News
As a 33-year resident of both the North and South shores, I would like to offer my insight regarding the ongoing controversy between Boulder Bay’s proposed development in Crystal Bay and the self-appointed citizen watchdogs of the North Tahoe Preservation Alliance.
I could have sworn the TRPA was elected to perform the task of insuring that proposed projects were allowed to proceed only if they followed the strictest of environmental and aesthetically-sound standards to be considered worthy of standing side by side with our scenic treasure. The fact that the TRPA did not exist decades ago when the Tahoe Biltmore was constructed is part of the reason the current property needs to be replaced. Adding more Band-Aids will no longer hide the sore.
Surely from their view on the state line the NTPA can see the same blighted property I do. The Tahoe Biltmore and long abandoned Tahoe Mariner properties are well past their prime and are in need of being replaced with a modern facility with modern amenities appropriate in size and style for those who choose to visit our piece of paradise in relative comfort. Boulder Bay’s proposed development is just such a facility. It has been created in an aesthetically-appealling style and in a size and scope totally appropriate to the North Shore. They have gone far beyond the current environmental standards to insure future compliance. They have restructured their roads and traffic flows in deference to the concerns of local citizens and businesses.
A new and vibrant property with assorted restaurants, shops and entertainment venues is exactly what this side of the lake needs. It will become a source of jobs as well as community pride in the revitalization of the area. More boats will be able to float as the tide rises in our fragile local economy.
To have someone in the private sector willing to spend his own capital to bring this special property up to the standards it deserves, is truly a blessing. How many years would we have to wait for public funds to become available to put utilities underground?
To have obstructionists constantly appealing and delaying the process (and whose real agenda is still puzzling to me), is not only frustrating, it is contrary to the needs and desires of the majority of the local community. Despite the incessant negativity and growling of these “citizen watchdogs,” common sense seems to be prevailing and the necessary approvals seem to be forthcoming.
As a concerned citizen, I lend my full support to this vital improvement to the long-neglected entrance to the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe and encourage like-minded citizens to do the same.
Frank Cates is an Incline Village resident.
I could have sworn the TRPA was elected to perform the task of insuring that proposed projects were allowed to proceed only if they followed the strictest of environmental and aesthetically-sound standards to be considered worthy of standing side by side with our scenic treasure. The fact that the TRPA did not exist decades ago when the Tahoe Biltmore was constructed is part of the reason the current property needs to be replaced. Adding more Band-Aids will no longer hide the sore.
Surely from their view on the state line the NTPA can see the same blighted property I do. The Tahoe Biltmore and long abandoned Tahoe Mariner properties are well past their prime and are in need of being replaced with a modern facility with modern amenities appropriate in size and style for those who choose to visit our piece of paradise in relative comfort. Boulder Bay’s proposed development is just such a facility. It has been created in an aesthetically-appealling style and in a size and scope totally appropriate to the North Shore. They have gone far beyond the current environmental standards to insure future compliance. They have restructured their roads and traffic flows in deference to the concerns of local citizens and businesses.
A new and vibrant property with assorted restaurants, shops and entertainment venues is exactly what this side of the lake needs. It will become a source of jobs as well as community pride in the revitalization of the area. More boats will be able to float as the tide rises in our fragile local economy.
To have someone in the private sector willing to spend his own capital to bring this special property up to the standards it deserves, is truly a blessing. How many years would we have to wait for public funds to become available to put utilities underground?
To have obstructionists constantly appealing and delaying the process (and whose real agenda is still puzzling to me), is not only frustrating, it is contrary to the needs and desires of the majority of the local community. Despite the incessant negativity and growling of these “citizen watchdogs,” common sense seems to be prevailing and the necessary approvals seem to be forthcoming.
As a concerned citizen, I lend my full support to this vital improvement to the long-neglected entrance to the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe and encourage like-minded citizens to do the same.
Frank Cates is an Incline Village resident.
