Another coffee house on the way after zone change passes the first reading

CASPER, – The repurposing of a strip of vacant land used as an unofficial entrance to a bowling alley and pub on CY Avenue has taken the first step toward being used for a coffee business.

The Casper City Council for the first time Tuesday adopted an ordinance to change the zoning in the 2800-2900 block of CY Avenue during its regular meeting in its temporary chambers at The Lyric, 230 W. Yellowstone Highway.

The vacant Lot 450 Westwood No. 2 Addition is used as an informal entrance/exit between Fremont Avenue and the El Mark-O Lanes/Galloway’s Pub & Bowling Alley on CY Avenue.

The owner wants to establish a coffee business on that parcel, but cannot do so because it is currently zoned R-2 (One Unit Residential), according to a May 29 memo from Community Development Director Liz Becher to City Manager Carter Napier. .

The owner wants it changed to C-2 (General Affairs).

On May 9, the Casper Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of the change during a public hearing. There were no public comments at the time.

On Tuesday, Matt Galloway – co-owner of El Mark-O Lanes and Galloways Pub – told the council that the property has been used for years as an unofficial entrance to the businesses.

The immediate neighbor agrees with the use of that property, came to a zoning meeting and had his concerns addressed about coffee shop hours and drainage, Galloway said. The neighbor spoke positively and said, “They have my blessing.”

The property is not a feasible place to build a home, Galloway said.

Coffee shop owner and Galloway’s daughter Mariah Geis also supported the zoning change.

No one spoke in opposition.

Councilor complimented Geis on her work and entrepreneurship.

The Council unanimously approved the proposed regulation at first reading.

It will be presented for a second reading and public comment at the council’s next meeting on July 2.