HomeMy Public PortalAboutPublic Comment #12 (Hyatt)1
Laura Dabe
Subject:FW: PC-3 DEIR Public Comment #12
From: Ellie and Don Hyatt [mailto:hyatt@usamedia.tv]
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 5:26 PM
To: Denyelle Nishimori
Subject: PC3 comments
To Denyelle Nishimori Senior Planner Town of Truckee
I would like to make a few comments pertaining to the Draft EIR for Planned Community #3.
The PC3 development is the first area that a visitor sees when approaching from route 267 to downtown
Truckee along Brockway road. It appears there seems to be much light industry and large box type buildings in
the plan. I was surprised that auto dealerships would be allowed as they would not enhance any visual
approach to the town. In the Community Character Element of the General Plan, the opening statement reads;
it is to preserve and build upon Truckee’s “sense of place” and unique identity. It is a place that one
remembers long after leaving. I do not think an auto dealership is something that supports that statement. In
the Goal CC‐5 statement, the General plan is to ensure that planning and development decisions are oriented
towards the maintenance of Truckee’s unique character. It is very hard to envision large, box type distribution
buildings on this gateway into Truckee. Also, distribution buildings and centers for alcohol/ spirits do not
appear to be in maintaining Truckee’s character. The noise associated with these type of activities especially in
moving alcohol,etc. at night will not support a quiet,neighborhood atmosphere. New development is suppose
to enhance the gateway and corridors; not deflect from our historic town atmosphere. It is important to avoid
the “strip mall” type of appearance such as you view out driving along IS 80 around Roseville. It used to be a
pretty, scenic area but few people would think it is that now.
New building is suppose to create a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing town environment. In the
general plan, it states that new development is suppose to create a distinct and positive sense of arrival into
Truckee. It is hard to envision how this development will accomplish that statement. Yes, we could use
possibly a grocery store and nice restaurants and affordable housing in that area. In keeping with our small
town atmosphere, bike paths and pedestrian walking areas are needed. Once the town allows a project as
large as this one is to proceed, it only encourages more large development for the future. We will just end up
looking like a “bedroom” community of Reno’s such as what happened around Sacramento.
The crossing at the intersection of Brockway and route 267 is a very dangerous intersection, especially during
the winter months and busy summer days. Traffic often is backed up for miles on busy week‐ends, especially
morning week‐end traffic to Northstar. This huge development appears to only increase this situation.
Recently, we had friends that decided to drive to Kingsbeach, over Mt. Rose and back to IS 80 to get back to
the Bay Area during the Ironman week‐end. They could not turn left from Northstar to approach IS80. Each
year, more events are added in our area that only increase traffic along route 267. When accidents occur
especially during winter months, it only increases the wait time.
There are sections presently on the property that support nice groves of trees. It seems that it would be
important to preserve these groves; not only for visual appearances but to also reduce noise pollution.It was
hard to note on the plan what would be preserved of existing plants and trees. Many trees and landscaping
would need to be planted to ensure you would not just be viewing box type structures.
I could not find an archeological study in the EIR. Since the area is so close to Martis Valley where the Washoe
tribe spent their summers, it seems that there may be artifacts that may be lost to excavation and
construction. Most of the artifacts were lost forever in Martis Valley due to lack of oversight in the
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development of the Northstar golf course,etc. There should be a field study performed by an impartial
archaeologist before construction commences.
Please strongly consider retaining Truckee’s unique mountain community feel especially at one of the main
gateways into Truckee. Make it a gateway that is conducive for visitors wanting to see more of what is
available in Truckee. Development could still be done on all 4 corners of the Joerger property and still have an
approachable ,visually positive feel; not just one of sprawl and the appearance of trying to use all the land for
development. Let’s try to maintain the scenic mountain town character and keep our gateways and corridors
visually appealing and inviting for all visitors and community members alike.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ellen Hyatt
Truckee, Calif.