Houses planned for vacant land in heart of Port

A 14-lot subdivision to be created in what is today a vacant field south of Harbor Campus on Port Washington’s north side was given conceptual approval Tuesday by the city’s Design Review Board.

Wayne Wiertzema, senior vice president of development for Capri Senior Communities said the company will sell the lots to developer Mike Speas, who will build and sell the homes.

“It seems to make a lot of sense,” Wiertzema said. “It’s a nice fit for the neighborhood.”

The lots will be on the east side of the field, south of a proposed senior apartment building Capri plans to construct, and two retention ponds will be created on the west side, he said.

The plan is a significant change for the company, which last year received approval for the 66-unit independent senior apartment building in the central portion of the campus as well as an expansion of the complex’s memory care unit.

At that time, Capri officials said the firm was considering smaller multi-family, independent-living buildings for seniors on the southeast end of the property.

Wiertzema said that in reviewing the plans for the property, officials decided that single-family houses made perfect sense for the area and the company.

Speas said he envisions houses of 1,400 to 1,600 square feet similar to those he is building for the Matthaeus Farms subdivision and along Division Street.

North Webster Street will be extended to the north through the subdivision, with a hammer-head end to the road initially, Wiertzema said. 

Eventually, Webster Street will connect to a road being built on the northern portion of the Harbor Campus property to connect with Pierre Lane.

Board member Adele Richert asked if Speas would consider dedicating the two southern lots for a pocket park instead of houses, saying that would enhance the neighborhood.

Houses are needed to make the finances work for Speas, Wiertzema said.

The area around the retention ponds on the west side of the Harbor Campus property will be developed with amenities that will make it seem like a park, he added.

Wiertzema said they would like to see construction of the houses occur this year. The extension of the Harbor Club that was approved last year probably won’t begin until next year, he added.

“It just hasn’t worked with our financial structure right now,” he said.

Board members were enthused about the proposed subdivision, saying it fits the area, which consists of established housing. 

“I think it’s a wonderful extension of the existing neighborhood’s fabric,” board member Jeremy Hartline said. “It’s right-sized. I like the way it connects to the existing neighborhood. I think this is great.”

Bob Harris, the city’s director of planning and development, said it is an ideal infill development.

The board approved the concept plan for the subdivision, which will go to the Plan Commission for review on Thursday, March 21.