Squaw Valley has added a new model of the proposed 101.5 acre Village Expansion to Base Camp, their information office in the existing Village at Squaw Valley. This second model shows the proposed expansion in the context of the entire Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows resort area. It is a 1 inch to 130 ft, scale model, 19 ft. by 22 ft. in size.
In a recent article in the Sierra Sun, Chevis Hosea, vice president of development for Squaw Valley, is quoted as saying “The new model is a … resort context model to demonstrate the relationship of the proposed 100-acre village expansion to the entire 6,000-acre Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows resort. It also validates the vertical relationship of existing and proposed village buildings to the surrounding mountains.”
The first model, which is still on display, shows the 101.5 acre proposed development in a 1 inch to 30 ft. scale with a small amount of the surrounding area in the west end of the valley. This model gives the impression that the expansion is massive. When looking at the new model, I do have a different impression of the size and scope of what they are proposing. I think that was their intention in creating the new model.
“’The village expansion is not as large or visually impactful as many think, and when compared to the vast ski areas that it supports, it is actually quite small in scale,’ said Hosea, when asked what he hopes people take away from the new model” according the Sierra Sun.
As those of you who have been following this unfolding story know, this proposed expansion of the Village has caused a lot of intense discussion locally as well as in the community of Environmentalists that closely watch the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There is a movement afoot in Squaw Valley to incorporate the valley as a city in what appears to be an attempt to get control of the proposed development and the financial benefit that comes from whatever development ultimately gets approved.
When the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which is currently in the process of being prepared, is released this coming winter there will be a public comment period. I think the developer is trying to get ahead of that comment period. They have made it clear that they want comments from people who come to view the models. They have also scaled back the number of proposed new lodging units from the originally proposed 1295 to 1093 currently being proposed. Their existing entitlements call for 1664 lodging units.
If you are in the area I encourage you to go see the two models. Whether you are for or against this proposed development you will find it very interesting. The models can be viewed in Base Camp in the Village from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday.
Keep checking this Blog for continual updates.
Download Map of Proposed Village Expansion
Web sites to visit regarding the Proposed Village Expansion;
Placer County: Village at Squaw Valley Specific Plan
First Tracks: Grassroots Group Organizes…
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