Committee recommends including Snyder Avenue property in downtown development district

The Cheyenne Public Service Committee voted to recommend council adoption of an ordinance to expand the Downtown Development District (DDA) to include property along Snyder Avenue adjacent to the downtown core.

Sophia Maize, the downtown development executive director, told the committee the petition (submitted Nov. 18, 2025) would allow DDA funds to be used on adjacent rights-of-way and permit the collection of mill levy revenue from the included property. Maize said the inclusion supports anti-blight goals and the DDA's 2024 downtown development plan and would help position nearby properties for anticipated investment along the Reed Rail corridor.

Raul Dami, the property owners' representative, said the family-owned business has operated on the site for more than 30 years and wants to "be part of the story for the West Edge revitalization" and access DDA programs. Council members asked about the effect of extending the DDA's open-container rules and how the area's residential character might interact with downtown regulations; Maize said questions about open-container enforcement should be coordinated with police and fire departments and that Snyder Avenue's predominantly residential character makes further expansion west of Snyder less likely.

The committee moved to recommend council adoption; Dr. Aldridge and Councilman Lebornne both voiced support, and the petitioner and nearby neighbors spoke in favor during the public-comment period. Staff told members the DDA board had recommended approval at its January meeting and that the governing body previously adopted a supporting resolution on Feb. 23.

The committee's recommendation advances the petition to council, where formal adoption and any implementation details (including how open-container rules would be enforced) will be addressed.