In win for Cheyenne Audubon, city rejects Business Park zoning for parcel near bird habitat

The Cheyenne City Council voted 4-6 to reject a controversial ordinance that would have rezoned a 74-acre parcel of land in far-east Cheyenne from agricultural to business park. The current owners, HR Land Company, had sought the change to enable potential commercial or industrial development, including the possibility of a data center. However, the proposal faced significant opposition from the Cheyenne-High Plains Audubon Society, which argued that any such development would harm a designated "Important Bird Area" at the adjacent Wyoming Hereford Ranch, a critical habitat and migratory refuge for approximately 257 bird species, many of which are threatened.

Vicki Herren, Chair of the Audubon Society's Important Bird Area Committee, highlighted the ecological significance of the area, emphasizing its role as essential habitat and a major migratory corridor. Lori Wayne Chesnut, the chapter's president, specifically warned that industrial development, especially data centers, could lead to bird fatalities due to noise, lights, and infrastructure.

Councilors expressed varied reasons for their votes. While some, like Councilor Michelle Aldrich, sought more dialogue between developers, residents, and the Audubon Society due to uncertainty about the land's eventual use, others like Councilor Pete Laybourn voiced concern about preserving undeveloped areas. Councilors Jeff White, Kathy Emmons, and Mark Rinne were among those who supported advancing the ordinance to allow for further discussion, despite their own reservations. Ultimately, the motion failed, ensuring the parcel remains agricultural land and blocking the proposed rezoning for now.