Steenbergen: Roll Back Downtown Cheyenne Regulations

Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen says if the city is serious about revitalizing downtown Cheyenne it should consider easing the regulatory burden on businesses there.

He says cities across the country have had success in downtown revitalization efforts by creating "enterprise zones" with reduced regulations which in turn make it less expensive to do business.

He says in many cases the cost of doing business in downtown Cheyenne has built-in development costs because many of the older buildings that make up much of the downtown area require extensive renovations before they can be used.

He cites the Hynds building as an example, saying it becomes a "$9 milion or $10 million dollar deal after you purchase the building"  to become ready to house a business.

He notes that unlike other areas of the city, there aren't bare lots to build on.

He says some of the extra costs of locating in downtown could be offset by easing the regulatory burden, adding there are some ''beautiful old buildings" available.

Several businesses in downtown Cheyenne have closed or left over the past year or so, including KustoM Thread and Ink, Mitchell's BBQ and the Cheyenne Brewing Company.