BURNING BRIDGES AT DONNER SUMMIT

Reading Kirk Syme's oddly toned column in August 20th's Sierra Sun was almost like watching a slow motion train wreck. What could possibly have motivated Royal Gorge LLC to shut out all the community and environmental groups working on the Summit? I've seen a copy of the letter he referred to.  I can't fathom how he somehow twisted a letter that stressed the importance of keeping the lines of communication open 180 degrees, into a rejection of input and communication.

Further, he really hung Mountain Area Preservation Fund out on the line to do so.  Although they had wanted to initiate moderated discussion; they were also signatories of the very amiable letter, that for some unknown reason has put Royal Gorge LLC's collective knickers in a twist.  With friends like Royal Gorge LLC, well, you know how it goes.....

Why is Royal Gorge suddenly "no more Mister Nice Guy?" Why embrace the "evil developer" role so early in the performance?  Is the subprime melt-down affecting their bottom line? Are their investors getting a little antsy, as they eye the very tense situation on Wall Street?  Have people realized there's a very large inventory of homes in Serene Lakes, and prices are probably going to have to head south before the houses start selling?  Have they realized that dams, and dredging,  and wringing water from stones, and all the infrastructure involved could take, many, many, many years, factoring in the likelihood of lawsuits?  Have investors taken the notion that maybe they might have liked to have been told a little more about the downsides of mountain investing a wee bit earlier in the game?  

Well, if I were an investor (as if!), I'd be a lot more nervous after reading Mr. Symes rather scattershot piece.   Developers don't usually burn all their bridges before filing their NOP.  And the scorched earth schtick- I thought that would come after the permits were issued, not before. 

KTG