Business park rezoning near Wyoming Hereford Ranch fails at City Council meeting

The Cheyenne City Council voted down a rezoning request for a 73.87-acre parcel of land south of Interstate 80, east of Campstool Road, and north of HR Ranch Road, following weeks of opposition from ranch families and conservationists. The land, owned by HR Land Company, was proposed to be rezoned from agricultural to business park, a change that many feared would pave the way for a data center near the Wyoming Hereford Ranch, an Important Bird Area.

Opponents, including the Cheyenne Audubon Society and local residents, voiced strong concerns about the environmental impact on an estimated 275 bird species, as well as potential noise, light pollution, and compromised air and water quality from a data center. HR Land Company's managing partner, Mark Lowham, had previously stated no solidified development plan existed, but the possibility of a data center was a major point of contention for residents like Linda Doyle, who emphasized maintaining their community's quiet lifestyle.

During the council meeting, several members expressed the need for more information, particularly regarding resident notifications and the legal implications of the Important Bird Area designation. Councilman Tom Segrave and Jeff White initially leaned towards approving the rezoning to allow for further discussion with the developer and neighbors. However, Councilman Pete Laybourn argued against it, noting that a data center could become a permitted use under the proposed business park zoning, unlike the existing agricultural zoning. Ultimately, the council voted 5-4 to deny the zone change request, with Council members Segrave, White, Kathy Emmons, and Mark Rinne voting in favor.