ROCK SPRINGS – Long time residents may remember 1515 Elk St. as an old trailer park. The now vacant area will soon have a different look.

On Wednesday night, the Rock Springs Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a major site plan submitted by Trent D’Ambrosio for a three story, 63 room Microtel Inn and Suites.

It is important to remember these plans were submitted by a private property owner. The city cannot tell a property owner what they can or cannot build on their property as long as it follows city codes, zoning and ordinances. The commission’s role is to make sure city zoning, codes and ordinances are followed along with several other duties such as safety and protecting neighboring property rights.

Along with the major site plan, the property is also going through a lot split. Lot splits are not approved by the commission but are done at the staff level. City Planner Jennifer Shields said staff is currently working on the split and it would need to be completed before the hotel could move forward.

Initial plans for the hotel were submitted and during a utility review several issues came up from different agencies. One came from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. There are two accesses on Elk Street to the property. WYDOT wanted one of them moved.

There was also a question by Rocky Mountain Power about where the proposed development would hook into the grid. Shields said both sides are working on the issue to find the shortest and cheapest way to hook in to the power grid.

Killpecker Creek runs by the property and portions of the property are in the flood plain. To construct the building, flood plain plans and permits had to submitted and approved.

Due to the comments on the first set of plans, revised drawings were submitted with most of the issues addressed. Along with this, the developer was able to get a drainage plan approved as well as a landscaping plan.

“I am really excited to see this property developed,” Shields said explaining it is a great location for traffic coming off the interstate and will also improve one of Rock Springs biggest thoroughfares.

Property owners next to the proposed development were contacted and Shields said the city did not receive any comments on the issue. There was also no comments from the public during the meeting.

Gene Legerski of Choice Engineering represented the property owner. He informed the commission they have two routes for the power access and are waiting for Rocky Mountain Power to support one.

Chairwoman of the commission Mary Manatos agreed it was exciting to see this property developed and asked Legerski about the lot split. She inquired about what would be on the other lot.

Legerski said the family members who own the property are in disagreement what to do with the second lot so nothing has been decided.

The plans were approved by the commission with some requirements before moving forward. Shields said the power easement will have to be decided before development could begin. With the lot split, the two lots will have a shared access. The city will also have to make sure the shared access is suitable.

Shields said all the parking areas will have to be finished before an occupancy permit is granted. If the project has not been started in a year, new plans would need to be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.