Changes to a redevelopment area near downtown are one step closer to approval.

There were still questions and concerns similar to those that riddled earlier meetings, but many people involved in the area said they were ready to move ahead.

Conceptual plans for the Old Yellowstone District, an area wedged between downtown and Poplar Street, were approved in September. It then faced discussion of details, including a map with new and rerouted streets, rezoning restricting the uses in the area and design guidelines for new buildings.

The Casper City Council passed the changes on the first of three needed approvals in their meeting Tuesday night.

Kistler Tent and Awning Co. co-owner Kyle Gray is still unsure of the plans. The city is moving too fast, and among other things, he wants a cost estimate for the possible future changes.

Estimates can't be given this far in advance, said several council members, since many of the possible changes revolve around new development moving into the area.

The streets need to be updated, as do the water drains, he said. But, he was concerned that the city might establish a Local Assessment District in the area, which would ask property owners to pay a portion of potential sidewalk and sewer reconstruction.

The council said there are no plans for that type of project in the area.

Currently, there is funding for the renovation of Yellowstone Highway from David to Spruce streets. Plans after that, said council woman Kate Sarosy, are unknown, especially since the project is a five- to 20-year vision.

Noland Feed owner Tim Schlager said he is happier with the process since the September meeting but still has reservations with some of the streets on proposed map.

The original map called for streets to run through and over several businesses. The reconfigured map has changed but still runs streets through some private property.

There was also considerable discussion about some of the billboards in the area owned by Lamar Outdoor Advertising Co. Under the new zoning and design guidelines in the area, the existing billboards will be allowed to stay, but no new ones can be added.

Lamar general manager Dave Butterfield said if land leases are not renewed on the existing billboards, he may not be allowed to build new ones in other locations. He proposed the city allow for eight billboards to be in designated spots in high trafficked areas.

The council decided the issue required more discussion and sent the decision to an upcoming work session.

Car Care Inc. owner Rob Day said after the meeting that he believes the plan is moving in the right direction.

"The communication in the future will determine how successful the plan goes," he said. "But I am happy. We asked for quite a bit back then, and we got it."

News tracker

Last we knew: The Casper City Council approved a plan to redevelop an area near downtown in September amid countless questions and concerns from area property owners.

The latest: Before the plan can be finalized, the council needs to approve zoning changes, design guidelines for new buildings and a future map of the area.

What's next: The council passed the Old Yellowstone District plans Tuesday night and will vote for the second of three needed approvals in their meeting on Tuesday, June 3.

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