Cox Ranch annexation, rezoning on hold until September

A contentious proposal to annex and rezone 1,260 acres of Cox Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming, intended for a prospective data center complex, has been delayed by the Cheyenne City Council until its September 14 meeting. The decision followed an extensive public debate where numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the development. Concerns raised by the community included the potential depletion of local aquifers, increased traffic, and the erosion of the area's rural character. Despite Mayor Patrick Collins's efforts to keep comments focused on the annexation, the discussion frequently veered into broader concerns about data centers. Resident Rick Keslar argued against the annexation, stating that such industrial development does not belong on historic ranchland and does not comply with state statutes or benefit neighbors. Mark Isley of King Ranch also expressed concerns, characterizing the annexation as an "unfair land grab" due to its proximity to his property. Gay Woodhouse, an attorney for Cox Ranches LLC, and Jack O'Neal, representing the property's purchaser, agreed to the postponement. The delay is intended to allow developers to address community concerns, draft a formal development agreement potentially including mandates for closed-loop water systems and stringent lighting and sound regulations, and resolve sensitive issues concerning a mausoleum on the property that requires proper surveying and protection. City staff confirmed the postponement of annexation necessitated the delay of accompanying zoning and land-use map amendments.