Star City Targets Commercial Development Along Boyers Avenue

The town of Star City is initiating plans to sell approximately 0.66 acres of prime real estate located along Boyers Avenue for commercial development. This strip of land, situated between University Avenue and Leeway Street, provides access to popular local businesses including Sheetz and Jazzy’s Sweet Spot. The property has been appraised at $575,000, and the town is seeking proposals from private developers or development teams for its purchase and development.

According to an upcoming request for proposals, the town will sell the property through the Monongalia County Commission, as it falls within the town’s tax increment finance (TIF) district. The proceeds from the sale will return to the TIF fund for use within the district. As a Class IV municipality, Star City must collaborate with the county on projects in this area. “Star City, as a Class IV, doesn’t necessarily have the powers under the TIF Act, and so that’s why the counties involved,” explained Tom Aman, a bond attorney. He also noted that the TIF Act permits the sale of acquired property for project plans without the need for a public auction.

The property is situated within Star City’s Riverfront Overlay Business District and is subject to specific commercial and retail use restrictions. These restrictions prohibit certain uses, including auto storage or wrecking yards, manufacturing, and activities deemed noxious or offensive due to odor, dust, smoke, or noise. “They would submit a plan as to what they want to do with the property. Then once those are obtained, that would be a decision between the county commission and the town of Star City as to who would be best suited with what they presented,” stated Mayor Sharon Doyle.

Aman is currently finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Star City and the county commission. Once both parties approve the MOU, the request for proposals will be publicly released. The town originally acquired the property in 2012 to facilitate the Boyers Avenue widening and improvement project. In 2020, the county commission approved an amendment to Star City’s TIF plan allowing for the sale of this property.

In related TIF news, the county commission expressed receptiveness to Star City utilizing funds generated by the district for sidewalk replacement and improvements along University Avenue. Mayor Doyle highlighted the urgent need for these repairs, noting that no other funding sources are currently available. Despite the town’s primary thoroughfare being a state-maintained route, the West Virginia Division of Highways has indicated its involvement would be limited to the placement of ADA-accessible ramps.

“We are wanting to start the 5G process to obtain an engineering firm who will guide us through this process. Once we get all that in order, get prices and estimates on what this is going to cost, we’ll present you guys a proposal and see if you’ll give us some money,” Doyle told the commissioners during the recent meeting. Similar to the development project, utilizing TIF funds for the sidewalk improvements will require a MOU between the town and the county. The document was approved by the Star City Town Council on Tuesday, with the commission planning to place the matter on an upcoming agenda.