Letter: Ex-hotel employee documents tree removal
Publisher’s note: This letter with photos and video (Landing Tree cutting July 2, 2014) was sent to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lake Tahoe News on March 23 in regards to illegal tree removal at the Landing Resort.
Video was shot from my cell phone, while I was the banquet manager (of the Landing Resort in South Lake Tahoe).
None of the management on site knew what was happening with this particular tree. The day before the tree cutting the lift showed up. On the afternoon of July 2, 2014, Brent Truax, regional manager and second to Jim Demetriades, showed up and said we would need to close the patio that night. Just after 5pm, private contractors showed up and removed the tree, which was in front of the restaurant patio, and Jim’s favorite room. This was in preparation for the Fourth, they were hoping for a better view of the fireworks!
I would love to see the trees go back in this spot.
Please let me know if you need any more information.
Thank you for your concern in this matter,
Isaac Walker
Of course it was Brent,
His arrogance and mishandling of guests and staff have done nothing to help this place get off the ground.
Wake up Jimmy, Brent should be fired – what are you waiting for?
And here’s the you tube video
http://youtu.be/RQS7hw8TjzU
“similar location” Got a million dollar view for only $40,000. I would call that a One for the Landing, tie for the TRPA and a loss for the community.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency unanimously approved the settlement agreement with The Landing Resort and Spa on Wednesday for the unauthorized removal of four trees near the lake.
The resort removed the trees without approval last year to allegedly improve the property’s view of Lake Tahoe. The trees ranged from 14- to 24- inches wide.
As per the settlement agreement, the resort’s owner, James Demetriades, is required to pay a $40,000 fine and plant four 15- to 20-foot Jeffrey pine trees in a “similar location” to where the trees were removed.