Star council approves Sellers at River's Edge annexation, allows wine bar, speakeasy and future event center

The Star City Council on Aug. 19 approved an annexation, rezoning, development agreement and a conditional-use permit for the Sellers at River's Edge project at 6926 Highway 44, clearing the way for a wine-tasting room, a reservation-only speakeasy and a future 3,600-square-foot event center. Staff described the application as meeting submittal and noticing requirements and recommended approval with conditions.

Christine Stoll of Clearwater Financial, staff and the applicant outlined the proposal: annexation of 2.02 acres into the city, rezoning from Canyon County agricultural to city C-2 commercial, and a conditional-use permit for private events and entertainment. Sean (city staff) noted conditions that will be applied during zoning certificate and design review, including compliance with the unified development code, parking counts, lighting and a 10 p.m. noise curfew.

Applicant Scott Smith said the project will preserve several existing structures, including a 1921 house to be renovated as an upscale tasting room, convert a three-car garage into a 50-person reservation-only speakeasy restricted to patrons 21 and older, and build an event center north on the property at a later phase. "We are here today to request your approval of the annexation and subsequent rezoning of that site at 6926 on Highway 44," Smith said. He committed on the record to preserve mature trees, install landscaping and to provide privacy fencing where neighbors requested it.

Several neighbors and community members spoke in favor or neutrally; a representative of the Southwest Idaho Business Alliance said the owners have been "pillars of the Star community." Lori Belad, who registered neutral, asked the council to make privacy requirements specific enough so neighbors would have recourse if fencing or setbacks were inadequate.

Council members asked detailed follow-up questions about traffic access, phasing and fencing. Staff confirmed the conditional-use permit applies only to the event center; the wine bar and tasting room are principally permitted in the C-2 zone and will be handled during zoning certificate and design review. Staff said future connection to city sewer and water will be required when adjacent development makes those services available.

Councilmember (mover) read proposed conditions into the record — including privacy fencing on portions of the east and west property lines, a commitment to retain or trim a specified tree at the southeast corner, and adherence to the city's noise ordinance — and moved to approve. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with Councilmembers Hershey, Wheelock, Solomonson and Nielsen voting "aye." The decision included direction that remaining technical details be finalized through the city's design-review and zoning-certificate process.

The council's approval authorizes the applicant to proceed to the design and permitting steps required before building permits are issued; the development agreement and any required zoning certificates will be brought back for staff and administrative review as required by city code.