Failing developer has large presence in Antioch

Neumann Homes Inc. had big plans as the largest residential developer in rapidly growing Antioch.

However, the company's 1,500-home project is in limbo in the wake of Neumann's plan to file for bankruptcy.

Antioch village hall's telephone lines were sizzling with calls from concerned residents Tuesday after Neumann's intent to go into Chapter 11 bankruptcy became known.

"It's a bad thing that's going on with this, and we're doing all we can to help the residents out there," Acting Village Administrator James Keim said.

Antioch isn't the only Lake County town affected by Neumann's likely bankruptcy. Neumann residential developments also were planned for Grayslake and Lakemoor.

Plans called for the 1,500 single-family homes and townhouses to be constructed for the NeuHaven and Clublands subdivisions, near Route 173 and Savage Road in Antioch. About 700 homes have been built, with roughly another 50 in various stages of completion, Keim said Tuesday.

Infrastructure, parks and amenities that have yet to be completed top the concerns voiced by residents, Keim said.

Neumann had been touting an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse, swimming pools and other features for the Clublands. Keim said construction never began on the pools or clubhouse.

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Antioch officials are preparing to explore their options regarding Neumann. Keim said the village already is willing to plow snow at the Clublands and NeuHaven because of questions about how the subdivisions' homeowners associations will operate.

Meanwhile, Neumann was supposed to construct 263 townhouses, rowhouses, a commercial development and park land near the Metra commuter rail depot on Grayslake's south side.

Grayslake Zoning Officer Kirk Smith said Neumann completed 48 to 50 houses at the Lake Street Square development. He said seven are model homes at what was dubbed a transit-oriented development because of its proximity to the Metra station.

Smith said there are no incomplete homes on the property. He said the village is holding Neumann money that it can tap into for completion of final street paving and other work.

"Our responsibility here, at least at this point, is to make sure whatever remains of the public improvements are completed," Smith said.

Neumann had planned to construct 219 homes for The Glen at Lakemoor Farms.

Les Nedjedly of Lakemoor's building department estimated the project is more than 50 percent built.