The Tuscan development showcased their team this afternoon with speakers that included green building specialists, an economist, an attorney and the local team as well as a strong endorsement of the project from Commissioner Hawkins.
The Tuscan Development is a proposed planned development along the south shore of Lake Chelan of about 270 acres. The proposal includes a variety of uses including agriculture, commercial, hospitality, vacation rental and full and part-time residences. A completed application for the planned development has recently been submitted to Chelan County. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required and its scope is currently being defined.
Bob Jankelson, Guy Evans, Fred Ross and many others were fantastic hosts at the Tsillan Cellars Winery. They have a strong vision for the project and intend to create a unique, world class rural village type of concept that is environmentally sensitive. The meeting was attended by public officials, including the county commissioners, several city council members, city and county staff. The project has the public’s attention as well in that the winery was full and people were standing outside for the presentations on the project.
The current proposal is a change from discussions I have heard in the past in that they no longer desire water and sewer services from the City of Chelan. From what I heard today, they intend to get water locally, from other systems, like Little Butte and Bear Mountain, as well as develop their own sources. Sewer and gray water would likewise be treated and disposed of onsite. The EIS will consider extensions for sewer and water, but it sounds like the developers’ preferred alternative is to no longer obtain those services from the City.
This is an attractive and innovative project that appears to be moving forward. It is flexible in that the project can be done in stages as the market is ready for it. I’m sure there will be dramas yet to occur on some of the issues, like water and sewer. Today’s meeting was certainly a well orchestrated introduction of the project to the public! I expect we’ll be seeing this project continue to take shape on the south shore.
