HomeMy Public PortalAboutPublic Comment - Trinkie Watson
General Comments for Town Council/ Planning Commission meeting - August 16, 2022
Please prioritize Truckee’s natural resources, scenic viewsheds, small-town character and
historical features over growth and development in the General Plan update process.
Comments on each of the General Plan elements:
Community Character
The General Plan needs to prioritize our character (small-town feel, historical features, scenic
viewsheds, and natural resources), instead of prioritizing growth and development.
Workforce housing is a critical component today to support the residences and businesses we
currently have.
Increased densities should be allowed only where it provides for sufficient affordable, workforce
housing.
Building height should be limited to three stories as overwhelming community input has
recommended. Our community character is negatively impacted by allowing building heights
taller than three stories.
Two and three-story buildings must be set back from the road so as to not create shading and a
tunnel-like feel.
Scenic Corridor Standards should not be reduced to allow for high density development in
Gateway, Donner Lake, and Downtown.
Amendments to the Development Code should be strengthened to protect visual resources, tree
preservation, etc.
Additional policies, such as height of buildings and architectural design should be incorporated
for the preservation of the historic district.
Visual and physical scenic resources such as views of the Truckee River, Donner Lake,
Shallenberger Ridge, and views of the summit should be protected. The density and height of
buildings proposed the Land Use Element for Gateway, Downtown, and Truckee River Corridor
do not support this goal.
Economic Development
I agree with monitoring/policing short-term rentals when necessary. Instead of infringing on
private property rights, establish a strong system to monitor/discipline when privilege is abused.
I support preserving the eclectic nature of the Downtown. This would include less height and
density than is proposed in the Land Use Element.
Sustainable tourism must include making decisions that support a reasonable amount of tourism
that does not negatively affect the local population.
More policies should be added to create incentives to move industrial off the river.
Conservation and Open Space Element
The General Plan needs to prioritize the preservation of natural resources and open space.
Truckee has been prioritizing growth and development for too long now.
I fully support all aspects of Groundwater-Related Proposals for the Truckee’s General Plan
which has been submitted by seven Truckee organizations - Mountain Area Preservation, SOS
Glenshire, Trout Unlimited, California Trout, Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishers, Truckee River
Watershed Council, and California Fly Fisher magazine.
The General Plan should prioritize preservation of the Truckee River and Donner Lake, prioritize
low-impact recreational activities.
Thank you.
Katrine ‘Trinkie’ Watson