[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6676962,"mediaKeyId","2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43","parentId",2341322,"title","Sheridan council approves rezoning of Wyoming Downs property to M-1 to allow gaming use","audioSeconds",4213,"startMs",1196000,"endMs",5409000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43&start=1196&end=5409","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43/thumbnail_1196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6676962/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Sheridan-council-approves-rezoning-of-Wyoming-Downs-property-to-M-1-to-allow-gaming-use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676962-b0f99c9c4fdcb46e57e705669cd9a2b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1777208845&Signature=XaUXsALkikFbUt3xu8LBfG5TI6R3Lz8Bf5H-NAt3UVmhIl69kKAZj0V4lt-S~mlGDNZUbZIt5iQR~AzKSsVuFZcFQGXGWkueidhYOpzJ4xLN~c8rEQNgqSS4dJGsgr82zCW8v7vOEVGzLJYdyIRXKK~CFOrR99Z-dK1PV8LJ28PP3lgpk0JR5lMn27hbGb7RYtmYnDMGOogJ7RTKiDJx9k~wFPHfVVWLhwFJtnemSTVqXAJHrDwmigUH7sqX3J8dHnOMxUUcxKa8rfFny2xsETplM~EBzP9oxvh3npg6pU9HZKpdFRIOzSa3A0ypn4vPPOHP5j6gW8vx7D1fmQWxiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sheridan","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Sheridan — The Sheridan City Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance rezoning the property at 927 Coffeen Avenue (the former Ollie’s Pizza/Wyoming Downs site) from B-1 (business) to M-1 (industrial), a change the applicant says is needed to allow a gaming use.

City planner Kelly Schroeder said the request would bring the site into compliance with the zoning code and is compatible with surrounding parcels currently zoned M-1. “Our B 1 zoning hasn't really changed in those 77 years,” Schroeder said, adding that code updates to reflect current land uses will be brought forward separately.

The rezone prompted lengthy public comment and debate. Opponents warned the change amounted to spot zoning and would erode the B-1 business district, while proponents and some council members said procedural requirements were met and existing nearby M-1 uses reduce the risk of incompatible heavy industry.

Planning commission recommended approval after a Jan. 13 public hearing. Schroeder told council staff sent 16 mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet and published required legal notices; the city also required a sign on the property. Two written letters of opposition were received and included in the council packet.

Residents raised several objections during public comment. Sue Osborne asked why a third reading should allow public input if the item were already decided. Ryan Franklin, a planning and zoning commissioner who moved the item forward to council, said he voted to advance the matter for procedural reasons despite personal reservations and suggested a conditional or special-use permit alternative. Maureen Metcalfe and Ann Gardner called the rezoning a form of spot zoning that unfairly benefits a single property owner. Tracy Lakecott, general counsel for Wyoming Downs, said she and her client were available to answer questions.

Council discussion touched on spot-zoning law and local practice. The city attorney said the council could reasonably find the request was not spot zoning because the adjoining property to the east is being used under M-1 zoning, and staff noted that portions of adjacent parcels already have M-1 zoning and that the parcel configuration makes future subdivision impractical.

After deliberation the council voted by roll call to approve the ordinance. Vote record (roll call): Council member France — Aye; Council member Lightnam — Aye; Council member Wood — Aye; Council member Lumen — Aye; Council member Weitzel — Aye; Council member Patzick — No; Mayor Bridger — Aye. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters: Rezoning to M-1 changes the set of uses allowed on the parcel; opponents said it creates a precedent that could permit additional industrial or adult-oriented uses in the B-1 district unless the city’s pending M-1 code updates (discussed by staff) apply stricter limits. Supporters argued the change aligns the property with surrounding land use and that future code updates will address heavy-industrial protections.

