Council approves first reading of zone change for proposed Wyoming Downs off-track betting facility

The Evanston City Council approved Ordinance 25-07 on first reading, a rezoning request filed by Tracy Laycock/Wyoming Downs LLC to change three lots (Lots 19, 20 and 22; roughly 18.51 acres total) from Industrial Established (IE) to Highway Business Established (HBE). The change would expand the highway business district along Wasatch Drive to allow an off-track betting/indoor amusement use proposed by the applicant.

Mister Jacobson and Michael Brown (Embure Miller Engineers, representing Wyoming Downs) described the proposal and staff analysis. Michael Brown said the conceptual facility is approximately 60,000 square feet with about 500 slot locations, a bar and a restaurant; the three lots together provide roughly 16 acres of building and parking area and about 18 acres in total across the parcels. Jacobson noted the rezone would reduce industrial land area in the Evanston Industrial Center by about 44% for the affected lots and that the planning commission had unanimously forwarded a positive recommendation. Staff also flagged utility availability and easement issues; a minor subdivision and site-plan review will follow if rezoning proceeds.

Councilors questioned vehicle access and traffic impacts on Wasatch Drive and were told access will require state approval because Wasatch Drive is state-controlled; staff noted Wyoming Department of Transportation has asked that an approach be aligned more with Constitution Avenue. Mark Harris reminded the council that the applicant also must seek state gaming permits before the facility may operate and that the Wyoming Gaming Commission will hold a hearing (Nov. 20–21) where the public may register to comment.

The council approved the ordinance on first reading by voice vote; staff said subsequent actions will include a conditional-use application and planning commission review for site plan details.