Concerns raised over rumored development

As the possibility of breaking ground on a rumored hotel looms on the horizon this year, Kathy Johnson, resident of Texas Trails Subdivision immediately east of the site in question, expressed her concerns regarding the potential for a rise in crime and inconvenience from interstate traffic to Moorcroft's town council Monday night.

Johnson wants the town to mandate a fence, "for the privacy or safety of the residents out there. Is there any zoning or regulations for businesses being built in town or next to residential areas or in residential areas?"

The Texas Trails resident expounded on the advantages of said fence, saying, "It would block lights shining in our windows, it would block traffic, trash and it would block people peering into back yards."

Moorcroft Mayor Ben Glenn explained to her the town's inability to enforce any such request or requirement of the developer. The town employs no zoning within town limits or within the annexed areas such as Texas Trails.

"The only thing that is zoned," said the mayor, "is this main street (Big Horn Avenue) and that was put in way before all of us." The commercial area of Big Horn Avenue is labeled as a fire zone.

Johnson expressed frustration, "So you guys say, but all your citizens have to follow rules, so should your businesses."

She then spoke to the development of Carbon Street westward to grant access from the interstate exit into the hotel area as well as Texas Trails.

"I feel like it's a welcoming mat for any stranger coming off the interstate or going to the hotel with a back door access to the interstate to be able to take what they like and not be seen," she said. "I don't know where we stand on that or if that is something that can be controlled either."

The plotting of both Carbon and Teton Streets were originally designed, according to Glenn, to continue beyond the borders of the subdivision,

"It was never developed, but it was [plotted] from the very beginning of Texas Trails," he said.

He added that Carbon as well as Teton were plotted to eventually travel eastward, too, as the area grew, "That was always one step in a multi step plan."

As Johnson further shared her concern about the possible ramifications from this build, Glenn commiserated and said, "If it progresses, there may be some conversation that could be had. I'm sure there will be more meetings and I hope everybody keeps showing up."