The Albany County Planning & Zoning Commission on Oct. 8 was unable to reach a majority recommendation on a zoning district amendment (ZDA-09-25) for 1618 Skyline Drive and sent the matter to the Board of County Commissioners with the commission’s split recorded.

Applicant Dr. Kaduri seeks to rezone a portion of a parcel near the city boundary to commercial. Planning staff analyzed applicable plans and concluded the proposal "generally follows" certain elements of the Albany County comprehensive plan and the Laramie area growth plan, noting commercial uses already abut parts of the site and that the property’s location at a busy intersection is a logical place for commercial expansion.

The City of Laramie submitted a detailed letter recommending denial, citing deficiencies in the submitted site plan and inconsistency with the Laramie Area Growth Plan and the Albany County comprehensive plan; city staff argued the property is better suited for residential development or annexation and expressed concern about reliance on city services without annexation.

Commissioner discussion reflected the split: some members said the parcel is more appropriate to remain residential and favored denial, citing long-term planning coordination with the city; others noted commercial development exists nearby and that denying the change could block a small-business opportunity. Commissioners also debated whether the county can compel annexation and whether the city has a strong interest in the parcel’s future.

After debate the commission recorded a split: some commissioners recommended denial while others favored forwarding approval. Rather than adopt a single position, the commission voted to forward the application to the Board of County Commissioners with the record showing the split recommendations and the city’s comments.

The Board of County Commissioners will consider ZDA-09-25 and the commission’s record when making the final zoning decision.