Full Text
Gary & Tracy Worrall 5325 N. High Prairie Place Star, ID 83669 5 May, 2023 Star City Hall P.O. Box 130 Star, ID 83669 [EMAIL REDACTED] Honorable City Council, I am corresponding with you as a concerned resident impacted by the proposed annexation of the Willowbrook Development into the city of Star. I do not agree with the scope of this project as presented in the “Updated Narrative for Willowbrook Golf Community Annexation, Zoning, and Development Agreement” presented to the city on 23 June, 2022. I believe the project as proposed demonstrates reckless growth and would negatively impact the city and its residents. According to the Mayor’s State of the City budget presentation found on the city’s webpage and dated 2 August, 2022, the city of Star has a population of 15,230 persons. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that 2.6 persons occupy an average U.S. household. The Willowbrook Development proposes to add 1,094 homes on 724 acres. Accordingly, the city of Star will be annexing an additional 2,844 people and 1.1 square miles. This development represents an 18.7% increase in city population, which likens to an additional 18.7% increase in: ● Traffic ● School-aged children ● Emergency calls for police and fire service ● Utilities and infrastructure I have not seen any information from the Mayor, City Council, or the City Planning Department on how the city will deal with a nearly 20% increase in critical city services. Approving this immense development as proposed without a plan to support essential city functions is irresponsible. Lastly, the City of Star Comprehensive City Plan updated 7 June, 2022 and found on the city’s webpage states, “...the community does not want Star to become a Stack and Pack metropolitan city but wants to strive to retain its small-town family friendly character…” Star currently has a density of approximately 2,000 people per square mile. The Willowbrook Development will have a density of nearly 3,000 people per square mile. A 50% increase in density is not in keeping with this vision for the community.