STAR, Idaho - The city of Star is about to expand significantly to the dismay of many people who already live there.
Tuesday night, city council members unanimously voted to annex a large plot of land where more than 3,000 new homes will be built.
The area is just north of town, which is north of Purple Sage Road between Highway 16 and Kingsbury Road.
The project, which is now moving forward, is very controversial for those who live in the area.
“We have got 1,554 acres of ground out there that Willow Brook Development owns that we are asking for an R2 Zone on," said Nate Mitchell, Willow Brook Development.
The Star City Council unanimously approved that zoning request at its meeting Tuesday night.
Under the proposal, no more than two houses can be built on each acre.
Once the plan is complete, that amounts to 3,100 homes across the 1,554 acres owned by Willow Brook Development.
“This annexation is so large that it will change the very essence of what Star is all about,” said Star resident Christy McCack.
It's a project that is very controversial amongst residents who voiced their concerns at Tuesday's meeting.
“The last couple meetings they have ignored the public, they let us talk, but not have any input,” said resident Steve Givens.
Some residents believe the decision should have been delayed until city officials have a long-term vision for what Star will look like, then determine whether a project of this scale fits.
“I think we need a lot more information as to how major issues such as additional traffic, increased water demands, sewer systems, schools, police and fire, increased crime, and increased cost to citizens in the form of taxes, maintaining an acceptable form of living, etc, are going to be handled," said resident Tom Johnson.
Star Mayor Chad Bell tells us this is a long-term project.
And while the annexation is approved, a concept design and preliminary land plats for the subdivision are still in the works. Meaning construction won't start for another four to five years, and the entire project will take around 40 years to complete.
The next step for this project, Willow Brook Development must present a traffic impact study, design concept and preliminary plots. All which will require public hearings.