HomeMy Public PortalAboutPublic Comment #12 (Knisley)1
Laura Dabe
Subject:FW: Beach Club Marina
From: Suzan Lynn Knisley [mailto:suzylynn@mindspring.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 2:43 PM
To: Jenna Endres
Subject: Re: Beach Club Marina
Jenna,
Thank you for taking the time to read my email. The Marina improvements in the General PLan were originally
approved on a much smaller scale to address certain areas.
The much larger scale and scope of the project currently proposed was generated by staff and the architect they
hired, and not by the Board or by members. The current expanded size of the project was presented to the
Board as a means of saving money by combining the needs of today with eventual improvements that might or
could be under consideration by a future Board in a number of years, by doing it all at once.
The vast majority of our members have overwhelmingly given the Board feedback that they come to Tahoe
Donner to get away from city life and developed land, and to enjoy the out of doors in it's natural state.
Because 75% of our members live elsewhere, they do not have the time to attend Board meetings or a good
venue to speak out. Therefore when there is a loud and clear message by a large majority of members that they
value open space above all our other amenities in a survey, it worries me that the kind of development
proposed by staff at the Marina will not conform to that atmosphere or meet the needs of the majority of our
members.
I think the open grassy area is more important to the members than another restaurant area.
Thank you also for forwarding the email to the Town Council
Suzy Knisley
suzylynn@mindspring.com
916 201 5735
On Sep 10, 2013, at 10:07 AM, Jenna Endres wrote:
Good morning,
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Thank you for submitting the below comments. As you may know, the Tahoe Donner Association has appealed the
Planning Commission’s denial of the project. The appeal will be considered at the Town Council’s September
24th hearing. I will forward your comments to the Town Council.
Thank you,
Jenna Endres
From: Suzan Lynn Knisley [mailto:suzylynn@mindspring.com]
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 7:05 PM
To: Jenna Endres; Bruce Cornell; Stephen Ramos; tmurphy@townoftruckee.com
Cc: Heather Beckman; Greg Buchheister
Subject: Beach Club Marina
Attention: Truckee Planning Commission and
Truckee Town Council
Subject: Beach Club Marina
As a recent past Board of Director for Tahoe Donner Association, from 2008 to the end of 2012, and serving
as President twice, I had the
opportunity to review the planning process for the Beach Club Marina projects and review member response.
There was much discussion and controversy while I served on the Board over the extent of the improvements
to the Marina and how they would benefit such a small venue that is already overcrowded. It was originally
budgeted as a much smaller project. At that time as I recollect the Board was in favor of making some
improvements to the Marina, but hesitant to turn the entiregrassy area in front of the Clubhouse into a large
raised patio for eating/restaurant/lounging purposes. The Board was absolutely against turning the Marina into
an event center during the planning and approval process.
The entire Board was also absolutely against staffs request for trenching to install electrical, gas and plumbing
improvements for the purpose of a wet bar. The Board expressed it's concern it would eventually lead to staff
requests for the Marina to act as an event center or be promoted as a wedding venue to generate revenue.
There was much negative feedback from members on changing the entire grassy area in front of the Marina
clubhouse into a paved patio area, but support of finding a way to expand the upper grassy area if possible, as
members enjoy that area for shade. However if too many trees are taken out, that defeats the purpose
of providing any additional shaded area for members.
It was suggested to look into an alternate plan for a wood deck beside and to the west of the upper grassy area
that would increase the total square footage of the property for members to enjoy, without the expense of
excavating and removing healthy trees or disturbing soil. The area could be accessed as suggested recently by
one member for ADA compliance with a ramp.
A large raised and enclosed patio would take away from the natural beauty and ambience of the lake front.
However a much smaller patio or deck extension in front of the clubhouse building would preserve an adequate
grassy area and at the same time increase casual picnic area seating.
Members use the grassy area to drop off people, boats and other water gear. It is difficult enough to launch a
boat there, but with a raised large patio blocking a view of the beach, it would be even more difficult to safely
back a boat into the lake. Also that would leave only the narrow paved driveway for members to walk to the
beach. It is much easier and safer to walk across the lawn area and the lawn provides a cooler place for
children to play. Children cannot very well roll and tumble on a patio.
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The original and continued intended usage of the Marina is primarily for member only beach and water
activities. The current improvement plan appears to overstep that somewhat.
A past Tahoe Donner Board turned down staffs request to take away space at the Marina for a bicycle rental
facility, primarily because it also deviated from the primary use, water related activities; and also because staff
promoted it as being available to the public. Public use of Private Amenities is against our governing
documents.
Staff has done an excellent job of managing and improving our facilities in Tahoe Donner. For the past few
years noticeable improvements have taken place and as a member I want to see Tahoe Donner continue to
improve, replace and upgrade our amenities and common area. However this is one project that in my opinion
should go back to the drawing board and get more member feedback for alternatives before
proceeding. Members have provided great feedback and suggestions in the past that were very helpful to the
Board and staff, that ended up changing or revising other portions of the general plan for the better.
I appreciate your time to review my comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Suzy Knisley
Member, Tahoe Donner for 30 years.
12926 Davos Drive, Truckee CA
959o0 Junewood Lane, Loomis Ca
suzylynn@mindspring.com
916 201 5735 cell
916 663 3730 Home
530 587 5376 cabin