Natrona County Board to Reconsider Ormsby Road Subdivision

Despite the opposition, the plan moved forward in July after unanimous approval by the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission. The board had previously approved Tatanka Run, but commissioners sent the plan back to Planning and Zoning for clarification and reconsideration.

At the Planning and Zoning meeting, as at the Natrona County Commissioners meeting, several people spoke against the Tatanka plan proposed by John Miller and Wyoming Land Acquisitions. Several people also spoke in favor of the project.

In July, interim county planner Shawn Gustafson noticed an easement on the property that allows the Federal Aviation Administration to access a navigation radio beacon used by commercial and military aircraft. He said the road doesn’t have to look exactly as shown on the plan as long as the easement still provides access.

At a June meeting, county commissioners expressed concerns about whether the water supply would be adequate. They were also concerned about the number of complaints they had heard from people who did business with Miller and were unhappy or said they were owed money.

However, the Planning and Zoning Commission was faced with a proposal that met the criteria for approval. And while county commissioners expressed concerns about water availability and the company’s ability to see the project through to completion, the issues were not specified.

Miller has already received approval from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, which typically reviews master subdivision plans. Miller chafed at the thought of not having the necessary funding for the project and said the criticism of him is mostly personal.

In July, Hal Hutchinson, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, said it was the first time in his 12 years on the board that the plan had been sent back because of funding concerns.

Neighbours Greg Jarrard and Steven and Jessica Taylor told the board the proposal could block one of the main routes people use to get to their properties, which would be particularly inconvenient in winter or if a fire blocked another route.

The commission asked Miller if he would be willing to keep the access open. He said he would consider it, although neighbors would have to come to him.

Gustafson said some roads may be built in stages as parcels are developed.