What’s next: The ordinance takes effect as provided by state law and city code; staff noted separate work on M-1 zoning language will be presented to planning commission and council in coming weeks to clarify heavy-industrial controls and special-exemption procedures.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sheridan - City Council - Regular - Feb 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Sheridan — The Sheridan City Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance rezoning the property at 927 Coffeen Avenue (the former Ollie’s Pizza/Wyoming Downs site) from B-1 (business) to M-1 (industrial), a change the applicant says is needed to allow a gaming use.","taxTitle","Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming","taxId",68760,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6676957,"Museum of the Bighorns outlines relocation, exhibit plans and Smithsonian partnership",668,225000,893000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43&start=225&end=893","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43/thumbnail_225000.jpg","/articles/6676957/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Museum-of-the-Bighorns-outlines-relocation-exhibit-plans-and-Smithsonian-partnership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676957-b41330bcdc33ee7f9b6eebaec07fb2d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1777208845&Signature=GppmPWyQk~C7yK26yUqDkulfqvsDUv2UkOjLw9lpEICII3LBOsTjpZ91dmX-Q7Od9nLBtj9ON3SuqQmmL9CLeMnvl--Gm-wfHWXHc9mo4C2pvGCau5eNl5Np0gYDexRuUyFzwTemCeI~A-0jfaqKWJ~dgh6d2u0dFJoKjEq27yZxMF2cGmxTlT9CeXBrPodUyxCnMX30wd03QHEGzBdApVMmFVNRvgv1MO2sLEaOoautDjFN24VmCA0jcs6HEQd1U4B6ZjrBqt4wU90mCsXWzexFMTwzf6ivV2A3qJ57dwsHzCdapdCabeTtnvfUfoXab-WVR7ysAEmNoOvt6LGZWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheridan — Directors of the Museum of the Bighorns updated the City Council on an extended closure, collection inventory, relocation and exhibit plans for a new downtown facility.

Chip King, director of operations, told council the museum closed its Art History location on Dec. 16, 2023, to perform a comprehensive inventory in preparation for relocation. The board used city GPF funds to keep the museum closed for the extended inventory and to engage design and exhibit firms. “This extended closure ... revealed a few hidden gems,” King said, noting discoveries including a 44-star Garrison-size American flag and correspondence tied to World War II.

King said the museum engaged Upland Exhibits of Lawrence, Kansas, and local architecture, engineering and construction firms to design roughly 5,000 square feet of exhibit space plus climate-controlled storage, staging and a retail area focused on locally made goods. He said the board is splitting responsibilities: a new museum director will manage collections and education (the “back of house”) while he focuses on construction and retail (“front of house”). The museum aims for longer hours and a seven-day schedule.

Museum director Carrie Edinger said she joined the museum about a month ago and proposed six exhibit themes: the Big Horn Mountains, High Plains ecosystems, coal and other industries, downtown Sheridan (including a horse/rodeo component), ranching, and rotating/traveling exhibits. She said the museum plans to rotate exhibits at least twice a year and will participate in community events such as third-Thursday family activities and the Claremont Historical Group quilt show in March.

Edinger announced a local partnership tied to a Smithsonian pilot exhibit: Sheridan’s application was selected as part of the Smithsonian “Many Voices, One Nation” pilot, one of three states chosen; the local component will open July 2026 as part of the U.S. 250th celebration and will emphasize local history within the Smithsonian framework.

Why it matters: The museum’s relocation and new exhibits are pitched as downtown economic and cultural development tools — a climate-controlled storage area will protect artifacts and a retail focus on local artisans is intended to keep visitors in the downtown shopping district longer.

What’s next: The board is moving forward with construction planning and exhibit design; staff anticipate reopening in phases with retail and lobby spaces and expect continued coordination with the city.","Museum directors described a year-long inventory and relocation effort, plans for a 5,000-square-foot exhibit space with climate-controlled storage, partnerships with Upland Exhibits and local firms, and selection for a Smithsonian pilot exhibit opening July 2026.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6676960,"Sheridan council approves wastewater loan increase, Covey Run parking restriction and MRG grant application for Hub on Smith",570,5857000,6427000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43&start=5857&end=6427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2341322-ba5ba2627016dc166d5ce49424c68a43/thumbnail_5857000.jpg","/articles/6676960/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Sheridan-council-approves-wastewater-loan-increase-Covey-Run-parking-restriction-and-MRG-grant-application-for-Hub-on-Smith","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6676960-1fa8699a154925467cda2063e8b6d77a/orig.mp4?Expires=1777208845&Signature=JFUFtDxpoM1xFA-qoK91EIxgRkaE73ZpSwY4bk2F6OnpY7n8lm84b3iKV4-fS98dCGjfF4jyOekWfHFT9ZxuXcIs0D0WPVlx3oEkh7MiwPdDTADYK26tnaPWxvTMwK064mJNY2-HfQ~lQn0751foaxnes~XVv1YwVgJYwipREimATVoz7MZUnnwi6jTkN~Q9UKGt6eHaHqgLG-Mid7-q07QkyEPsLlZ9vgUGmKjQsKlSDkMZy8oBFjliA2SQGGYqX726WTxiszOX8wcwTXl2z3VOLXVPQ77gKwH~k4zfJ7UlcxSVrLJkzUKzHM8HphLOLJG4Ozjd29lw1REAoz3P7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheridan — At its regular meeting the Sheridan City Council approved three substantive resolutions addressing utility funding, neighborhood traffic safety and a grant application to improve the Hub on Smith parking lot, and it passed claims and several consent items.

