IS "SKI CAMP" AN EMPTY THREAT?

Two things stand out about Royal Gorge LLC's proposed ski camp, readily apparent when you look at the photo of the map.  First, it doesn't look much different from Royal Gorge LLC's original proposal-- and it isn't. 650 units or more, with a large hotel/condo operation-- that hasn't changed much, despite the fact Sugar Bowl isn't going to go along with the lift connection.  Second, "Ski Camp" is all about density, and sprawl- the worst of both worlds, all built in one of the major watersheds that feed our Serene Lakes.

If Placer County permits a change in the general plan and zoning to accommodate this large development, it will be a sad day for our lakeside community, and the construction of so many units in our watershed will impact our water quality. The question remains, though, can "Ski Camp" ever actually be built, or is Royal Gorge LLC spinning a fantasy, hoping to convince Placer County their plans are viable, as well as hoping to keep investors on board, and perhaps attract new investors?  Where is Royal Gorge LLC, short of draining our lakes, or building new dams (Van Norden Meadow,  Serena Creek.....), going to get the water for this large complex?

It's an old question, and it's never been satisfactorily answered. Without water, the building of "Ski Camp" very well might be an empty threat-- but here's another one-- what if Placer County lets Royal Gorge LLC carve up the land below Razorback Ridge, and then the money dries up, as investors realize the market isn't there for yet another Sierra hotel complex-- that's a real "empty" threat.