Nancy Washburn

Kenosha-based Mastercraft Builders has lost five customers from the reservation list for the second phase of its Emerald Hills subdivision and it stands to lose at least four more, Mastercraft Development Coordinator Nancy Washburn said.

"People are backing out," she said, noting that some of the phase's 16 lots have been sold more than once."We would have had all of those lots sold and built on by now.We would just now be putting the finishing touches on a couple of the last homes."

Emerald Hills' first phase totaled 33 homes and is sold out.The proposed third phase would add 38 more homes.

The village carefully worded letter was written in response to an appeal by Nancy Washburn, development coordinator with MasterCraft Development.

The company faces action by the state Department of Natural Resources for what was described as "violations of state stormwater, erosion control, waterway regulation and wetland protection statutes."

Washburn said in a letter that if the state imposes substantial financial penalties for the recurring flooding problems, it "could cause the end of our company."

The village's letter was written in response to the prospect of the developer being driven to bankruptcy with the Village Green subdivision only partially finished.

On Monday, Nancy Washburn of Mastercraft Builders Inc., Kenosha, presented a revised plan that calls for protecting about 56 acres of the site in conservation easements.

Washburn said Mastercraft Builders was hired to build homes in the subdivision.Regency Hills will develop the land, she said.

The revised plan calls for the placement of lots that are in safer soil areas than what had been called for in a plan presented Tuesday, Feb. 24, at a commission meeting, Washburn said.
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On Monday, Washburn said the revised plan calls for a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet within the proposed subdivision.
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The number of lots in the plan may change as the project progresses, Washburn said.However, the rear of the subdivision lots will face an open space, Washburn said.

Currently, the plan calls for 87 lots, Washburn said.However, during the process of creating a preliminary plat, Regency Hills may request additional or less lots on the subdivision, Washburn said.
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Shadow Creek proponents may ask for more lots, or less, as the plan is "tweaked" during further stages of the project, Washburn said.

Residents asked how the proposed subdivision will impact Star Center Elementary School.

Washburn said the school has room to expand, if necessary.Star Center representatives have not expressed any concerns, she said.

The proposed Shadow Creek subdivision will target homebuyers looking for a second or third home, Washburn said.

The estimated lot prices will start at about $40,000, Washburn said.The estimates cost of homes in Shadow Creek will range from $180,000 to $250,000.

The majority of residents expected to live in the subdivision are local residents who are looking for a second or third home, Washburn said.

The owners of subdivision property will also own a percentage of the land set aside for open space, Washburn said.