Proposed 5,600-worker housing development advances despite resident opposition

The Laramie County Planning Commission recently voted to recommend approval for a Class C Conditional Use Permit application submitted by Palma Land Planning LLC, on behalf of Iron Guard Workforce Housing. This permit is for an 800-unit temporary workforce housing development planned for the High Plains Business Park, just south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, at 3312 York Ave. The project, designed to house up to 5,600 workers, contractors, and subcontractors, is intended to support the influx of labor for various large-scale energy infrastructure projects in the county, including several data centers like a Meta facility and the Tallgrass/Crusoe Project Jade (Project Jade), as well as the Cowboy Solar and Laramie Range Wind Farm. During a public hearing, residents voiced significant opposition, citing concerns about emergency evacuation routes, public safety, increased traffic, and potential negative impacts on property values. Paige Russell, a local resident, emphasized that those who don't live in the community shouldn't dictate its future, while Heather Madrid highlighted existing problems on Cheyenne's south side that she believes the development would exacerbate. Conversely, some individuals, including Marcie Kindred, executive director of the Wyoming State AFL-CIO, spoke in favor, arguing that such housing is crucial to address Laramie County's housing shortage and allows trades workers to stay close to their families and contribute to the local economy. The Planning Commission's recommendation for approval came with five conditions, including stipulations for water service, obtaining an outside user agreement with the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities or a public water supply permit, securing access easements, addressing agency comments, and ensuring the removal of improvements when the facilities are no longer needed. Despite the commission's recommendation, the permit is not yet fully approved. The Laramie County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold another public hearing on June 2 to make a final decision, after which a separate site plan approval process will follow.