Sports complex could result from STAR bond district change in Derby

Adjustments have begun on shifting business requirements for Derby’s STAR bond district.

After a briefing by representatives of Derby Destination Development LLC on Sept. 11, the City Council approved an amendment to the agreement, which was passed in summer 2016.

It now goes on to the Kansas Department of Commerce, which is expected to approve it.

It then goes back to the council for a second reading.

The special taxing district, which is designed for business development and to be a regional visitor draw, extends roughly along Rock Road from near the north city limits south to Meadowlark.

It includes the Derby Marketplace shopping complex. The written briefing stated: “The developer has made efforts to recruit a steakhouse and has thus far been unsuccessful in getting a commitment in the near term, although one is possible in a few years.”

However, a new venture, Derby’s Sports Zone, is proposed to satisfy the restaurant requirement.

As reported in last week’s Informer, the facility would include indoor and outdoor courts and game areas – and a sit-down eatery.