A local debate swirling over “corporate personhood” centers on the long-term implications of a proposed ballot measure. The initiative would amend the Haines Borough charter preamble and bill of rights by adding language limiting constitutional rights to individuals. Sponsored by the local We the People group, voters in the Oct. 1 municipal election will be asked: “Should […]
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Assembly resists tourism study
The Haines Borough’s Tourism Advisory Board is asking for nearly $30,000 to conduct two tourism impact studies – one for the summer season, one for the winter – but the assembly is balking at the price tag and ambiguity of the proposal. The proposal, prepared by the McDowell Group, would consist of a 2013 summer […]
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Candidates talk business issues
Two candidates for Haines Borough Assembly fielded questions at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon Aug. 30, with topics ranging from the potential Constantine mine to why there are so few candidates for assembly. Official candidate George Campbell and write-in Mario Benassi took turns answering questions from chamber president Barbara Mulford before the floor was opened up to […]
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Borough to review zoning fines
Recent fines leveled by the Haines Borough against residents for zoning violations ranging from raising too many chickens to failure to obtain a permit for an RV have the planning commission reconsidering its one-size-fits-all, $250 penalty. Planning and zoning technician Tracy Cui has been enforcing the code more than her predecessors, said planning commission chair Rob Goldberg. […]
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Borough looks at own Connelly hydro permit
The Haines Borough is looking into filing for a preliminary permit for the Connelly Lake hydroelectric project, recently dropped by private company Alaska Power and Telephone. Mayor Stephanie Scott said she asked assistant to the manager Darsie Culbeck to investigate the procedures and costs that would be associated with the borough getting involved with the Connelly Lake project. Culbeck said in an interview […]
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Borough to revisit 3-chicken rule
How many chickens are too many to have in residential areas? The Haines Borough Planning Commission will take up that question at its Sept. 12 meeting. It’s been asked to consider relaxing restrictions on chickens that currently limit homeowners to three in the townsite’s residential zones. More can be allowed with a conditional use permit. Sara Chapell, […]
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Interest in local food boosts small farms
Interest in locally grown produce is helping boost a new generation of small farms in the Chilkat Valley. The resulting bumper crop is giving residents more shopping choices, as well as supplying local stores, restaurants and even the Haines School with fresh produce. It’s also transforming the Haines Farmers Market, where offerings were once limited […]
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Setbacks idea hits resistance
The Haines Borough Planning Commission is trying to put setback limits on development in general use zones, but some assembly members are skeptical about the ramifications of such a change. The commission is proposing any industrial development on general use land require a 50-foot setback from residential lots. The ordinance, if passed, would also require residences in […]
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Yurts, wall tents, RVs get assembly’s OK
People staying in yurts and wall tents can live there as long as they want, even though the Haines Borough Planning Commission would have it otherwise. The Haines Borough Assembly Aug. 27 struck down the planning commission’s recommendation to add yurts, recreational vehicles and wall tents to the borough code’s definition of “temporary use dwellings,” a change that would […]
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No headhunting for manager job
The Haines Borough Assembly will not hire a headhunting firm to find the municipality’s next manager, but will instead conduct the hiring process itself. The assembly voted 5-0 Tuesday to move ahead with advertising the position without the assistance of an outside firm. Assembly member Debra Schnabel recused herself from voting as she intends to submit an application for […]