Call for a change in laws

Old, old laws Thermopolis Planning Board keeps on the books need to change. One law is — the city claims one hundred feet of “right of way” from curb to curb of city streets. Some streets are only 40 feet, or less, wide. This means the “right of way” laps 30 feet, more or less, onto property you pay taxes on. You are also responsible to keep the weeds on the city property removed.

Years ago when city streets were mapped out, many lots were 30 ft. by 140 ft. You cannot build much on 30 feet. So people bought two lots to have a 60 by 140 foot lot. People raised homes at one end and “out houses” 80 feet to the other. Out house ends of the property were not sold. A tradition became a regulation to this day.

Yet across the street from my house — the property is divided with two houses separate owners on a 60 by 140 foot lot. Yet, there are many such properties in town.

Buyers, intending on selling the vacant half, are not aware or informed they cannot sell their lot of weeds. If they build on the lot another city ordinance says they must spend hundreds of dollars to install a sidewalk, on city property, along the street.

These rules are not explained to buyers. I think buyers should be protected and informed of these regulations.

Another regulation on Clark Street from the railroad to the river does not allow businesses. Just that one street . . . why? The city doesn’t have an answer. It’s ridiculous.