Queenstown commissioners vote to allow mixed use on Wheatland property

On Jan. 16, 2019, the Queenstown Town Commissioners voted 3-0 to allow mixed-use development on the Wheatland property after landowner Barry Waterman presented a revised concept that shifts the project away from big-box retail toward commercial pads and residential townhomes.

The decision came at a joint work session with the Queenstown Planning Commission. President Thomas B. Willis, Jr. opened the session at 7:00 p.m. and described the meeting’s purpose as reviewing Waterman’s latest conceptual plan and determining whether a residential component should be considered.

Waterman described the revised concept as focusing on commercial pads for restaurants, office space and retail, with some townhome-style residential units. Commissioners said they had reservations about allowing residential uses because new housing would increase municipal service obligations — such as trash collection and snow removal — and could raise costs or staffing needs.

Finance Chair Pat Bowell provided an overview of property taxes and fees during the discussion; the meeting minutes record that an overview was given but do not include numeric details. Waterman offered to supply a financial impact assessment showing projected tax and service impacts if residential units would be permitted.

Waterman also outlined the anticipated procedural steps should the project proceed: a soft concept plan, a regular site plan, any required subdivision filings and entering a Developers Rights and Responsibilities Agreement with the Town Commissioners.

After the discussion, President Willis moved to allow mixed use on the Wheatland property; Commissioner Al Hardee seconded the motion. The motion passed with a tally of 3-aye, 0-nay. The record does not attribute individual roll-call votes to specific commissioners beyond the tally.

The work session was closed at 8:19 p.m.; the minutes were signed by Town Clerk Amy Moore.