meaningful opportunities and positive growth in our community.
Looking back, we needed community buy-in, but we grew burned out trying to have honest dialogue and hearing, “You’ll never get this permit.”
This has been disheartening with rejection from the start, regardless of compromises.
I write this in the hope that we do better. I believe in Haines, and I want to see it incubate creativity and good ideas, not division or closed hearts.
Andrew Letchworth