Controversy Surrounds Alterra Mountain Company’s Tahoe Development Plan

The proposed mega-development in Olympic Valley by Alterra Mountain Company has sparked significant opposition from local community groups and businesses. Alterra, which has been pushing its development plans, claims that community input was a key component in shaping and refining the proposal.

However, critics argue that local opinion has been largely against the proposal. According to Sierra Watch, an environmental organization, more than 2,600 comments were submitted to Placer County regarding the project in 2023, with 99% of these comments being in opposition.

Alterra posits that the alternative to their plan would be to leave the community «frozen in time.» Yet, there are alternative development proposals put forward by groups like Friends of Olympic Valley and Sierra Watch, which have reportedly been ignored by Alterra.

The company has been urging its employees to lobby local officials, asserting that future investments in infrastructure depend on advancing their development scheme. Nevertheless, opponents argue that improvements such as creek restoration and parking lot repairs can be undertaken without the proposed development.

Alterra’s proposal also includes 300,000 square feet of commercial space, which local businesses fear might draw both customers and employees away, potentially harming existing enterprises. This concern is echoed by more than 60 local business owners who have collectively voiced their opposition.

Additionally, Alterra has claimed that their development would lead to less congestion in the area, a point directly contradicted by the County’s environmental analysis. This analysis indicates that the development would add over 3,300 vehicles to daily traffic, exacerbating congestion rather than alleviating it.

Alterra’s assertions that increased lodging in the valley would reduce travel into and out of the area is described as overly optimistic by detractors. Analysis suggests an increase in traffic during peak seasons and events, a concern also shared by CalTrans.

The company has pledged a $2 million payment to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, yet critics argue this is insufficient to mitigate the environmental impact they predict will result from the project.

With respect to workforce housing, Alterra has committed $500,000 towards additional initiatives. However, critics calculate that this will not adequately address the housing shortfalls anticipated for the 900 new employees, given the high property prices in the region.

On issues related to water resources, Alterra claims that there is sufficient groundwater supply, although the Olympic Valley Public Service District has raised concerns over vulnerabilities in the community’s sole water source and the adequacy of previous water supply assessments.

Despite these criticisms, Alterra Mountain Company maintains its position, focusing on what it describes as essential for the financial capture and economic growth within the region. Meanwhile, environmental and community groups continue to resist, advocating for responsible development that considers both environmental impact and community well-being.