Commissioners approve planning services contract and setback variance for Schuyler Commons

The Carbon County Commissioners on March 26 approved a Professional Services Agreement with contract planner Forrest Mandeville and granted a setback variance to the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation for the Schuyler Commons affordable housing project in Red Lodge.

Contract planner Forrest Mandeville told the board the Planning Board has discussed adding administrative assistance — specifically recording minutes at Planning Board meetings — and expressed interest in training sessions on subdivision development. Commissioner Scott Miller moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement; Commissioner Bill Bullock seconded and the motion carried.

The variance request covers the alleyway for the Schuyler Commons project at 203 and 205 Carbon Avenue, where a proposed unit is sited 10 feet from the property line instead of the 20-foot standard. Angela Getchell of the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation submitted the variance request; Mandeville said that a denial would require the organization to modify its development plan. The Planning Board held a public hearing and recommended approval. Commissioner Bill Bullock moved to approve the variance request; Commissioner Scott Miller seconded and the motion carried.

During discussion commissioners and staff reviewed parking availability, unit sizes and lot dimensions for the development. Administrative Officer Angela Newell said she will schedule a meeting to discuss future staffing needs, including the request for Planning Board administrative assistance. The planning participants left the meeting after the vote; the board recessed to its next agenda item.