RS Council Looks at Proposed Zoning Map Changes
ROCK SPRINGS — The Rock Springs City Council will continue its discussion on a proposed residential subdivision zoning change when the ordinance comes up for second reading at council’s regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow night.
Council denied a resolution allowing the zone change to occur at its last meeting following concerns voiced by several residents.
Council will review making a change to its “Official Zoning Map” from heavy industrial to medium density residential for a nearly 60-acre parcel of land located near Springs Drive and Mineral Drive. The proposed subdivision has around 185 single-family lots.
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Jim Lever spoke against the zone change saying he’s concerned about safety of children in that area if this subdivision is allowed to be built in that location. He said since it’s heavy industrial around that area big trucks will be driving in and out of there. Lever said he already has been looking at the number of trucking companies on Industrial Drive currently and is concerned.
“Safety is the No. 1 issue that I look at,” Lever said.
He said there are other areas in Rock Springs where a subdivision like this could be developed without the safety concerns this area brings. Lever said he’s in favor of the original master plan for this area which keeps the zoning as heavy industrial.
Remax realtor Mandy Allred said that while residential subdivisions are needed to meet housing demands, this is not the location for it due to the heavy industrial and light industrial areas surrounding this property.
“I think it would be a disservice to the public to be able to put this here,” Allred said.
After listening to concerns from residents as well as Councilors, the Council chose not to pass the resolution approving the request. However, the ordinance follows a different process. It takes three readings to approve or deny an ordinance.
Other business
Another ordinance is also requesting an amendment to the “Official Zoning Map” from medium density residential to community business district/conditional district for a nearly 14 1/2 acre parcel of land located near Lombard Drive and Interstate 80. This land will be used for storage units.
Council will look at approving a memorandum of understanding between the City of Rock Springs, City of Green River, and Sweetwater County to provide funding for a unified county-wide economic development effort. Each entity will contribute $70,000.
Council will also look at approving an addendum to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the United Mine Workers of America. The city will look to give all employees a 5 percent cost of living adjustment increase. The addendum will start July 1, 2022, and remain in effect through June 30, 2023 if approved.
The agenda also calls for the review of an agreement for engineering services between the City of Green River, the City of Rock Springs, and Forsgren Associates, Inc., for the Joint Biosolids Handling project. This project will cost $126,600.
Council will consider appointing Maura Bradshaw to the Beautification/Tree Committee, Abby St. Marie to a first term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Lacey Brown to a first term on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Tim Kaumo to a second term on Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition.
The meeting will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m. inside City Hall. To review the complete Council agenda, click here.