TRUCKEE, Calif. – Once again the real estate development team of Canyon Springs is trying to push their agenda through.

The new development plan proposal calls for the development of 284 acres and 185 units (with potentially as many second dwelling units) in eastern Truckee.

The possible impacts to our community include: significant traffic increases (2,000 to 2,500 trips) daily on Glenshire Drive; increased noise pollution; decreased property values for existing residents; increased suburban sprawl; long-term construction noise and traffic; threatened wildlife habitat; decreased fire and evacuation safety.

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The Draft Environmental Impact Report has been completed and can be reviewed and commented on by March 6. The report states that aside from certain intersections, Glenshire Drive (between Martis Peak Road and Donner Pass Road) would be suitable for the influx of additional traffic that this project would generate.

In its present condition, Glenshire Drive is a hazard during the winter season. The wheel ruts are so deep that the plow blades cannot effectively remove snow pack and ice the blades can only contact the highest portions of the road. When it rains, the water runs lengthwise down the road following the wheel ruts rather than off the road shoulders. Additional traffic will only exacerbate this problem.

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The DEIR traffic report is done during the dry season and does not take into account ice and snow. Why is that? Winter happens every year out here.

I know of a number of people who have had head-on collisions on Glenshire Drive during winter conditions and have, myself, opted to turn into the shoulder or snow bank to avoid an oncoming vehicle sliding out of control. To state that this road is up to the task of handling such a significant increase in traffic is absurd. If this project is approved, will that road be rebuilt and maintained on a more frequent basis? Who will pay for that?

The DEIR also states that noise pollution would be less than significant if this project is approved. Huh? Traffic is noise, construction is noise, and construction traffic is noise.

We have until March 6 to submit written comments on the DEIR. Address comments to: Denyelle Nishimori, Senior Planner, 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA, 96161

Neil Pankler is a Truckee resident living in the Glenshire subdivision.