Proposed 5,600-worker housing development south of Cheyenne postponed indefinitely
A controversial 800-unit temporary workforce housing development south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, designed to house 5,600 workers for large-scale infrastructure projects including data centers, has been indefinitely postponed. The Laramie County Board of County Commissioners voted to postpone the permit decision after the developer requested the delay amid strong community opposition and ongoing contractual negotiations.
A highly controversial proposal for an 800-unit temporary workforce housing development, intended to house 5,600 workers for large-scale infrastructure projects including nearby data centers, has been indefinitely postponed by the Laramie County Board of County Commissioners in Wyoming. The developer, Nebraska-based Iron Guard Workforce Housing, through Palma Land Planning LLC, requested the postponement due to ongoing contractual negotiations and potential alternate site considerations.
The proposed community, located at 3312 York Ave. south of Cheyenne, would be adjacent to the Meta data center, Project Jade data center/power plant, and the Cowboy Solar project, all currently under construction. Since its announcement in March, the project has faced significant public backlash, with Cheyenne residents citing concerns about impacts to the south side of the city, potential rises in crime rates, wildlife impacts, increased traffic congestion, emergency evacuation routes, and effects on housing and utility prices.
At a recent meeting, Planning and Development Director Justin Arnold confirmed the indefinite postponement request. Commissioner Troy Thompson instructed Arnold to ensure that residents who previously voiced concerns would receive direct notice when the project is ready to return for a public hearing. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle attempted to contact Iron Guard for comment but did not receive a response.