Wastewater upgrades: Council approved Resolution 3-25 authorizing staff to request a $6,250,000 increase in the city’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan to cover higher-than-expected construction estimates for the Wyoming Water Transmission Program Upgrades (wastewater treatment plant) project. Utilities director Dan Roberts said the city already has $9,000,000 in loan funding and the increase would bring total loan funding for the project to about $15.25 million after 60% design; he recommended a 30-year, 0% interest loan if available. Roberts estimated the additional funding would add roughly $0.37 per month to an average residential wastewater bill (about $2.22 cumulative over six years under the financial model presented). Council approved the resolution by voice vote.

Covey Run parking restriction: The council approved Resolution 7-25 prohibiting parking on the west side of Covey Run Road from West Fifth Street to Quail Ridge Drive. City engineer Thomas Marnell told council the road was built to a 36-foot width based on earlier traffic assumptions; more recent development and traffic counts indicate a wider design would be preferable. With parked cars on both sides the remaining travel lanes are under the city’s 12-foot standard, complicating plowing, emergency access and bus routing. The staff recommendation was to permit on-street parking only on the east side to enable two 12-foot travel lanes and adequate plow operations; the council approved the restriction by voice vote.

Hub on Smith MRG application: Council approved Resolution 9-25 to authorize submission of a Mineral Royalty Grant (MRG) application for $1,000,000 to fund parking-lot and accessibility improvements at the Hub on Smith. City engineer Thomas Marnell and project consultants described a redesigned lot with new ADA-compliant pedestrian crossings, improved grading, a grease interceptor and a continuous sidewalk linking the Hub to Whitney Commons. The estimated project cost is $3,273,500; the Hub reported it has secured about $1,900,000 in other funds and the city would provide $500,000 in previously-authorized cap tax funds as part of the match. The city designated the Hub application as its second MRG priority (a fire truck application is first). Council approved the MRG-submission authorization by voice vote.

Claims and consent: Council moved claims from the consent agenda into new business and approved them after a member recused on a single reimbursement item; a planning-commission appointment (Lorraine Lehman) and minutes were approved as part of consent.

Why it matters: The loan increase is intended to keep a major infrastructure project on schedule but will affect rate projections; the parking restriction addresses safety and winter maintenance concerns raised by staff and the school district bus operator; the MRG application would improve accessibility for senior- and community services at the Hub on Smith.

What’s next: If the CWSRF increase is approved by the funding agency, staff will proceed with final design and construction procurement for the wastewater upgrades. The Covey Run restriction will be implemented by public-works staff. The Hub on Smith grant application is due Feb. 20; if awarded, construction is expected in spring/summer 2026.","The council authorized a $6.25 million increase to a Clean Water SRF loan for wastewater treatment plant upgrades, approved a parking ban on the west side of Covey Run Road and authorized submission of a $1 million Mineral Royalty Grant application for the Hub on Smith parking-lot improvements; claims and other routine items were also approved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sheridan council approves rezoning of Wyoming Downs property to M-1 to allow gaming use

Museum of the Bighorns outlines relocation, exhibit plans and Smithsonian partnership

Sheridan council approves wastewater loan increase, Covey Run parking restriction and MRG grant application for Hub on Smith