Master plan draft analyzed

The Saratoga Master Plan Steering Committee saw its membership reduced as it neared the end of the planning process, with the March 22 meeting attendance a fraction of what it was when planning started in August 2015.

Still, work had to be done. The full draft plan was ready for review and Saratoga Director of Public Works, Jon Winter, Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Stacy Crimmins, Upper Platte River Solid Waste District Chairman and owner of R.G. Raymer Construction, Randy Raymer, and Saratoga Mayor Ed Glode were in attendance to present their comments on the draft.

Much of the meeting, which lasted for an hour-and-a-half, was spent reviewing the specifics of each plan element, with the community members weighing in on official names and classifications, relevant history and suggestions for how things should be organized.

Raymer said the plan should be designed for those who will likely use it: prospective families trying to get a picture of what is happening in Saratoga and where things will be heading, as well as those making demographic projections. This belief was shared by planners from Community Builders, Inc. (CBI), the company designing the plan. As such, much of the specific information relevant to contractors and developers has been moved to an appendix for those interested.

This information includes pipe sizes, power systems and other infrastructure metrics—information that is most definitely relevant to growth and planning in Saratoga, but not necessary when one is trying to get a general picture of the town.

The projected growth patterns, determined by CBI, vary in the face of many different possibilities, opportunities and threats for the town. Overall, Wyoming Economic Analysis Division predicts a stagnant population size but the Wyoming Community Development Authority predicts between approximately 4.8 and 18 percent growth. Statistically, the town is typical of a tourist community, with highest profits from industries like food and beverage. Saratoga specifically boasted a lower rate of poverty than most other towns in Wyoming.

Bobbe Fitzhugh, of CBI, led the meeting and remarked often that this plan belongs to the town of Saratoga and those involved may design what the plan looks like as a finished product.

From here, involved parties will have to examine the items of the plan so CBI can move forward with designing the action plan. While the draft is subject to change, town members especially are tasked with what specific projects or improvements are possible, including things like aging-

in-place infrastructure, curb and gutter and other specific improvements listed under the broader, more general items. If they don’t seem possible by the town’s estimations, they may not be included in the plan.

The master plan itself focuses on many of the things that have been brought up by community members, but through the eyes of planners residents may learn things about the projections, strengths and weaknesses of the town.

Since it is up to the planning commission to adopt the plan, the draft will be presented to them in a work session scheduled for 4 p.m., April 25. When that is completed, the next step will be a public hearing held by the planning commission for citizens to voice concerns and ask questions about aspects of the master plan.