From the pages of
The Sublette County Journal
Volume 4, Number 17 - 12/23/99
brought to you online by Pinedale Online

Neighbor Opposes Large Tract Development Near Merna
"Homestead" development would cut 280 acres up into seven 40-acre parcels
by Rob Shaul

The latest large tract development to happen in Sublette County is occurring west of Daniel near Merna. Last Thursday, the Sublette County Planning and Zoning Commission was presented with an application by Sally Freeman to divide 280 acres of agricultural land off the Siems County Road 23-163, into seven 40-acre parcels.

Attending the meeting were Maggie Miller, who owns the Grindstone Cattle Co., and Melvin and Toni David. Both Mrs. Miller and the Davids own property neighboring the proposed development.

Mr. David told the commission that he actually sold the property to Sally Freeman, and has a signed grazing lease on the property for another four years. He said the property is well irrigated and questioned whether or not building sites could be found. Mr. David emphasized that he did not necessarily oppose the development, but nevertheless, he had some questions.

"I'm not in favor of the development," Mrs. Miller told the commission. "It will just bring more people into an area that is traditionally used for grazing."

Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman James Bond, Sr. of Bondurant told the Davids and Mrs. Miller that state law allows property owners to develop their property into tracts of 35 acres or greater without county approval. "In the final analysis, we really can't do anything about it," he concluded.

The commission recommended approval of the development to the County Commissioners, who will hold a hearing on the proposal at their second meeting in January.

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