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Board approves Heritage Hills phase 9; developer responds to concerns about affordable housing
Summary
The Waunakee Village Board approved the Heritage Hills eighth-edition final plat and development agreement for phase 9, including timelines for park and road improvements. Developer Matt Brake of Veridian Homes responded to a board member’s criticism that promised lower-cost housing and other commitments had not materialized.
The Waunakee Village Board voted to approve the Heritage Hills eighth-edition final plat and associated development agreement for phase 9, which covers 48 lots and five outlots and includes Outlot 41, a large neighborhood park.
Lauren (staff) summarized the development agreement’s timeline: a park trail to be constructed by fall 2026, park improvements by Aug. 31, 2027, and phased Schumacher Road improvements with phase 1 scheduled for 2027 and phase 2 to follow when East Verlene connects to Schumacher.
Board member Nyla Frey raised concerns that earlier promises of lower-cost housing and senior independent-living options in the development had not been fulfilled. “We were told that we would have some lower cost housing there that never developed,” Frey said, criticizing the project’s outcomes compared with earlier community expectations.
Matt Brake, vice president of land development for Veridian Homes, responded that the company has worked to deliver a range of housing and amenities. “We are developing the most affordable homes in Waunakee,” Brake said. He outlined the remaining build-out and sales figures the developer expects and offered to meet with board members to explain cost pressures and project details.
Engineering consultant Dan Day said the roadwork phasing responds to financing and logistical constraints; he told the board phase 1 will require temporary road closures and significant culvert and paving work.
The board approved the plat and development agreement subject to final review and approval by the village attorney and community development director.
Why it matters: the approval sets construction and park timelines, clarifies responsibilities for road and trail work, and surfaces local concerns about housing affordability and developer commitments. The developer’s offer to meet with board members leaves open a follow-up opportunity for further detail.
