New firm could take over building Robinson FarmsCortland not happy with work so far

CORTLAND - Garages won't continue to dominate the scenery at Robinson Farms if Jack Work gets his way. Work's company, Wheaton-based Pinnacle Construction Corp., wants to take over construction of the subdivision near Route 38 and Somonauk Road. He told the planning commission on Monday that he doesn't want to continue building the apartment buildings and other multifamily housing that was approved. Instead, he's looking to build single-family houses in a traditional neighborhood design. The two- and three-bedroom homes will have a front yard and a two-car garage in the back facing the alley. Work said he expects the homes to cost $130,000 on average. The plan also will include townhouses with front yards and covered front porches. Work said those features will encourage people to talk to their neighbors and watch their children playing in the front yard. The original plan for the entire subdivision called for 192 apartment units and 92 duplexes, Zoning Administrator Walter Magdziarz said. Fifty-six lots have already been built on, but the buildings have not satisfied the town's expectations, Magdziarz said. &#8220The original developer put what was expected to be there and (its) appearance, but once approved and building permits were issued, it was discovered the lots OK'd were not wide enough,” he said. Some of the garages in the east-side subdivision were built too close to the street. Most commission members liked the new proposed plan. Magdziarz said it's a good opportunity to avoid bringing apartments to town. &#8220Wow,” commission member Diane Ledbetter said, &#8220they're not flat with recessed garages. I'm impressed with the architecture.” She also liked the small pocket parks, also called &#8220tot lots,” throughout the subdivision. Commission member and town Trustee Shawn McAllister said he was concerned about the density, but both Work and Magdziarz said the density would remain the same. When complete, the subdivision will accommodate between 560 and 580 residents, Magdziarz said. Work said he's working with the approved density to make the area nice, with more lawns and landscape and less asphalt. He said he looks forward to the possibility of building the subdivision in Cortland. &#8220That's the fun part of what we do,” he said. &#8220You want to create something where you would like to live.” The commission is expected to make its recommendation on the new plan to the town board on Feb. 6. Aracely Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@daily-chronicle.com.