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V.K. Development Corp. thought it had a development proposal that matched the city of Brookfield's vision for an 11-acre site on Capitol Drive that would include senior housing, office and retail.
When neighbors objected, the Brookfield-based developer made concessions, including reducing the number of housing units, office and retail square footage; increasing setbacks; and agreeing not to cut down trees.
Neighbors continued to oppose the project, citing concerns about traffic and stormwater, but the Brookfield Common Council approved zoning changes in September that allow the project to proceed. But Vincent Kutemperoor, the company's president and chief executive officer, says neighbors' "unreasonable objections" cost his firm time and money.
Milwaukee-area developers say they are facing more difficulties lately gaining local government approvals for their projects. Over the last 10 years, communities, particularly those in the suburban ring, have raised their standards on project elements including architecture, traffic and sewers, developers say. And citizens have become more vocal in opposing some proposed developments.
No one argues with a community's right to control development but developers complain some municipalities lack clear direction and guidelines.
While the V.K. project is moving forward, two other area projects have been stalled or denied, resulting in developers taking legal actions against the cities of Franklin and Delafield.
* Michigan-based DeMattia Group L.L.C. in September filed a lawsuit in Milwaukee County Circuit Court against the city of Franklin, seeking nearly $3.9 million in damages for blocking its proposal...