-December 11,2019-
County economic development manager Mike Washam confirms that developer Gautum Patel has dropped his multi-year effort to build a $30 million upscale hotel in Three Rivers. He says opposition to the 225 room project was too strong. Patel had made a concerted effort to modify his plans to meet community concerns including relocating the proposed site and downsizing it.
Patel had been working on a location at the McKee Ranch near the fire station. ”They have been working on this project for two years” says Washam. Opposition to development in Three Rivers is legendary and includes current controversy over plans for small guest ranches on the South Fork.Opponents of the ranches say South Fork Drive is inadequate for busier traffic conditions. In fact Washam says some opponents want close the South Fork entrance to Sequoia Park that draws visitors.
Washam adds that ”Three Rivers has not built a hotel in 20 years” despite being a gateway community for the national park.