Recap of the 39 North Info Meeting by Kings Barn

On May 15th, Kings Barn hosted an informational meeting about their proposed development, 39 Degrees North. The meeting, which lasted over three hours, primarily focused on the project’s features and amenities aimed at tourists, with little consideration for how it fits within the Kings Beach community.

Meeting Highlights:

• Presentation Focus: The developers presented extensive details about their project, emphasizing its design and tourist amenities. The presentation lacked empathy and consideration for the local community, leading to frustration among attendees who expected a community-oriented discussion.
• Community Engagement: The meeting format felt like a one-way conversation, with Kings Barn detailing what they want to do rather than engaging with community members. The first mention of the community was superficial, stating a desire for a “community look and feel.”
• Q&A Session: When the floor was finally opened for comments and questions at 7:05 PM, community members expressed various concerns, including:
  • Workforce Housing: Questions arose about the location and type of housing planned. There were calls for deed-restricted affordable housing rather than “achievable housing.”
  • Project Fit: Many attendees felt the project does not align with the character of Kings Beach, suggesting it would be better suited for South Lake Tahoe or another resort town. Kings Beach is a community, not a resort.
  • Traffic and Safety: Concerns were raised about the potential traffic impacts and the risk of gridlock during wildfires.
  • Height and Character: There was significant pushback on the proposed 75-foot height, which exceeds the already contentious 56-foot height limit. Residents fear this will set a precedent for future developments and alter the community’s character.
  • Litigation Fears: Community members worried that the project might face lengthy litigation and environmental review processes, potentially wasting taxpayer money if the project stalls or is abandoned.
  • Lack of Commercial Space: The proposal includes extensive hotel and residential units but lacks commercial spaces for local businesses.
  • Environmental and Aesthetic Concerns: Questions about compliance with the Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) and concerns about the project’s environmental impact, such as casting permanent shade over parts of the community.
  • Goodwill Actions: Requests were made for immediate goodwill actions from the developer, like painting derelict buildings, to show genuine community commitment.

Alignment with Strong Towns Principles

The proposed 39 Degrees North project does not align with Strong Towns principles, which emphasize building financially resilient and community-focused developments. Strong Towns advocates for incremental development that prioritizes the needs of existing residents, fosters local businesses, and creates a walkable, connected community.

To align with Strong Towns principles, the project would need to:

• Reduce Scale: Lower the height and density of the buildings to better fit the character and scale of Kings Beach.
• Prioritize Local Needs: Focus on providing affordable, deed-restricted housing and commercial spaces that support local businesses.
• Enhance Walkability: Design the project to enhance pedestrian connectivity and safety, integrating with the existing street grid and promoting walkability.
• Community Input: Engage in genuine, ongoing dialogue with the community to ensure the project meets local needs and reflects community values.
• Environmental Responsibility: Ensure the project complies with the Tahoe Basin Area Plan and addresses environmental concerns, such as water quality and minimizing shade impacts.

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