FAQs
- General
- Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
- Economics
- Architecture/Design
- More Information/Getting Involved
TRUCKEE RAILYARD MASTER PLAN
What is the Truckee Railyard Master Plan?
The master plan is a formal document adopted by the Town with the purpose of capturing and describing the Town’s vision for the Railyard Area and to guide its future redevelopment. The Master Plan describes the scale and character of the development envisioned for the area and includes development standards and design guidelines to help ensure that future development is consistent with the Town’s vision for the area.
Other topics covered in the master plan include public space, transportation and circulation, snow storage and infrastructure, and phasing. A full copy of the plan is available online by following the links on our Master Plan page.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR)
What is an Environmental Impact Report?
The EIR describes the potential environmental consequences of the proposed Railyard Master Plan. The report serves to inform the Town staff, Planning Commission, Town Council, Redevelopment Agency, and other responsible and interested agencies, and the general public of: the proposed project and its potential environmental consequences) recommended mitigation measures to lessen or avoid potential consequences, and iii) provide feasible alternatives.
- The EIR addresses a wide range of environmental topics, including:
- Land Use and Planning Policy
- Population, Employment, and Housing
- Transportation, Circulation, and Parking
- Air Quality
- Noise and Vibration
- Geology, Soils, and Seismometry
- Hydrology and Storm Drainage
- Biological Resources
- Cultural and Paleontological Resources
- Hazards and Public Safety
- Utilities
- Public Services
- Visual Resources
How can I get a copy of the Draft EIR?
Copies of the Draft EIR are available free of charge from the Town of Truckee. To receive a copy, please contact Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner, at dnishimori@townoftruckee.com or call (530) 582-2934.
How do I comment of the the Draft EIR?
Public meetings will be held and announced in November and December of 2008. The official comment period for the Draft EIR runs from 11/6/2008 to 1/5/2009. Comments should be submitted to the Town in writing in one of the following manners:
Mail: Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner
Town of Truckee – Community Development Department
10183 Truckee Airport Road
Truckee, CA 96161
Fax: (530) 582-7710
Email: dnishimori@townoftruckee.com
What are the findings of the Draft EIR?
We will do our best over the coming weeks to summarize certain sections of the Draft EIR, but the formal document is hundreds of pages long, making no summary fully sufficient in place of reading the actual Report. As we post more information on the different sections and findings of the Draft EIR, we recommend that information be used in addition to, and not in place of, reviewing the actual report.
ECONOMICS
Will the Railyard development require public funding?
No, the Railyard will not require public funding. The project may qualify for special state funds for environmental remediation and infrastructure for infill developments. While the Railyard will be applying for these funds, these are funds that have been allocated through bond measures by the state specifically for the purpose of encouraging infill development and will not require extra funding from the Town. A development agreement will be created with the Town to determine the final agreement between each parties’ participation.
Will the Railyard development compete with existing downtown merchants?
No. The Railyard proposal is designed to compliment and strengthen the existing downtown, creating a critical mass that brings more visitors and residents into the downtown area on a more regular basis and establishing it as a true destination. For that reason, it is critical to re-route Donner Pass Road, creating a more pedestrian friendly, seamless transition between the existing downtown and the Downtown Extension District.
A formal Economic Impact Analysis has been commissioned review the impacts of the Railyard development. As soon as the report is published, expected to be in early December, it will be made available on this website.
Will the Railyard include “Big Box” retail?
No, Town officials, citizens, and Holliday Development all feel strongly that big box retail in the downtown area would not be a good fit or compliment to the downtown area and the overall character of historic downtown.
Will my taxes go up as a result of the Railyard development?
No, the Railyard development will not cause an extra tax burden on Truckee residents or businesses. In fact, the development will create millions of additional tax dollars for the Town as it develops from generally vacant land and will have a higher tax basis.
ARCHITECTURE/DEVELOPMENT
Will the development be a green development?
Yes, we are excited to be accepted as part of the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program . The certification brings together the principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building. The focus is to create a system for environmentally responsible, sustainable development.
As part of the pilot program, the Railyard has been selected to go through the certification process, helping the US Green Building Council to create a national standard to officially launch their LEED for Neighborhood Development program across the country.
What will be done about parking?
The Railyard will provide for a significant increase in downtown parking along the railroad tracks, improving downtown access for visitors during busy weekends and employees who need additional close parking. By placing parking along the tracks, the development is also able to eliminate the need for unappealing parking structures.
What about open space?
The Railyard will provide improved public and open spaces downtown, including a small town square for public gatherings. Bike paths, trail connections, and pedestrian friendly development will all add to a more vibrant downtown.
MORE INFORMATION/GETTING INVOLVED
How can I get more information?
There is a lot of information available on the Railyard development, and we’ve tried to summarize as much as we can on this website. The two largest public documents covering the Railyard are the Truckee Railyard Master Plan and the Draft Environmental Impact Report. In addition, our updates page summarizes some past meetings and gives updates on future workshops and public hearings. If you are still looking for information, we also welcome you to contact us with any questions.
Is it too late to be involved in the Railyard plan?
It is not too late for share your comments and vision on the Railyard. With the Environmental Impact Report published, a public comment period was opened that encourages feedback from any and all interested parties. Planning commission and city council meetings discussing the Railyard plan will also be upcoming and will be noted on our updates page. In addition, we always welcome feedback and discussion at any point. Feel free to e-mail us any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have. If you don’t have any questions but support the Railyard vision, sent us an e-mail or join us at public meetings to help make the vision a reality.
Who are Holliday Development and where can I get more information on them??
Holliday Development has been working on community development for over 20 years in the greater Bay Area. Founder Rick Holliday has a background starting two of the most successful affordable housing companies in the country. With the creation of Holliday Development, Rick was committed to doing smart infill development on complex real estate. His focus always has been and continues to be on building stronger, sustainable communities. To learn more about Holliday Development, visit our website .