Placer County has restarted efforts to find a new use for the firehouse vacated by the North Tahoe Fire Protection District in 2011.

The firehouse, along with the adjoining Tahoe Community Center structure, is on the lakeside of Lake Blvd. near Commons Beach. Placer County initially started a public process for the site in 2011, but elected to wait for other planning efforts that would affect the potential uses for the structure.

“Our goal is to find the best use for the site that will facilitate improvement to Tahoe City’s community, environment and economy,” said Jennifer Merchant, Placer County’s deputy county executive officer for Lake Tahoe. “We’re really excited to work with stakeholders and the community to find the right fit.”

Placer County began working with stakeholders in April to solicit opinions and expert input on what could be the best use of the site, whether that means re-using the existing buildings, taking them down for a park or plaza, or some combination thereof.

The community is being asked to identify re-use options that are innovative, feasible from a cost and time perspective, and include a strategy for long-term financial self-sustainability.

The community will have a number of opportunities to participate in the planning process, learn more about potential options and voice their input:

Community Workshops:

• June 5, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the old firehouse.
• July 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the old firehouse.

North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council:

• July 13, 6 p.m. at the Tahoe City Public Utility District building conference room.

Staff will present the workshop findings to the Placer County Board of Supervisors at their Tahoe board meeting scheduled for July 25 (Tahoe location TBD).

To find out more, to offer input on potential uses of the site, or to get involved, contact Suzy Vose at [email protected] or 530-886-4962.