Council reviews 43-townhome proposal in Whispering Coves; developer introduced project during public comment

A proposal for 43 townhomes at the southeast corner of Boulevard and Harvest Moon Trail in the Whispering Coves area received initial review and council feedback on May 12; no formal vote was taken.

Rick Murphy of Lennar Homes introduced himself during the public-comment period and said Lennar and Ford Development Group are working on a property in Verona that “involves 43 townhome units.” He described the townhomes as roughly 1,700 to 2,100 square feet and said the firm looks forward to working with the city.

During the planning commission presentation to council, Alderman Swanson summarized the commission’s comments: overall support for townhomes at the location, a request for undulation along rooflines, more color variety beyond black, white and gray, and concern about children crossing parking lots from outer buildings. Staff noted on-street parking is not permitted on the relevant streets due to proximity to a busy intersection, so visitor parking will need to be handled on site.

Council members repeatedly requested a safe path connection to the city bicycle/pedestrian path and recommended designing the site so outer buildings can access the shared open space safely. “I like townhomes. I think they're a good kind of fit into our city, and give people other housing options,” the mayor said while offering general support for the concept. Several alderpersons urged front porches rather than stoops to create a neighborhood feel and asked the developer to plan for adequate visitor parking and safe pedestrian routes.

No motion was made; the item was an initial review that will return to the council after the developer completes the required filings for rezoning and any site-specific permits.