CHRISTINE ROBINSON Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 12:00 am
Changes are on their way to an area near downtown.
You may not see anything right now, in fact, everything will stay status quo unless someone wants to remodel a building more than 50 percent, said Community Development Director April Getchius.
The Casper City Council approved for a final time the design guidelines and zoning changes to the Old Yellowstone District, an area nestled between Poplar Street and downtown.
The plan, which was initially met by opposition by many business owners, was ultimately passed with little dissension.
Getchius said new businesses may move into the area in the future under the new zoning regulations, but there are no firm plans for developments at this point.
The council also voted to form an advisory committee of three business or property owners from the district, two Planning and Zoning Commission members and two city council members. The committee will help direct future growth in the 150-acre area.
In other council news, the council approved on the first of three needed approvals to change some of Casper's parking ordinances.
One of those changes included raising the fine structure from $5 for the first ticket, $10 for the second ticket and $15 for the third ticket to $15 for the first, $20 for the second and $30 for the third.
Another change would be to restrict parking in parts of the downtown area at night.
Eggington's owner John Johnson said cars are parked in front of his restaurant at night and it discourages business in the morning because potential customers can't find a place to park.
He has seen a 19 percent drop in business this year, he said, due to more downtown residents parking on the streets.
Council member Maury Daubin worried if much of the downtown was listed as no parking from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., it might lead people to drive home after one too many drinks instead of leaving their cars on the street.
"It's like trying to kill a fly with a sledgehammer," he said, referring to the proposed area to be changed.
The council will vote again on the changes in its meeting on July 1.
Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com