Council approves first reading to rezone 33‑acre riverfront site to R‑3 multifamily; comprehensive plan hearing postponed

The Laramie City Council on first reading approved an ordinance to rezone roughly 33 acres owned by 4 G Enterprises, located along the Laramie River between Snowy Range Road and West Garfield Street, from I‑2 industrial to R‑3 multifamily residential.

Planner Dixon told council the site — which was formerly used by the Union Pacific Railroad — underwent Brownfields site assessments beginning in 2018 and those investigations “confirmed that the property is suitable for redevelopment.” Staff said base zoning uses allowed under I‑2 could include heavy manufacturing and storage by right, while R‑3 would allow a range of housing types that better align with adopted housing and economic development plans. The West Side Vision and the 2020 housing study were cited as supporting documents.

The Planning Commission held hearings and voted 6–0 to recommend approval after addressing questions about stormwater and development regulations. Council also voted to postpone certification of the linked comprehensive‑plan amendment (changing the future land‑use map from urban commercial to urban residential) to the Nov. 18 meeting so the plan amendment and rezoning can be considered together. During council discussion, local business and development representatives including Brad Enzi of the LCBA urged approval, saying the rezoning helps retain and attract workforce and business growth.

Action: First reading of the rezoning ordinance passed on Oct. 21. The council recorded a 5–0 roll call vote (four members absent) on the ordinance first reading; the Planning Commission previously recommended approval. The council postponed certification of the comprehensive plan amendment to Nov. 18.