When it comes to redevelopment, Casperites are looking forward.

Business owners, property owners, city staff and a Casper City Council member said a public hearing Thursday night was a success, and they are thinking about what's next.

"I think we've gone a long ways," said Karen Schooley. "I feel comfortable continuing on with our business and serving Casper, where before you were almost afraid. I have no problems with upgrading my business and moving forward."

The owner of Prazma Paint and Autobody, 500 W. Yellowstone Highway, still feels cautious about street realignments, but she said she's also optimistic.

Concerns over the September-approved, 130-acre plan included changes in zoning and design guidelines, street realignments and communication between business owners and the city. The plan covers the Old Yellowstone District, an area between Poplar Street and downtown.

Community Development Director April Getchius said the city is working directly with the business and property owners in the area and will continue to work with them as the plan progresses. Proposed zoning changes now allow existing businesses in the area to expand and to rebuild as long as they fit the city's design guidelines.

The city's next step is for the Planning and Zoning Commission to examine the plan and take into account questions and concerns brought by community members. Then they will make changes or suggestions and send it to the city council.

Deliberation may take between 30 and 60 days.

Norman Jackson, the owner of Jackson Automotive Enterprises, 436 W. Yellowstone Highway, is pleased the city "finally listened to us and worked with us on this."

"I think it's all going to work out in everybody's benefit," he said. "If the city does what they said they are going to do, they will take care of everyone and make sure everything is right."

The meeting on Thursday was "positive and constructive," said Guy Padgett, a Casper City Council member and part of the Smart Growth Committee looking at the Old Yellowstone District.

He said he can't speak for the Smart Growth Committee, but he hopes the advisory group of business and property owners in the district is formed "sooner rather than later."

"What I heard is our community is interested in moving forward with this redevelopment plan if we can do it in a way that moves with the character of the community and supports the existing business."

Getchius said formation of the advisory group will happen at the same time as the city council approves the zoning changes and design guidelines. Once the Planning and Zoning Commission approves the plan, it will go to the city council for a series of public approvals. Getchius said the total process, barring an unexpected delay, will take several months.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com

Samples of e-mails formally submitted to the city about the Old Yellowstone District

* "I believe you should definitely make improvements from the golf course to David Street. It would give business owners more business because it would be more attractive and user-friendly. You should definitely improve along the river. Nice awnings, sidewalks, music, places for kids to play are a good idea. I understand the concerns of industrial business owners. Go for it in a big way!" - Jim Reynolds

* "As a resident living downtown I support the idea of bringing back life to the downtown area." - Tracy Belser

* "I am against all new plans for the Yellowstone District. I think what is being done is underhanded and dirty." - Rebecca Kalhoon

* "As a young, working professional I am in full support of the Old Yellowstone District plan. Our community needs this type of growth and change in order to attract and keep the younger generation in our community." - Chelse DePaolo

* "This plan seems to be very pie-in-the-sky to me. It makes me feel like i'm about to be living in a metropolis again." - Lolena Shambaugh

* "I encourage this redevelopment plan. Revitalizing downtown areas spawns other growth, maintains and exacerbates real estate values, spurs spending by the public because they want to be out "on the town" enjoying it, and provides an overall "energy" for a city." - Kathleen Swanson

* "I own property on the corner of 12th and Cedar Streets in Casper. I would like to express my opposition to the OYD redevelopment plan. I have low income renters in the two homes that are on my property and they would have no way to replace affordable housing of this quality anywhere in town." - Mary Foster

* "I am in support of the redevelopment of the Old Yellowstone District. I love downtown and want to see it grow." - Rhonda Frazen

* "…if it ain't broke, don't fix it." - Kathleen Audette