TORRINGTON – Torrington City Council members set the stage Tuesday evening for housing expansion, in addition to approving ordinances dealing with annual community activities and the solar eclipse.
City Building Official Dennis Estes presented a proposal from Premier Properties real estate company to provide market analysis and listing services for city owned property on the southwest corner of the intersection of East P Street and 20th Avenue. The land is on the hill north of Lincoln Elementary School.
Mayor Mike Varney enthusiastically supported the project, which was unanimously approved by the council.
“It’s a fantastic building site,” Varney said. “We’re pretty well starved for lots, and this has a lot of possibilities. I think we should give it a shot.”
City Attorney Jim Eddington said the land became available when easements held by entities involved in a coal slurry pipeline, a project proposed several years ago, were removed from the property.
Estes anticipates the city planning commission will zone the property for residential use. Summer events were also on the agenda. Varney announced plans for the Community Night Out on Aug. 1, at Jirdon Park. At 5 p.m., the Elks Club will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. Free swimming will be offered 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., and a free movie will be shown near the restrooms building at dark. The City Council will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the picnic shelter at the northeast corner of the park.
The council also approved an early release from work for city of Torrington employees on Goshen County Fair Day, July 27. It will begin at 10 a.m., rather than the traditional 1 p.m.
In addition to several ordinances pertaining to the updates required by the Wyoming Public Service Commission, the council also approved on first reading an ordinance relating to special event permits and fees. Eddington and Estes explained the reasoning for the action, which in part is due to the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, which is raising considerable concern for local residents, governments and law enforcement.
Eddington said changes may be made to the ordinance as it moves through the approval process. He noted that most cities have them, even LaGrange.
A catering permit was approved for Hi-way Package Liquor for a family reunion on July 22 at Saint Rose Parish Hall.
The next Torrington City Council meeting will be on Aug. 1.
