While the amendments include a focus on providing much-needed affordable/workforce housing, FOWS and others remain concerned about the continued focus on adding more population and building in our areas without first addressing the ever-increasing threat posted by wildfires and traffic impediments to emergency evacuations and access. With every year, fire danger grows. With every increase in population (resident and visitor), there are more people in harm’s way and more vehicles on our limited roadways, creating situations where it may be difficult or impossible for people to evacuate in the event of a wildfire or other emergency.

FOWS believes in responsible planning that is carefully thought out and analyzed. As the proposed zoning amendments, along with numerous other projects in and outside the region (e.g. Olympic Valley, Alpine Meadows) continue adding more people and development, FOWS questions the responsibility of placing more people in harm’s way without first addressing how the existing population can be protected. FOWS will continue to monitor this proposal.

As always, we will keep you updated on West Shore activities and other projects in our bi-monthly newsletters. We look forward to your continued feedback and support, and encourage you to contact us with any additional ideas or questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Meeks Bay Resort Restoration Project

The most recent update by the U.S. Forest Service estimates the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report will be released in December, with a final decision (by the USFS) in March. The final report and proposed project will also have to be approved by TRPA and the Lahontan Water Board. Stay tuned!

Homewood Mountain Resort

Construction on the new “Phase 1C” condominium residences on the Fawn St. parcel has begun. It is anticipated that the next Phase “1B”, which will include 32 units on Lot 5, will soon be heard by Placer’s Tahoe Basin Design Review Committee. There have been no updates regarding TRPA or Placer County reviews of the new Conceptual Plan we first reported on in our March/April newsletter and how it relates/differs from the Master Plan approved by both agencies.

Meeks to Cascade Lake Pedestrian/Bike Path

The consultant is currently working on the Feasibility Study. According to a recent update from TRPA staff, they currently anticipate releasing the study and holding a public meeting sometime after the New Year.

Tahoe City Projects

Tahoe City Lodge: The construction of the Tahoe City Lodge will reportedly begin in spring 2023.

Boatworks: According to the most recent “Active Projects” update from Placer County, the project has been placed on hold. Once resumed, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) will be prepared and circulated for public comment and a Public Scoping meeting will be scheduled. Additional information is available at https://boatworkstahoe.com/.

Old Tahoe City Fire Station 51: The Placer County Board of Supervisors recently approved a short-term “Non-Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement” with the Climate and Wildfire Institute to discuss the potential use/redevelopment of the vacant fire station.

Hazardous Algae Blooms

Researchers detected the presence of toxic cyanobacteria in the water and air samples that were collected this summer and are currently refining their report regarding the study and results. Additional information can be found on the Tahoe Area ALS/MDN Research Library page. FOWS will provide the final report and summary of what the findings mean once available.

Tahoe Keys Aquatic Weeds Control - Herbicide Testing

Testing the use of herbicides in the Tahoe Keys lagoons was completed this past summer. A “Summer 2022 CMT Implementation Special Report” was recently released providing background information and a review of the project to date. The next two years of the project will focus on UV-C light treatment, laminar flow aeration, and other non-chemical methods such as diver hand pulling. Weekly updates can be viewed here.

Olympic Valley (formerly Squaw Valley)

In early September, the developer (Alterra Mountain Company) informed the public of their plans to apply for a new project. Unfortunately, the “new” project (titled the “Palisades at Tahoe Specific Plan”) is strikingly similar to the previous “Village at Squaw Valley” project that was just overturned in court this summer. Worse yet, the county’s legal counsel stated the county intends to allow the developer to use 2011 as the baseline year for the environmental review. This would mean the analysis would not evaluate impacts of the project based on existing conditions, thereby ignoring the worsened traffic, more extreme wildfire threats, increased population, decreased water supplies, and other major changes that have occurred in the last 11 years. 

Luckily, community organizations such as Sierra Watch and Mountain Area Preservation will continue to encourage the developer and Placer County to collaborate with the public to formulate a reduced-sized project that will benefit the community and the environment. FOWS will continue to support their efforts and provide you with project updates.