(Lander, WY) – The Lander Planning Commission presented its proposed changes to the city’s zoning code during a public meeting and open house last week, drawing feedback from several local residents who expressed concerns about some aspects of the proposal.
Local homeowner Dorothy Tonkowich was the first resident to speak, wondering whether the city has the “infrastructure” to handle the increased “density” that might result from allowing more “multiple-use structures” to be constructed in town.
She shared her own recent experience with a sewer line blockage on Third Street that caused a “sewage flood” in her basement that was “very unpleasant.”
“My concern is, if we’re talking about increasing density in our community, do we have the infrastructure to handle that, or are some of our lines antiquated?” she asked the Planning Commission. “Should we look into that before we start building multiple-use structures?”
Planning Commission Member Zach Mahlum said commissioners have heard “similar complaints or concerns from a number of people,” so the commission decided to “discuss that with the building department (and) with public works.”
“From the information that we’ve received, it appeared that the city could handle the increased infrastructure,” Mahlum said. “Of course, certain things – some infrastructure costs – are borne by the developer, but presently … there’s no indication that the city’s infrastructure is inadequate to handle slightly increased development as we’ve recommended here.”
Local resident Karen Wetzel approached the podium next to read a statement written by a “friend” who shares her perspective on the proposed zoning changes, which she called “ill-advised.”
“This proposal to irreversibly destroy the character of Lander by creating sardine-can living is not going to make housing more affordable,” Wetzel said. “The research is incomplete, intentionally or not, and the citizens of Lander need a lot more information, as does the city council.”
She requested that the Planning Commission provide “supporting documentation that guarantees Lander citizens that when we sacrifice the character of Lander, that sacrifice will result in affordable housing.”
Wetzel also asked that “counter-studies” be included in the proposal showing “the negative impact of implementing these types of zoning changes in similar areas” like Jackson, and she questioned whether the Planning Commission’s proposed zoning changes were compliant with Wyoming Statute 15-1-601(d).
“I object to this proposal moving forward at this time,” Wetzel said.
Instead, she suggested that the city should focus on finding ways to increase wages for local residents, perhaps by attracting a “real business” to town to “hire the local workforce” and “pay them a living wage.”
“That needs to come first,” Wetzel said. “Research shows that, to achieve affordable housing, wages must increase. The Planning Commission should withhold this proposal from the city council and address that issue.”
The Lander City Council is scheduled to consider the proposed zoning changes on the first of three readings on Tuesday, Oct. 8, Assistant Mayor RaJean Strube Fossen said, inviting members of the public to attend that meeting and offer comments during the associated public hearing.
Local resident Juanita Duncan said she would reserve her comments for the city council meeting, but she did tell the Planning Commission that she is “not in favor of the proposal,” and she has “a long list of reasons why I would not agree with this.”
Regardless, she thanked the Planning Commission for their work on the proposal and the time they set aside to “listen to us all” during the open house.
For more information call the City of Lander at 332-2870.