Richardson subdivision update
P&Z sends zone change application to Commissioners
by Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online!
December 18, 2005
The Sublette County Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Board held a public hearing on Thursday, December 15th in Pinedale, with the major agenda item to address the rezone request by developer Jack Richardson for the proposed Pine Creek Meadows Subdivision.
Richardson is requesting a rezone from Agriculture 1 to Residential 1 on approximately 60 acres just south of Pinedale proper to create a high-density lot subdivision. The new subdivision would have residential lots that range in size from .25 to 5 acres, with access to Pinedale from south Tyler Avenue. The application was denied by the Town of Pinedale P&Z Board and Pinedale Town Council last month.
The County P&Z Board heard lengthy comments from a full-house audience composed mostly of residents who live near the proposed subdivision. Residents expressed concerns about the increased traffic the subdivision would place on Tyler Avenue and safety of residents that walk, run and bike along the road. Many said they weren’t opposed to the subdivision, just the proposed high density. Residents expressed frustration and anger that the zone change request would put high density housing next to their larger acreage parcels, saying it would significantly change the character of their neighborhood.
The P&Z Board members pointed out the tremendous growth for the Pinedale area and the need for high density housing close to town. Both the county and town have requested high-density subdivision proposals from developers for land parcels within a one to two-mile radius of Pinedale where homes would connect to town sewer and water rather than use wells and septic systems. Board members said that traffic concerns on Tyler, Pine Street and off the Mesa were issues that needed to be addressed.
One resident, who didn’t bother to wait for the final vote or to give the P&Z Board members their uninterrupted chance to speak, jumped up and stomped out of the meeting making loud and derogatory remarks about the developer.
Ultimately, when the application was put to a motion, the vote was split 2-2. With the 5th member of the P&Z Board absent, the vote stood as a tie with no definitive recommendation reached. The application now goes in front of the Sublette County Commissioners, who will ultimately decide on the fate of the subdivision application at their next regular meeting on Tuesday, January 3rd in Pinedale.
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