Haight land use change discussed

At the November 17 Hot Springs County Land Use Planning Commission meeting held at the Annex building, Wyatt and Beau Haight presented their application. The Haight’s requested the land use be changed from agricultural to commercial to allow an events arena, a 40-unit RV campground, and a 40-space horse trailer camping area.

The subject property is a roughly 76.2-acre parcel located in the south half of Section 18, Township 43 North, Range 94 West. Fronting on the northwest side of Highway 20 N, approximately two miles north of Red Lane, it is addressed as 423 Highway 20 North.

Planning Commission Chairman Adam Estenson opened a public hearing to take comments. The first to speak was Stephen Domhoff, who expressed concern about the slowing down of traffic that would access the property and noted the stretch of highway between Thermopolis and Worland is the third highest in the state for damage or accidents. Even though Domhoff expressed these concerns, he supports Haight’s efforts. 

Next, Les Culliton spoke and said he is a firm believer in property rights but was concerned about the ground under the pivot that is used for irrigation and he asked, “Can they stay in business?” Culliton was not sure if there would be enough demand to stay at their property. 

Tom Smith also spoke and stated that he is a neighbor to the north of Haight’s property. Smith said, “It’s a wonderful idea” for the Haight’s to perform their business. Smith said there would be “plenty of tourists to keep them busy.” Smith added that the Haight’s would fill a spot for horse people and “it would be very beneficial.” Smith also said he is concerned about the turnoff, but continued to add his support. 

Wyatt Haight spoke about the need for a business like his and said he knows that the Fountain of Youth turns away 30-40 people a day because they are constantly full. Haight added he values having a good curb appeal and that his customers will abide by the rules and be quiet.

Planner Bo Bowman presented to the commission some letters he had received from William and Cozette Matthews and Michael and Jacky Wright and all express concerns and opposition to the land-use change because of possible noise issues and light pollution from the RV park. There are concerns about the value of their land changing and also the highway access with high-speed traffic potentially causing accidents. 

Vice-chair Commission member Amanda Moeller asked Haight about how many events they plan to have a year. Haight replied, “not every weekend.” Commission member Merrill Ready brought up his concern about the loss of some water rights for the Haight’s. Ready said that when an area of ground that has been irrigated is stopped, the water for that portion is also lost and cannot be recovered. Chairman Adam Estenson asked about the lighting and what would be used. Haight replied that he does not intend on creating a “Walmart parking lot” and that the lights would be on short pedestals and downcast with minimal coverage. Haight again spoke about his value of having curb appeal. 

Chairman Estenson also commented that the planned septic system and access from the highway would fall on the DEQ’s and WYDOT’s purview, respectfully, because the property would be for commercial use. Estenson added that the application is “pretty straightforward and refreshing” and that he is happy the Haight’s were going through the process prior to work being done. 

Beau Haight added about the lighting concerns that they will be living on the property and they don’t want to experience being disturbed, either. She said, “It’s our front yard.”

Chairman Estenson closed the public hearing and commission member Moeller said she does not see any major hurdles for the application. Commission member Ready agreed. The biggest issues are the septic system and the highway issue, but those are conditions based upon what DEQ and WYDOT determine. 

Commission member Ready motioned to recommend the Haight’s application to go to the County Commissioners with Moeller seconding. The vote was for all three members in favor to recommend. 

For the remainder of the meeting, Planner Bowman gave his report.

For the Stevens land-use change proposal that was tabled by the county commissioners, they were given a letter to cease and desist their business activity.

For the Porath proposal, they submitted a letter of withdrawal, and Bowman encouraged them to complete the process if they have a change of heart.

For the Dufour proposal, their application is tabled until they can get a certified engineer and work out their septic issues. Commission member Moeller said she recommended the county commissioners see photos or videos for the Dufour property to have a better look at the land.

Bowman also brought up the sketch plan for a possible subdivision south of town that will have 72 lots. The commission expressed concern about how many access points the lots would have and how the fire department or emergency vehicles would be able to easily go through.