When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight (9-22-26), it will consider rezoning local cemetery properties with the intent of protecting burial grounds. The change would impact six cemetery properties in Sitka.
In 2019, the city created a cemetery district in its zoning code. At the time, local cemeteries were zoned with more permissive designations that would allow for redevelopment that could disturb those interred, according to the city. In a memo, staff said this zoning change is a gesture of respect towards those buried locally, and is “of particular resonance when applied to those who have been, at times, historically disinterred without regard.”
In other business, the assembly will consider allocating nearly $20,000 to support a special election in early February.
The money will go towards additional personnel costs, contract services, like election officials stipends, ballots, and advertising. The cost of the special election was not included in the FY2027 budget.
The Sitka Assembly meets at 6 p.m. tonight at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Raven News will broadcast the meeting live, following Alaska News Nightly.
