At the Lake: 56-Acre project meeting set for this afternoon

The Steering Committee for the 56-Acre project will meet at the Inn by the Lake in South Lake Tahoe from 4 to 6 p.m. today.

The public is invited to comment on a recently selected preferred plan before it is finalized. Topics will include an explanation of how the plan is evolving and where it is going; and how sustainable and green designs are being incorporated.

The first phase of the project is wrapping up with the finalization of the preferred plan.

Phase 2, expected to begin in the spring, will look in more detail at issues including construction costs, funding sources, revenue streams, parking requirements and traffic circulation.

The 56-Acre plan is being developed to improve the area now housing the city library, recreation center, ice rink, public works department and other public venues.

The project is a cooperative effort among the city and El Dorado County, which own the land and are leading the process, and the California Tahoe Conservancy, which is funding the project's design.

The California Tahoe Conservancy has provided nearly $700,000 to fund the initial planning phase. The conservancy will be asked for more money to help pay for Phase 2.

For more information, visit the project Web site at www.cityofslt.us/56AcreProject.