The Haines Borough Assembly changed its heliski code and administrative policy Tuesday in part to align with language similar to the Bureau of Land Management and to make language consistent throughout code. Most changes eliminated inconsistencies. Others reduced the required borough spot checks from five to three per operator each season. A section titled “Complaints” was removed that allowed […]
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Posted inNews, Housing
Developer tax exemption pushed to third hearing with amendment
A proposed tax exemption for subdivision developers will go to a third public hearing on March 8. The Haines Borough Assembly voted 4-3 on Tuesday to amend the proposed ordinance that would establish a five-year property tax exemption on unsold and undeveloped lots in new subdivisions. Originally the exemption would have applied only to long-plat subdivisions of […]
Posted inNews
Valley mountain goat researcher departs Fish and Game
The upper Lynn Canal’s leading mountain goat researcher, who has spent the last 12 years collecting data and providing analysis to Haines officials during heliski discussions, left the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about three weeks ago. Biologist Kevin White has been working on a long-term study that involves collaring, monitoring and mapping goat populations in […]
Posted inNews
Proposed increase to water, sewer rates moves to public hearings
The Haines Borough Assembly introduced an ordinance that would raise water and sewer rates by 5% each year for the next four years, starting in July. Borough staff proposed the rate hike earlier this month to compensate for state funding cuts and a sharp rise in water fund expenses over the last four years. The Finance Committee […]
Posted inHousing, News
Assembly passes restriction on yurts, container homes
In a 4-2 vote, the Haines Borough Assembly adopted an ordinance on Tuesday that defines yurts and container homes and restricts their use in some zones of the townsite. The final ordinance included an amendment to allow yurts and container homes in more places than would have been allowed by the original draft ordinance, which would have […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly approves Lutak cell tower lease
The Haines Borough Assembly voted unanimously to approve a land lease agreement for a telecommunications tower near Lutak Dock. The agreement enables Vertical Bridge Development to build a tower that the company plans to sublease to Verizon Wireless, which would provide cell service to the Lutak area. Initial reports said the tower would have 5G capacity, but Vertical Bridge representatives said […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough, Housing
Developer tax exemption goes to hearings
The Haines Borough Assembly introduced an ordinance this week that would exempt taxes on unsold or undeveloped lots in subdivisions for up to five years. All six assembly members voted on Tuesday to follow the unanimous recommendation of the borough’s housing working group, which a week ago forwarded the tax idea to the assembly. The temporary exemption […]
Posted inNews
ATVs now allowed on most borough roads
*This story has been updated to correct an inaccuracy. The story originally reported that the Haines Borough Assembly would need to vote to change code to allow ATV use in the borough. That was based on a misunderstanding of code. The new state law has taken effect in Haines and the assembly would need to vote to […]
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Lutak cell tower pushed to third hearing
The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday delayed voting on a resolution to lease land near Lutak Dock for a Verizon cell tower. The assembly postponed its decision about the tower until a third public hearing on Feb. 8. The tower would enable wireless communication services along Lutak Road and at the ferry terminal. Initially, it was reported that the tower would […]
Posted inNews
Assembly grants heliski tour permit to fourth operator
After months of debate, the Haines Borough Assembly granted a heliski tour permit to a fourth operator in the Chilkat Valley. The Jan. 11 decision came three weeks after the assembly, in a 4-2 vote, adopted changes to the borough’s heliski code, raising a cap on tour permits for three years and replacing regulations on skier days with a limit on […]