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Commission recommends approval of Allendale replat despite neighborhood drainage concerns
Summary
Natrona County commissioners recommended approval of a major-subdivision replat (MS26-01) of the Allendale Addition into four lots, while many nearby residents raised detailed concerns about grading, groundwater, drainage and possible future commercial uses on Lot 3.
The Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on July 8 to recommend approval (due‑pass) of MS26-01, a proposal by Mark and Missy Van Horn to vacate and replat roughly 10.65 acres of the Allendale Addition into four larger lots.
Staff told the commission the plat meets subdivision technical requirements after corrections, that applicants intend to connect to City of Casper water and sewer, and that a drainage study (submitted after the item had been tabled previously) recommends a small detention area in the northwest corner (proposed Lot 4) to attenuate runoff and release at historic flow rates.
At the hearing multiple neighbors testified in opposition, raising consistent concerns: historical and recent flooding and high groundwater beneath basements and outbuildings; grading that they say changed drainage patterns and blocked historic flow (which some residents say has caused new pooling); skepticism that a small detention pond will prevent larger floods like those experienced in prior decades; worry that Lot 3’s unspecified future use could become storage units or other commercial uses that would increase traffic, lighting and crime; and questions about whether current water/sewer capacity or geotechnical tests are sufficient.
Applicant Mark Van Horn said he and his wife own many of the original small lots in the area and want to consolidate them into larger lots suitable for a family home and limited commercial use at the street, that they have completed drainage studies and legal work, and that they will work with neighbors to address access and drainage easements. An engineer representing the applicants explained the detention design and said the proposed design releases flows at historic rates so it should not increase downstream peak flows.
The commission’s approval was framed as a replat decision — that is, it determined the proposal met the legal standards for a vacation/replat; commissioners noted many of the objectors’ operational concerns (detailed drainage adjustments, building permits, future site plans for Lot 3) will be addressed under subsequent permitting and construction reviews. The commission forwarded the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.
