Town of Truckee gives ice arena plans a nod

By Jenny Goldsmith

Nevada Appeal News Service

Promoters of a proposed ice arena said the Town of Truckee sees no problems with their plans, bringing the area one step closer to becoming a center for year-round skating.

In December, John H. Hugo of Truckee and his project partner, Steve Weiss, a South Lake Tahoe resident, asked the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District board of directors for the possible use of three acres of district land for the proposed $3 million facility.

The board directed Hugo and Weiss to meet with town officials to discuss building regulations, site plans and property constraints.

At Tuesday's meeting, Hugo said the town's only concern was whether the Truckee Donner Public Utility District could supply the needed electricity for the building.

However, Hugo said in general the project is consistent with town ordinances, and if they reach an agreement with the utility district, the town would be willing to put more time and effort into the proposal.

"This is a win-win for everybody involved, including the PUD," said board member Janet Brady, adding that the next step will be for the park district's general manager to meet with the utility district to arrange an electricity usage agreement.

The board also advised Hugo to prepare a business plan detailing the partnership, expected revenue and prospective spaces.

Hugo and Weiss have proposed building the 97-by-200-foot, nonprofit facility near the rodeo grounds parking lot or at the new community center. However, board members have previously said they were concerned with availability of land and parking at both sites.

"We want to move forward, and make wise decisions so it can be utilized, will be affordable, and can continue to grow," Brady said.

Hugo and Weiss' proposed Igloo Ice Rink would differ from existing ice rinks at Northstar, Squaw Valley and Truckee because the indoor rink would provide skaters - from casual users to hockey teams - an ice surface in all four seasons, Weiss said in a past interview.