Maverik renews bid for annexation

The Weiser Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Feb. 21 regarding annexation of a 4.39-acre property located on the west side of Highway 95, south of the Weiser River and the Weiser River Bridge. 

 Parcel owner David J. Toussaint seeks annexation and a C-3 zoning designation for the property where Maverik, Inc. wants to build a new convenience store and fueling station.

 The commission previously recommended the request for approval, but the Weiser City Council in a 4-2 vote denied it following a public hearing on Nov. 14, 2022. Councilmembers cited environmental concerns with the proposed store’s proximity to the Weiser River, where the city gets its drinking water. There were also concerns about line of site for motorists as they enter and exit the property.

 If the planning and zoning commission recommends approval for a second time, the request will once again come before the city council.

 It is not clear whether Maverik has modified its plans. Maverik Senior Planning Project Manager, Kevin Deis, who represented Maverik during an earlier planning and zoning commission meeting, could not be reached for comment.

 During the Oct. 17 meeting, he said the company is requesting annexation because it would allow hook-up to city water and sewer. 

 Doing that would require boring lines underneath the river at Maverik’s expense. The work, however, would allow other future users to connect to city services from the south side of the river.

 The public is encouraged to attend the Feb. 21 hearing, which begins at 7 p.m. within the Weiser City Council chambers at 55 W. Idaho St. Written comments must be submitted to the city seven days prior to the hearing.

 On the same night, the Weiser Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing for Parker Properties, LLC, which also wants to annex land. The 12.85 parcel is directly across Highway 95 and south of the Weiser River and Weiser River Bridge. The company wants to build an RV park.

 For more information, call Weiser City Hall at (208) 414-1965 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.