The Wyoming City Council voted 4-2 on Jan. 6 to rezone 901 and 855 60th Street Southwest and several adjoining parcels on Clyde Park Avenue from R-1 residential to I-3 restricted industrial (Ordinance 14-24), despite sustained public opposition and a prior planning commission recommendation against the change.

The rezoning drew a string of residents to the podium during the meeting’s public-comment period. Paula Kony, who gave her address as 831 60th Street, said the project would “diminish” residents’ quality of life and described constant truck noise and backups that sometimes prevent her from backing out of her driveway. Mary Van Dyke, 975 60th Street, said houses in the area were “needed much more than buildings that are bigger than football fields.” Kaylee Bothma of 906 60th Street urged the council to require an actual, written negotiation from the developer before approval and warned that “market value can also be subjective.”

Several speakers noted that the city’s planning commission recommended denial when it considered the request in September. Tom Dumas, who said his property is “kitty‑corner” to the site, disputed traffic data in the packet and called for updated counts. Jordan Newhouse, 945 60th Street, reminded the council that the planning commission’s “no” recommendation reflected concerns about traffic, safety for children and the long-term health of the neighborhood.

Kevin Bruggenhill (representing First Companies), the developer seeking the rezone, told the council that his firm has discussed an easement and access with UPS and with owners of a residence that would be surrounded by the planned industrial parcel, but that neither arrangement was yet finalized. “Our preference, definitely, would be to have all truck traffic come to 58th Street,” Bruggenhill said, adding that UPS’s internal review could take “a month or two.”

Nicole (city staff) summarized the property’s planning history for the council, noting that the parcel has appeared in successive master-plan documents since the 1970s as intended for industrial use. She also said the developer has spoken with the resident whose lot is surrounded and “has agreed to purchase that property, should the resident decide to pursue that.” Nicole and the developer told council members there were no signed easements or purchase agreements at the time of the meeting.

Council Member De Krieger moved to adopt the ordinance on final reading; the motion was seconded by Council Member Arnois. In the roll call, De Krieger, Arnois, Council Member Postma and the Mayor voted yes; Council Member Hill and Council Member Hosler voted no. The motion carried 4-2.

Why it matters: The I-3 zoning classification imposes larger setbacks and prohibits outdoor storage of materials and the creation of open storage yards; supporters say the change will enable industrial development that city economic data shows is in demand. Opponents say the change will place industrial activity immediately adjacent to long-established homes, increasing heavy-vehicle traffic, noise and safety risks for children.

Next steps: With the ordinance adopted, the site will move to the planning‑stage processes (site plan review and any required engineering approvals). The developer told council that negotiations with UPS over access and a possible purchase of the surrounded residence were ongoing and not yet documented in signed agreements. City staff said planning and engineering review will consider access routing, required setbacks, landscaping and screening when the developer submits site plans.

Residents and developer representatives who spoke said they expect continued engagement as the project moves to site-plan review. The planning commission’s prior recommendation and the public testimony will be part of the administrative record as staff and the commission consider future applications related to the site.