Taho Ski Resort Expansion Faces Resistance

HOMEWOOD, Calif. (AP) -- An expansion project proposed by Homewood Mountain Ski Resort on Lake Tahoe's west shore is stirring concerns from residents and conservationists.

Opponents say the redevelopment plan unveiled by the resort's owner -- San Francisco-based real estate firm JMA Ventures -- would cause major traffic congestion and disturb the community's quality of life.

JMA Ventures president Art Chapman says the multi-million-dollar overhaul would create "an upscale boutique ski resort the community can be proud of."

Among other features, plans call for a base lodge with a 75-room boutique hotel, up to 25,000 square feet of retail space and a new state-of-the-art base mountain facility.

JMA Ventures will present a draft environmental impact statement of the project at a Feb. 23 meeting of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's governing board.

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