Placer supes keep Kings Beach academy alive

Placer County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 21 voted 5-0 to deny an interim urgency ordinance.

County staff had recommended approval of the ordinance to stop the Tahoe Expedition Academy in Kings Beach from going forward. It is proposed to go on the lakefront property where Ferrari Crown Motel, Falcon Lodge and Goldcrest Resort properties are.

The item was originally going to be discussed at the Jan. 7 meeting in Auburn, but public outcry got it moved to the Kings Beach meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda item read, “Notice is hereby given that the Placer County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing, on the date and time noted above, to consider adoption of an interim ordinance prohibiting certain uses, including hospitals, day care centers/preschools, churches/religious assembly (TRPA New Definition), schools – business and vocational, schools – college, schools – kindergarten through secondary, animal husbandry services, collection stations, single-family residences, service stations, auto repair and services, and contract construction services within Plan Area Statement 001A, Special Areas No. 1 through No. 5 of the Tahoe City Community Plan, Plan Area Statement 029, Special Areas No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 of the Kings Beach Community Plan Area, and Plan Area Statement 032 of the North Stateline Community Plan Area.”

The ordinance would have created a 45-day moratorium to stop processing applications for the above uses.

County staff wants this piece of prime real estate to be used for a more tourist-oriented business. Plus, the academy would not be consistent with the area plan that is wending its way through the regulatory approval process.

There could be financial implications for Kings Beach and Placer County if it were to lose transient occupancy tax dollars as well as other dollars overnight visitors spend compared to day trippers.

Dave Ferrari, whose family has operated the hotel business for more than 60 years, told the board, “We simply ask that you acknowledge our long-held property rights and vote no.”

While the academy cleared this obstacle, it is far from a done deal. County and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency approval are still needed.

The proposed academy has scheduled informational meetings for Feb. 12 and March 19 from 6-7:30pm at North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report