TRPA approves last leg of South Tahoe redevelopment plan

Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998 | 11:56 a.m.

The regulatory agency on Wednesday unanimously approved the demolition of a strip of buildings near the lake's casino core to make room for hotels, a convention center and shops.

The plan also includes drainage basins to reduce sediment runoff into Lake Tahoe.

Called Redevelopment Project 3, the $200 million facelift for 20 acres on the north side of U.S. 50. will include two hotels with 709 rooms, 47,000-square-feet of convention space, a replica of Lake Tahoe, and a public transportation system to reduce fuel emissions and traffic.

It will be located across the street from another project already approved.

That project, called Park Avenue, will include hotels, stores, theaters and a gondola that will take skiers from the casino area to the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort.

"Redevelopment Project 3 is a dream come true," said Chuck Scharer, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harveys Casino Resorts, a main backer of the development.

"This project will not only create a wonderful tourist environment year round, but will reduce land coverage, decrease vehicle miles traveled and improve water quality to protect the pristine clarity of everyone's Lake Tahoe," he said.

TRPA Board Chairman Drake DeLanoy predicted the projects would jump-start Tahoe's tourism economy.

"I think this is outstanding. It's an excellent, excellent step and it's very important for all of the Tahoe Basin," DeLanoy said.

Construction of Project 3 is expected to begin in 2000, with completion targeted for 2002.