Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public voices split as board weighs Letter of Intent for skate park involving school property
Summary
The board reviewed a draft Letter of Intent that would allow the Scotty Lapp Foundation site access and begin design work for a proposed skate park on or adjacent to school property; a resident urged relocating the park, while a foundation representative defended the project as a positive youth amenity.
The Sunnyside–Tahoe City Public Utilities District board considered a draft Letter of Intent (LOI) proposing cooperation among TTUSD, the district and the Scotty Lapp Foundation to advance a skate-park project. Staff said the LOI would either set up a land exchange or, if that is not possible, frame a long-term lease and would authorize the foundation to access the site for design and site studies.
"This letter of intent... does contemplate all 3 parties involved," staff said, noting TTUSD legal counsel was reviewing the document and that the LOI anticipates a lengthy due-diligence period before real property rights are finalized. Staff added the LOI includes indemnities and insurance tied to site access during design and study work.
The request prompted lengthy public comment during the meeting. Resident Colleen McDivitt said locating a skate park at the dog park site would expose neighbors to safety and nuisance problems she says are already present: "People are living still in their vehicles in the grocery parking lot... Drugs, alcohol... This is out of hand," she said, and urged placing the facility ‘‘away from town’’ and out of residential areas.
A representative associated with the foundation pushed back, arguing neighborhood youth need a safe, visible place to recreate and develop skills. "The kids need a place to be... I just I don't think if there's a robbery at CVS, the cops are asking, what mode of transportation did they come on?" she said, pressing that properly sited and designed skate parks can be assets.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and provided operational clarifications: staff said repairs to the dog park fence are on the work plan once snow melt allows, and noted that the district does not control adjacent privately owned parcels such as the AT&T building. Staff said liability during construction would rest with the foundation, while long-term liability would be aligned with whatever ownership or lease structure the parties negotiate.
The president said the item would not be placed on consent so the board could continue public comment and discussion. No formal vote on the LOI was recorded in the meeting transcript.
Why it matters: The LOI would enable early design and study work that shapes site selection and project scope; decisions about land ownership or lease terms will determine who bears long‑term liability and maintenance responsibilities.
