West Bend is poised for new residential growth as New and Companies, a prominent land developer and home builder, presented plans for a new neighborhood during the Plan Commission meeting on November 6, 2024. The company, which operates under several names including Harbor Homes and Tim O'Brien Homes, has a strong track record in Southeast Wisconsin, having developed over 6,000 acres and built between 400 to 450 homes annually since 2007.

The presentation highlighted the importance of housing as a fundamental need for families and communities. The speaker noted that while housing development in Wisconsin experienced significant fluctuations over the past two decades, West Bend has lagged behind in new development activity. The company aims to change that trend, emphasizing that now is the right time to initiate new projects in the city.

New and Companies has been active in various communities across Washington County and beyond, and their commitment to integrating green spaces into developments was underscored. The proposal for the new neighborhood is expected to address the growing demand for housing in West Bend, which has seen a resurgence in interest from developers.

As the city looks to the future, the introduction of this new neighborhood could mark a significant step towards revitalizing West Bend's housing market and meeting the needs of its residents. The Plan Commission's discussions signal a potential shift towards embracing new development opportunities that could enhance the community's growth and sustainability.