Cheyenne residents express concerns over proposed 800-unit workforce housing development

The Laramie County Planning and Development Department is currently reviewing a Class C Conditional Use Permit application submitted by Palma Land Planning LLC on behalf of Iron Guard Housing for an 800-unit temporary workforce housing development. This proposed community, located at 3312 York Ave. just south of Cheyenne, is designed to accommodate up to 5,600 workers, contractors, and subcontractors involved in various large-scale infrastructure projects in the region, including multiple data centers. The development is strategically positioned adjacent to Meta's ongoing data center construction, the in-progress Project Jade data center/power plant, and the Cowboy Solar project. The project is planned in phases, starting with 30 modular housing units, followed by 150 RV spaces, and potentially additional units up to 800, dependent on water and sewer services. Water for the initial phases would come from private wells or hauled sources. However, the proposal faces significant opposition from local residents, who have voiced concerns through Facebook and letters to the Planning and Development Department. Residents like Elizabeth Marvin and Tim Haley highlight worries about the existing limited infrastructure (e.g., one grocery store, one urgent care) supporting thousands of additional people, potential increases in crime, and the negative impact on the area's peacefulness and beauty already affected by data center development. Other concerns include wildlife impacts, traffic congestion, emergency evacuation routes, and the potential strain on housing and utility prices. Justin Arnold, head of the Planning and Development department, addressed some concerns, particularly regarding property access, clarifying that the main access would be from Terry Ranch Road, not residential areas. The permit application is still pending. The Laramie County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on May 14 to make a recommendation, with the county commissioners holding a final public hearing on June 2 before rendering a decision. Even if the conditional use permit is approved, a separate site plan approval would be required before construction can commence.