Conservancy to consider selling some "Asset Lands" for implementation of Meyers Area Plan

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most have seen the blue and gold placards attached to trees on lots around Lake Tahoe, signifying the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) owns that piece of property.

CTC currently owns nearly 4,700 of these labeled parcels comprising around 6,500 acres around Lake Tahoe. Over 4,300 of these parcels are environmentally sensitive, leaving 331 parcels as "asset lands."

They acquire environmentally sensitive land from willing sellers for public access, water quality, and wildlife protection. They also acquire some parcels that are not deemed sensitive and have been purchased for future use including helping revitalize town centers, and to help achieve statewide, regional, and area plan goals and other objectives including affordable housing.

The Conservancy has identified 17 Asset Lands in Kings Beach, Meyers, and the City of South Lake Tahoe that could support sustainable compact development consistent with local area or town center plans.

CTC seeks public input on how its nine Meyers-area “asset lands” could help improve the Meyers community. In March 2014, the CTC Board designated their lots located around the intersection of U.S. Highways 50 and 89 in Meyers as “asset lands.”

The public is invited on a tour of these nine properties at 9:00 a,m, on August 21, 2019, and then to join a meeting of the Conservancy Board immediately following the tour at the California Conservation Corps Tahoe Center auditorium in Meyers.

The Lake Tahoe Regional Plan and community area plans prioritize redevelopment in existing town centers to decrease development pressure on environmentally sensitive lands while fostering more walkable, bikeable communities.

The nine Meyers asset lands could potentially help implement various elements of the Meyers Area Plan, including affordable housing, mixed-use development, bike, pedestrian and transit circulation, recreational access, and environmental conservation goals. The Meyers asset lands can be identified by the following nine El Dorado County Assessment Numbers (ANs):

• ANs 034-331-015 and 023 – located at 3121 and 3131 U.S. Highway 50;

• ANs 034-300-025, 026, 027, and 028 – with no current address but fronting U.S. Highway 50, 89/Luther Pass Road, and Pomo Street; and

• ANs 035-261-004, 005, and 006 – located at 945 and 961 Pomo Street.

At its upcoming August 21 public meeting, the Conservancy Board will consider authorizing staff to conduct asset land due diligence activities on the nine parcels identified above. Due diligence activities may include appraisals, inspections, initial real estate discussions, and potential partnerships with other public agencies. Such activities typically take up to a year or longer. Following the due diligence process, the Conservancy Board would make any final decisions on future actions for the asset lands.

The rest of the agenda for this meeting has not been posted at this time. Expect it a week prior to the meeting date.

CTC is currently in negotiations with Dinsmore Sierra on a one-half acre asset land on Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe. During their March 2019 meeting their Board approved the intent to sell, and due to coordination with several public agencies, the process takes time. Dinsmore Sierra is planning on an affordable housing project on the lot, perhaps a tiny-home village.