River Club residents and developer reach settlement over lawsuit

A legal battle over improvements to the River Club country club and golf course has ended in a settlement agreement.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of 16 residents of the River Club neighborhood in Garden City, Idaho filed a lawsuit against the development group that owns the country club and golf course, arguing that the developer made unauthorized improvements. The lawsuit was dismissed after the neighborhood's homeowners association voted to change the language in their covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) to clarify that the golf course was not subject to those restrictions. As part of the settlement, the developer paid $500,000 to the HOA for community improvements and agreed to create a liaison committee between the golf course and HOA.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlighted tensions between some residents and the developer over changes to the community's amenities. The settlement allows the developer to move forward with plans, including a 133-townhome project along the golf course, while providing concessions to the HOA and homeowners.

The details

The lawsuit was filed in 2024 by the Plantation Master HOA against the entity that owns the River Club, LB River Club Owner LLC. A group of 16 residents then intervened and took over the litigation themselves after a change in the HOA's leadership. The residents argued the developer made unauthorized improvements to the golf course without approval from the HOA's Architectural and Environmental Control Committee. In August 2026, the HOA members voted to change the CC&Rs to clarify that the golf course was not subject to those restrictions, rendering the lawsuit moot. As part of the settlement, the developer paid $500,000 to the HOA for community improvements, agreed to create a formal liaison committee between the golf course and HOA, gave the HOA a right of first refusal if the golf course is ever sold, and required any future development to be annexed into the HOA.

  • The lawsuit was filed by the Plantation Master HOA against LB River Club Owner LLC in 2024.
  • In August 2026, the HOA members voted to change the CC&Rs to clarify the golf course was not subject to those restrictions.
  • The case was dismissed on November 17, 2026 as part of the settlement agreement.

The players

Plantation Master HOA

The homeowners association for the River Club neighborhood in Garden City, Idaho.

LB River Club Owner LLC

The entity linked to Texas-based Lincoln Property Group that owns the River Club country club and golf course.

William Gustafson

The developer of the River Club community.

David Leroy

The attorney representing the group of 16 residents who intervened in the lawsuit.

Nicole Hancock

The attorney representing the developer and golf course owner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The obvious elimination of the original question by an amendment of language to the CC&Rs was what led both parties to conclude there was no need to litigate about what the former language may have meant.”

— David Leroy, Attorney for the residents (BoiseDev)

“The River Club Golf Course, and the developers Brighton and LB River Club are all pleased with the overwhelming support they've received from the homeowners in the community to resolutely confirm that the golf course and development are not governed by the HOA.”

— Nicole Hancock, Attorney for the developer and golf course owner (BoiseDev)

What’s next

The 133-townhome project along the golf course is currently under construction after receiving approval from the City of Garden City.

The takeaway

This settlement highlights the importance of clear and well-defined covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) in homeowners associations to avoid costly legal battles over the use and development of community amenities like golf courses.