Judge blocks construction of homes near Tahoe

[Judi Lynn]

Article Last Updated: 05/14/2005 01:13:15 AM

Judge blocks construction of homes near Tahoe
By Scott Sonner
The Associated Press

RENO, Nev. - A judge has sided with conservationists seeking to block construction of thousands of homes north of Lake Tahoe, saying the county's comprehensive development plan for the Martis Valley violates California environmental law.

The judge ordered Placer County to suspend all activities under the 2003 Martis Valley Community Plan and set aside the environmental reviews used to approve plans for construction of at least 6,000 homes southeast of Truckee, Calif.

The plan ''builds in opportunities to create environmental mischief,'' California Superior Court Judge James Garbolino said Thursday in a ruling from Auburn, Calif.

''Of particular concern is the impact which the project will have upon traffic and air quality impacts within the Tahoe Basin,'' he wrote. ''One must not lose sight of the fragile nature of the area under discussion.''
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http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2734852