The Williams County Planning and Zoning Commission denied two zone-change requests on separate parcels near Blacktail Lake after lengthy public hearings in which residents pressed officials about water supply, road maintenance, emergency response times and the condition of the dam.
The proposals, presented by applicant Andrew Pocus on behalf of property owner Benjamin Roslyn, would have reclassified two roughly 78-acre parent parcels from agricultural to urban residential and created multiple smaller residential lots near Blacktail Lake. The commission voted down both requests after public comment and roll-call votes.
The first application (LUDash0049-25) proposed a minor subdivision that would create five lots from a parent parcel of approximately 78 acres, with four smaller lots roughly 1.52 acres, 2.36 acres, 2.46 acres and 2.42 acres and a remaining larger parcel. The motion to approve the zone change failed on a first roll call; a subsequent motion to deny carried on roll call vote (Mark — yes; Cheryl — yes; Eric — yes; Brett — no; Barry — no; James — yes; Dan — yes). The second application (LUDash0050-25), for a nearby 78-acre parcel with proposed lots of about 2.47, 3.22, 2.41 and 2.51 acres plus a remainder, likewise failed to secure a motion to approve and was denied after a separate vote (Mark — yes; Cheryl — yes; Eric — yes; Brett — yes; Barry — no; James — yes; Dan — yes).
Residents who live at or near Blacktail Lake urged denial during both public-hearing periods. They told the commission that current water pressure is limited and likely inadequate for growth, that unpaved roads are already heavily deteriorated, and that emergency response is distant and limited. “The water pressure is a is a big deal. We have limited water pressure right now,” resident Mike Smith said. Several speakers said the Williams County Park Board is upgrading the park — adding boat ramps and additional campsites — and that those improvements will increase weekend visitation and demand on the lake and local infrastructure. Applicant Andrew Pocus acknowledged those park improvements and said he had spoken with a water provider’s director, reporting that the provider said it “would be no issue with water capacity as the pump station on the property right on the highway,” and that Pocus could obtain a letter from the supplier to that effect.
Speakers also raised dam safety and long-standing management agreements. Longtime resident and former Blacktail Association and Williams County Park Board representative Greg Zavolni told the commission that a prior agreement with Game and Fish limited additional development at Blacktail Dam because of overcrowding; he said the lake is “overpopulated” and described the dam as a managed asset that requires state maintenance. Several residents said they had observed seepage and soft spots near the dam and expressed concern about downstream risk in the event of a failure.
Other recurring concerns included winter maintenance and snow storage around proposed cul-de-sacs, who would build and maintain new private roads, and whether new lots would be developed immediately or sold to buyers who might not maintain roads or follow local standards. Resident Kelly Iverson told commissioners she had asked the applicant whether he would build roads to county specifications and was told, “nope. We’re just gonna sell the land and whoever buys the land is gonna be their responsibility to build these roads and get their own water and power in.” Several speakers also urged the county to examine fire protection coverage; residents said the nearest volunteer fire service responds from Alamo and that local equipment previously kept at Blacktail is no longer maintained.
Commissioners repeatedly said the decisions balanced private property rights with planning and zoning authority. After public comment and deliberation, the commission voted to deny both zone-change requests. The denials concluded the Planning and Zoning Commission hearings on those items; any future proposals or revised plats would have to be filed again and scheduled for another public hearing.