In a move addressing the critical need for affordable housing in North Lake Tahoe, the Placer County Board of Supervisors greenlit a development plan for at least 80 affordable housing units at the Dollar Creek Crossing site. According to a Placer County announcement, this decision comes on the heels of a financial feasibility study that pushed the project towards a fully affordable housing angle, over the initially mixed solution that included a combination of achievable and affordable units.
The board's approval not only paves the way for the continued planning and design but also includes the possibility of a local tenant preference program, prioritizing those with local employment and residency. The prospective site is situated on an 11.4-acre parcel on North Lake Boulevard at Dollar Drive, a property that has been under county ownership since October 2019 and is conveniently located near schools, transit, and other amenities.
Originally, Placer County entered into negotiations with The Related Companies of California, LLC, back in 2019 to begin crafting the project's design. These discussions were extended in December 2024, with a further possibility to extend to June 30, 2026. Community feedback sessions early on in the process highlighted several concerns, including the impacts on traffic, parking, and safety, which led to a series of studies on financial feasibility, housing demand, and local infrastructure.
Last year's site plan pitched a total of 120 units, a blend of affordable and achievable apartments and for-sale duplexes. However, the financial study indicated the county would need a substantial $40 million to complete the project's achievable segments, while the affordable housing component could look to state and federal sources for funding. Despite these revelations, the board made its decision to focus on the fully affordable option. Interested parties can stay updated on the Dollar Creek Crossing project by visiting the Placer County website.
