Editor’s note: The new Park County Land Use Plan was approved in 2024. Work is now underway on amended development standards and regulations to align with state and federal laws as well as the priorities described in the new land use plan.

Dear editor:

I have been following with confusion the back and forth comments about the proposed new Park County Land Use Plan. As my daddy would say, it’s “clear as mud” to me.

First, WHY does Ms. Joy Hill and some of the county commissioners feel the need to have a new (and expensive) land use plan? It seems to me the obvious people interested in passing new (and more restrictive) regulations, are Ms. Hill and some county commissioners, the county planner and developers. Maybe the developers who are poised to make money off of more residential developments? In an article in the Tribune on May 27, 2025, the number of subdivision applications are now back to pre-Covid levels. I am sure more money for the county coffers would be coming from residential development than the current Ag use.

Second, I am concerned why so much money has been spent already — over $700,000 to outside entities, but why the county did not spend a fraction of that cost to mail surveys to affected landowners? Also disturbing are anonymous comments and comments from people who are not directly affected by the proposed changes. As far as I see, if you are not directly impacted, you have no dog in the fight.

I tried reading the information posted on the site put up for engageparkcounty.com. After reading 79 pages I came to the conclusion that I knew less about it than when I started on page 1. I remember a news clip showing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who stated, “We have to pass the bill to find out what’s in it.”

Also I am curious as to why the needed increase in Industrial zones for a county that is by and large “Ag” in nature? What types of unnamed”Industries” are waiting in the wings for these proposed changes? What detriment will these unnamed entities bring to our county?

Joy Hill stated numerous attempts have been made to involve the public, in person and online but the people can not be forced to participate. But review of the listed work sessions showed no place for any public comment. I fear many affected residents don’t have any idea what is going on and I don’t see any genuine attempts to inform the public.

The ONLY things I see that are going to come from increased regulations that I see no one asked for are:

• Increased regulations

• Limitations of private property use by said regulations

• Increased costs to burden the very people (taxpayers) who don’t want it

In 1986 President Ronald Reagan said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Janet Franson

Powell