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Residents urge pause on fuel tax and oppose broad ADU expansion in Mudbay/Lutak
Summary
At the March 24 meeting, several residents urged the assembly to suspend a pending seasonal sales tax increase on fuel and strongly opposed proposed ordinance 7‑31 to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Mudbay and Lutak service areas, citing density, property values and zoning history.
During the public‑comment period on March 24, multiple residents urged the Haines Borough Assembly to reconsider recent policy moves and to protect existing neighborhood character.
Barb Nettleton asked the assembly to pause the upcoming seasonal sales tax increase on all fuels, including propane, saying the timing coincides with peak construction and fishing season and that high diesel prices (cited in testimony) hurt small businesses and fishermen. "If we could give just some reprieve to the increase in gas prices," she said, asking the assembly to consider a short‑term pause.
Several speakers objected to proposed ordinance 7‑31, which would expand allowance of accessory dwelling units across borough zones. Opponents asked that the Mudbay and Lutak land‑use service areas be removed from the ordinance. Speakers argued that those areas were negotiated into the consolidated borough with specific zoning compromises and that treating all zones the same would dilute neighborhood planning and protections. Laurie De Durian and George Figdor urged that the matter be returned to the planning commission for further review and local input.
Don Turner Jr. and others warned that widespread ADUs would change the character of single‑family lots and could encourage short‑term rentals; one commenter asked that ADU rules explicitly limit commercial rental if the goal is affordable housing for local residents.
Amanda Brandon, speaking for the Chamber of Commerce, asked for follow‑up on the chamber’s request for Independence Day funding to allow timely planning for the borough’s 250th celebration.
The assembly acknowledged the concerns and the mayor advised residents that the seasonal sales tax increase is scheduled to take effect April 1; the mayor suggested a town‑hall format to gather a wider range of input on fiscal impacts.
No formal action on the ADU ordinance or the fuel tax pause was taken at the meeting.
