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Developers preview 200-acre 'Wyoming Horsemen's Estate' near Bear River racetrack
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Summary
Developers told the Town of Bear River that they plan to annex 200 acres north of the racetrack and subdivide it into roughly 77 lots (2–5 acres each) to build a mixed residential community that would also serve horsemen associated with the track; the town raised questions about access, water rights and sewer upgrades.
Developers and town leaders discussed a proposed 200-acre subdivision north of the Bear River racetrack that the presenters call the Wyoming Horsemen's Estate. Eric Jackson, who said he is representing the project, told the council the plan calls for roughly 77 lots ranging from about 2 acres up to 4–5 acres in the higher ground; the team said annexation into the town is preferred before subdivision.
The development team said there would be a primary access from the Balanced entrance and a secondary access via an existing public-access easement at the northeast corner that would connect into East Quarter Horse; engineers on the project, Brent Taylor and Taylor Copen, are working on precise alignments. Jackson said the project could benefit Wyoming Downs by providing nearby housing for horsemen but emphasized the design is still early and the team wants to meet neighbors.
Residents pressed the developers on who will pay for upgrades to sewer and water. The presenters and council members said the developers expect to fund required upgrades and that engineering studies are underway to determine the exact scope and cost. A council member noted the town's existing wastewater permit allows discharge up to about 150,000 gallons per day and that current actual discharge is far below that cap; engineers must still complete DEQ permit applications before any expansion.
Environmental and access concerns were repeatedly raised. Residents said part of the northeast corner abuts a National Waterfowl area and pointed out complicated, senior water-rights claims dating to the late 1800s that may limit use or require easements. Developers said they will investigate water-rights, easements and seasonal access constraints and pledged to try to minimize disruption to neighbors.
The developers also clarified the original concept had been a high-end RV park with permanent barn structures but, after community conversations, they are now proposing single-family lots with the same ‘horse-friendly’ theme. The council said annexation would give the town more regulatory control over standards and that if the property remained in county jurisdiction the town would have less authority.
No formal land-use decision or vote appears in the transcript; Jackson and the council said more meetings and studies would follow. The town indicated the subdivision and annexation process will require formal applications, engineering reports and state permits before any lots can be sold or built.
Next steps: the project team will provide technical studies on water, sewer and access, meet with affected neighbors and return to the council and planning bodies as the annexation and subdivision applications proceed.
