Lakeview Lookout plan unveiled to the public

It's been almost a year since the 5,400 square foot Alta Mira Building was torn down in South Lake Tahoe in order to provide open space, improve water quality and remove blight.

Today, the Scott Cecchi and Lisa O'Daly of the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) and Stephanie Grigsby of Design Workshop unveiled their conceptual plan for the area at the weekly meeting of Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe at Harrah's Tahoe. The plan of what the area could become is the result of public input and planning meetings with three members of the Soroptimist club.

Lakeview Lookout is the name for the new concept which incorporates walking, meeting areas, viewing points, seating and ADA friendly paths into a flexible, open space that will give locals and visitors alike another space to enjoy similar to Lakeview Commons. The public can enjoy more of the lake through this planned gateway.

CTC purchased the property in order to provide open space, improve water quality and remove blight. The old gas tanks were removed from the site after the demolition of the building and the soil was cleaned up. Already in the spot is a Cal Trans filtration pond to clean out the road water before it goes into the lake.

It is estimated the project will cost between $2 million and $2.5 million to build which will include reinforcement of the slope leading down into the lake.

The plan's goal was to increase lake visibility, make the area accessible, create clear views of the lake with great sunset views, and to have a viewing space along with lights and power in case of events.

Grigsby told the Soroptimists that street noise was evaluated as they wanted to reduce its impact on the site as much as possible. She said they took the three original concepts for the area and created the unveiled Lakeview Landing concept after a public meeting at the library as well as the input received during their meetings with club members.

Now, the project needs funding.

Cathy DiCamillo, Amy Berry and Greta Hambsch of the Soroptimists have been involved in the process because the club has been looking for a local project they could both participate in and help with funding. When Ray Lacey of the CTC made a presentation to the club last year, the women felt it would be a great project for them to participate in and they've been part of it ever since.

There has been activity at the site this week. Crews are removing asphalt, doing some stormwater treatment and providing more open space for the public to enjoy.

The next steps:
1) Conceptual and Schematic Stage (now)
2) Design Development
3) Construction Documentation where permits are obtained and bids got out
4) Implementation

The timeline is depending on funding. If CTC can get the initial 25% needed for the project from the Soroptimists or through other private funding, then they'll be able to go out to try and get grants and matching funds.