Subdivision proposal calls for 93 homes

Neumann Developments is seeking to develop a 93-home subdivision on approximately 40 acres of land in the Town and Village of Grafton.

On Tuesday, the Village of Grafton Plan Commission reviewed a concept plan for a new subdivision proposed on the west side of Port Washington Road and south of Falls Road.

“Grafton is a great market for us because it is a growing community and has a great school district,” said Steve DeCleene, president of Neumann Developments, noting his company previously did work in the Town of Grafton.

The proposed subdivision will consist of 93 single-family lots that would have an average size of 10,842-square-feet. The 40-acre subdivision is split between two parcels in both the town and village.

Surrounding the proposed site is the Falls Crossing subdivision immediately to the north, Town of Grafton property, I-43 and Village-owned land to the east, and a We Energies electrical substation and residential town property to the south.

Village Director of Planning and Development Jessica Wolff said the village would annex the town’s lot.

“In the long term, we don’t want to have any town islands sitting out there and it would make it easier for future annexation processes,” she said.  

Wolff said the location of the subdivision is critical for the village’s long-range plans for transportation, water and sewer. She said the design for the subdivision poses some challenges for the village’s long-term goals.

The subdivision’s proposed concept plan shows River Bend Road curving through the southern village land around a wetland and ending on the northeast portion of the property on Port Washington Road.

Wolf said the village would like to have River Bend Road extend straight to the east to create a new intersection at Port Washington Road.

DeCleene said he would like to have homes built on both sides of the road to maximize space, which calls for a bend in the road. The Plan Commission agreed that a traffic study will be required to determine the appropriate location and design for the road.

Village Director of Public Works Amber Thomas also said water and sewer mains are planned to extend from River Bend Road east to Port Washington Road and then north to existing water and sewer mains. She said it is critical to complete the system loops as planned for future village developments.

“Our biggest concern is the sanitary sewer,” Thomas said.

Village president Jim Brunnquell said the size of the subdivision is also a concern.

“It’s exciting to see interest here. One thing I struggle with is the density,” he said, adding the number of homes contradicts what the village has previously allowed for developments extending past the downtown mass.

Brunnquell said he would like to see some multi-family homes considered in future plans.

No action was taken, as the developer was seeking input from the Plan Commission.

DeCleene said he wants to start development in the summer. The average home would cost about $400,000.