HomeMy Public PortalAboutPublic Comment #4 (Brody)1
Laura Dabe
Subject:FW: TDA PLANNED ALTERATION TO MARINA AT DONNER LAKE
From: Dr. Bruce Brody & Dr. Lin Druschel - bdm communications strategists [mailto:bdm1brulin@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 6:54 PM
To: Jenna Endres
Subject: TDA PLANNED ALTERATION TO MARINA AT DONNER LAKE
Hello, I do have some issues and concerns with the TDA planned alteration of the marina
property. There has been much talk among members that part of the expansion of the
marina facility is to be able to increase the volume of use through rental of the property for
events, i.e., weddings and other functions. Given that TD is planning to increase the size
of the cross country center lodge and the downhill lodge and that TD advertises on
billboards and cable TV a logical conclusion can be reached that the marina project is also
geared toward expansion of service. Below are some comments regarding what is posted
on your site:
A requested volleyball court was ultimately not approved due to tree removal impacts.
Within the Town’s files from the Ministerial Site Plan, it was noted that a Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) is required for recreational uses in the previously-zoned Single-Family
Residential zone district; however, no records of a CUP were found. (Since there is no
CUP it seems that everything that has been done thus far is in violation of Town of
Truckee zoning laws. I don't know what the consequences are of developing without a
permit.
Project Summary and Objectives: As stated above, the TDA is proposing these improvements
to provide greater accessibility throughout the facility for their members, an enhanced lawn/picnic
area, and improved outdoor dining opportunities. The improvements are not designed to increase
capacity of the Marina facility and no new parking is proposed. While it appears that the
improvements are not designed to increase capacity they are designed to increase perceived
usability which will increase use and will at some point require additional parking.
Overall, completion of the proposed project would result in some permanent changes to existing
views and the existing vegetation surrounding Donner Lake. The project will result in the installation
and construction of more formalized pathways and uniform graded areas in contrast to the unpaved,
non-uniform graded areas which currently exist. The project will require the removal of 20 trees larger
than six inches DBH. This appears to constitute approximately half of the mature trees located within
the western portion of the Marina facility. Project structures such as rockery retaining walls and edge
protection (i.e. fencing) have been designed using natural materials such as rock and split rails in
order to better assimilate with the surrounding visual character. Removing 20 large trees and
replacing them with smaller trees will certainly alter the visual impact and the views from and of
Donner Lake
Public Draft 9
d) The proposed project would result in the loss of 20 Jeffrey pine trees greater than six inches
DBH. Due to the abundance of mature trees and forest land in the general project area and
immediate vicinity, and the amount of trees impacted by the proposed project, this is a less-than-
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significant impact. In addition, the TDA is planting a total of 20 new Jeffrey Pine trees to provide a
one-to-one tree replacement for all trees removed as a part of this project. Again the loss of 20 old
Jeffrey Pine trees will have a significant impact on the plot of land that TD owns and plans to alter.
In general there are many items in your statement that say, 'less-than-significant impact. I disagree
with the majority of those statements. In my opinion this project is a further expansion of TD's
endeavors that essentially alter the natural beauty of Truckee and its paradise atmosphere. TD
members have not approved this expansion or have they even been given the opportunity through a
vote or survey.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dr. Bruce Brody
TD homeowner