The 11.4-acre parcel outside of Tahoe City represents one of the best opportunities to directly address North Tahoe’s severe housing crisis
KINGS BEACH, Calif. (July 26, 2018) — Following an overwhelming display of community support, the Placer County Board of Supervisors voted to initiate an option to purchase an 11.4-acre parcel in the Dollar Hill area of Tahoe City to pursue a housing project.
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District subsequently pledged $500,000 to support the project at their board meeting, setting in motion a project that could deliver much needed achievable local housing to a community that is in the grips of a severe housing crisis.
The Placer County Supervisors’ unanimous vote of approval came at a July 24 meeting in Kings Beach. The Airport District’s pledge of financial support came at their July 25 meeting in Truckee.
The wide array of support for the project — from business owners, Dollar Hill residents, special districts and community figures — showed how seriously the community takes the deepening housing shortage and highlights the efforts of the Mountain Housing Council of Tahoe Truckee and its 29 regional partners that are focusing on local housing solutions.
“Seeing the community rally around this local housing project shows that our region can and will work together to solve the housing crisis. The Nahas Project represents our potential to actively secure achievable local housing that will ensure a full-time community to protect and steward this beautiful place for generations to come,” said Stacy Caldwell, CEO of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, which leads the Mountain Housing Council effort.
The supervisors’ support for the project means that county staff will now begin negotiating the option on the $3.6 million purchase.
“There is no question in anyone’s mind that without having adequate housing for our community, none of us will be able to have businesses here,” said District 5 Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery, acknowledging concerns expressed by several business owners that the housing crisis is hurting their ability to hire and retain employees. “This piece of property is perfect for the kind of achievable, local housing we envision.”
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District Board of Directors voted to support the project with a contribution of $500,000. The Board described the pressing issues facing our local community and stressed their commitment of support throughout the project timeline.
“The Truckee Tahoe Airport District’s commitment to the community it serves goes well beyond aviation services,” said Rick Stephens, president of the Truckee Tahoe Airport Board. “Our board voted unanimously to dedicate funding to a project that will address a housing crisis that is impacting our district and the businesses and community members we serve.”
Cindy Gustafson, CEO of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, said housing has become a top priority for North Tahoe businesses.
“The North Lake Tahoe business community is very involved in the Mountain Housing Council and strongly supports solutions that address the broad spectrum of achievable local housing needs. All types and sizes of businesses believe that workforce housing is a critical issue,” said Gustafson.
The property is located at the intersection of Fabian Way and Highway 28, two miles from Tahoe City’s downtown and six miles from Kings Beach. With its proximity to public transit, trailheads and schools, it is an ideal location for achievable local housing.
Before releasing a Request for Proposals to developers, Placer County and the Mountain Housing Council will co-host a gathering to seek community input.
On Aug. 1 Placer County and the Mountain Housing Council’s community meeting in Tahoe City will seek input on all elements of the project, and will include that feedback in its RFP for developers. The meeting will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Tahoe City Public Utility District Board Room at 221 Fairway Drive.
There will also be a discussion of the project at the Aug. 9 North Tahoe Regional Municipal Advisory Council meeting.
The Mountain Housing Council is comprised of 29 committed stakeholders to take on the unique and pressing challenges of housing in the North Tahoe-Truckee region.
