As a member of the Planning Commission when this heliport idea surfaced all those years ago, the overwhelming recommendation of the Commission was all commercial helicopter operations be based out of the Haines airport. This was done for obvious reasons, mostly public safety and public and environmental health. The assembly ignored it and hired a professional consultant […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
Heliport CUP decision impacts
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 […]
Posted inNews
Community celebrates 20 years of the Tlingit Park Playground
Twenty years ago, a group of young moms rallied the community to build a safe playground downtown. The Tlingit Park playground still stands today, and reminds its builders of a time when the community came together to do something good. “It was a great community thing that brought everyone together,” said Susan Johnston, the city […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Road building and seismic blasting
I moved to Haines because I love fishing, recreating, and this incredible subsistence lifestyle that exists nowhere else. I make my money remotely and put most of my earnings into the Haines economy. I am one of the types of people that the community has identified as location neutral in order to “create year-round economy.” […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Your vote, your choice matters
We would like to encourage voters to vote yes on the June 6 ballot. We would like to voice our support for an elected planning commission in the Haines Borough. Since the Planning Commission plans for the entire Borough it plays an important role in the long-term future of all areas and neighborhoods and how they […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Thanks for keeping the valley clean
The Marine Debris Cleanup Event lasted for two weeks this year. Seventy five volunteers spent approximately 470 hours cleaning 3,000 pounds of trash off our local beaches. This event would not have been possible without tremendous community support. Thank you Haines Borough Public Library for hosting the kickoff event, Lindsay Johnson for boat support, Chilkoot Indian Association […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Please vote to restore balance
The Haines Borough Planning Commission wields significant power over the future of our community and therefore needs to be an elected body. Too often, individuals who failed by wide margins to win elected seats on the Assembly have received political appointments to the Commission. At this point the Commission is so politically unbalanced it is embarrassing; decisions […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Support election of commissioners
I support the election of Haines Borough Planning Commissioners. Election of office holders gives the voters a direct say in who serves and will dignify the proceedings of the commissioners. More democracy, with voters choosing, is a better system. On June 6, please vote in favor of changing how we seat members of this important body. Burl […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Mining exploration seeks expansion
A mining prospect near the headwaters of the Chilkat River is attempting to amend its permit application and expand operations. The public has been granted an additional two weeks to comment on the issue. The Palmer Project, led by Constantine Mining LLC, is a mineral exploration project targeting copper, zinc, gold and silver. The Palmer Project’s latest […]
Posted inNews
Heliport granted conditional use permit amid opposition
The Haines Borough Planning Commission voted 6-1 to approve a conditional use permit for a heliport at a 26 Mile airport amid opposition from neighbors concerned about helicopter noise at their homes. George Campbell applied for the permit after the borough manager in February issued a cease-and-desist order for heliport operations at his 26-Mile airport, Airkat Airpark. Campbell had contracted with […]