Incorporating town could thwart plans to add lodging, retail to Squaw Valley’s base
By Ed Fletcher, Sacramento Bee
Concerned by a major development proposal, a group of Squaw Valley activists say they have more than enough signatures needed to start the process of turning the tiny ski resort community into the new city of Olympic Valley.
The process is expected to cost in excess of $100,000 and take at least two years.
Owners of Squaw Valley want to further develop the base area. Photo/LTN file
“I don’t see big obstacles once we become a town,” said Fred Ilfeld, one of the lead proponents of cityhood.
Olympic Valley might be a small town, but it’s a community filled with people who have accomplished much in their lives, said Ilfeld. He did not foresee problems electing a capable council.
Incorporation is a response to the December 2011 announcement by Squaw Valley’s owners of a proposed phased development of 101.5 acres, adding more than 1,000 lodging units and 47,000 square feet of commercial space.
Squaw CEO Andy Wirth said while his organization doesn’t have an official position on incorporation, he has concerns.