Developer presents revised Hummel Trails plan; trustees voice support pending design refinements

Lennar Corporation representatives presented a revised concept plan for Hummel Trails Neighborhoods 12 and 13 and received general support from the Village of Oswego Board on several design points, though no formal board vote was required.

John McFarland, a Lennar representative, told trustees the updated plan converts previous senior and assisted-living components into 153 market-rate townhomes in Neighborhood 12 and 67 single-family homes in Neighborhood 13 while retaining a 4.5-acre commercial corner. "Parks and open space totaled 32 acres, which is 40% of the property," McFarland said, describing naturalized stormwater basins and a pedestrian bridge over the creek that separates the two neighborhoods.

The developer said the plan increases overall open space and removes multifamily and assisted-living elements from the earlier 2008 concept. McFarland also described expected home sizes and construction sequencing: homes would range from about 2,200 to 3,000 square feet for single-family product, with full basements, and sale prices were described in the presentation as "expected to be in the $3.50 to $6.50 range" (as stated by the presenter).

Trustees asked for more detail on landscaping, exterior finishes for townhomes and lot sizes. One trustee noted preliminary plan-commission feedback calling for improved townhome elevations and stronger pedestrian connection to the commercial area. McFarland said tree counts and specific planting plans would be provided during the preliminary landscaping stage and that the project would follow preliminary and final planning and engineering before construction could begin, estimating that ground-breaking could occur roughly a year from now if the project proceeds.

Dan, a village staff member, told the board that the board typically does not vote on a concept plan but that voicing support or identifying concerns would give the developer direction. After discussion trustees generally voiced support for the concept, with conditions that developers return with enhanced townhome elevations, landscaping and confirmation of the connection to the retained commercial parcel. There was no formal motion to approve the concept plan during the meeting.

Next steps noted in the meeting: the developer would address elevation and exterior-material feedback and return with preliminary plat and engineering for formal review and approvals. The board’s guidance is advisory at this stage and any change to the annexation agreement or final plat will trigger subsequent formal reviews and approvals.