Neighbors want South Lake Tahoe property gone

Last week, South Tahoe Now carried a story about changes on the South Shore, businesses who were moving, starting or renovating.

Since that time, information has surfaced about one of the subjects, the Tahoe Pines Lodge.

New owner Darren Cobrae said he wanted to remodel the aging motel which has become home to long term renters. His plans for the property included adding two restaurants and retail space.

"I want this to be a beacon for everyone that comes to Tahoe," he had said, wanted to be a shining example of what good could come to the business area of the Al Tahoe neighborhood.

But those neighbors want Cobrae and the Tahoe Pines Motel to go away.

"It is a "Beacon" for crime, violence and is a stain on our community," said Bill Marker in a Facebook comment on the original story.

Since August 1, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) have been to the motel 25 times for a multitude of reasons. Calls include disturbing the peace, landlord-tenant disputes, threats, parties, drugs, suspicious activities and animal issues.

"This is a high volume call location," said SLTPD Lt. David Stevenson.

Motel neighbor Bill Marker talked to South Tahoe Now, saying he had feces thrown at his house by someone at the motel after he complained about dogs in his yard. He said an elderly neighbor was chased off the property and had things thrown at her when she followed someone there that had damaged her property.

The neighbors around the Modesto Avenue property have considered filing a civil lawsuit against Cobrae because of the harassment, escalating instances of violence and crime which they say is a daily constant in their once quiet neighborhood.

The neighbors said this isn't enough. "We want to be a good neighbor but we also expect the same," Marker said. "It is one thing living next door to a motel, but another thing living next to long term rentals in a motel."

"We need to balance property rights with nuisance," said City Attorney Tom Watson.

Cobrae says he has been evicting the problem tenants but the City of South Lake Tahoe is looking at other issues at Tahoe Pines Lodge.

There have been many health and safety code violations at Tahoe Pines Lodge that the owners have been given to correct. Watson said the City's Tiger Team, which is an inter-department group that reviews complaints and code issues, is looking at the situation.

John Cobrae, a co-owner with brother Darren, said 13 of the units have been cleaned up with new flooring and appliances, with more planned.

"This was my dream home," said Marker. "The problems at Tahoe Pines have forced me out of that home. People are living in fear."

He said the neighbors would like to see the motel torn down and returned to a natural state.