Settlers Ridge in Sugar Grove - anybody live there? (house, neighborhood)

[creekwalker]

You'll know we've finally moved in when you see a flock of plastic pink flamingos gracing our front lawn. Neon lawn-art isn't a violation of the association policy, is it? (We had to think of something to distract our fellow ridge settlers from the pitt-bull puppy pen we plan on building in the backyard...)

[irish setter girl]

Creekwalker, too funny! I lived in another neighborhood in Sugar Grove for several years and our HOA was such a hoot. People were constantly bickering about each other and there were two families who were videotaping each other doing "illegal HOA things" and then calling for a hearing with the HOA board (which I was so happily a member of ) We spent more time dealing with petty things than the big issues that were going on. In a sick and twisted way I kind of miss it ( I left SG in 2006). Do you know when your HOA will be turned over to the residents? Often you need the majority of the development resident-owned. Until then you will probably be able to get away with all kinds of things unless the developer turn you in to himself Enjoy your new home!

[Settlers Ridge Homeowner]

-Creek Walker, very funny! I actually don't mind seeing that sort of thing. I'd rather live in a neighborhood that has a little comrodory than one where neighbors don't even speak to each other!
-Dblsae, this is a great neighborhood; I encourage you to come see what's it's about. The walking paths are long and well maintained, the parks are beautifully decorated and development appears to be moving along quite well considering the state of the economy! The price points appear to be very fair now, and I really enjoy living here. If you go to the welcome office, you can see the eventual plans for the neighborhood. The use of space was/is very organized in my opinion. The demographic mix is also refreshing, neighbors range from 22 to 70 and professions vary from blue collar tradesmen to high-level accountants. It's really a great melting pot for this area! In my opinion, this is a great area to raise a family.
-Sidebar: Tired Settler, I'm sorry it appears you are having problems living in your home or with the neighbors, but the tone of your comment makes me think of the phrase "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Your comment was snide, uncalled for and made you seem, in my opinion like a complete jerk. The topic of this thread was to gain a little insite to the development, not to ask whom you deem "Party Monkeys". That's a bit outlandish, don't you think? If I, for one had a problem with any neighbor, I would identify the problem and attempt to solve it the best way I knew how. I am not ignorant enough to think that making condescending remarks on a public website will solve my issues with the neighbors, and I'd like to think you are not either. Please correct me if I am wrong. Maybe you should look a little farther than your computer screen, identify your issues with your neighbors and attempt to rectify your situation. Or, just call your neighbors names. ( <<the little smiley that you used doesn't change my opinion.) Grow up.
-To the original poster (again), sorry for the rant, I'm just one of the residents (and afforementioned party monkeys) who wants more people to move to the area and help continue to grow this great development.

[Settlers Ridger]

I am a party monkey too! I'm a professional who works hard, but plays hard. My husband and I have made a lot of friends here and it just goes to show that we know how to have fun. Tired settler should get to know his neighbors instead of complaining about a stuffed dog on a roof. Big deal. Tired probably does not know how to have a good time. Too bad we can't stick Tired on the roof.
To the new Settler, we welcome you with open arms. And, if you ever walk past the townhomes and see one us monkeys outside, stop by and say hello. Chances are you will be invited over for a glass of wine or a beer and we promise not to judge you!

[Sugar Grove Friend]

I live in the townhomes in Settlers Ridge. We have lived her about a year and a half, and up to this point have been quite happy here. There are a good variety of people here. My daughter lives in one of the homes here with her family, and we have friends who have bought homes here as well.
I cannot believe someone would write something stoop so low as to name call there neighbors as "party monkeys". How rude! I have met most of the townhome owners and find them nice, fun, hardworking normal people, and the same for those who I have met from the houses. I would never even think of playing a name calling game with any of them! As well as insulted I am embarressed for whom ever wrote such a thing.

[Lonely Settler]

My parents are currently building in Settlers Ridge (right down the street from my wife and I--what fun!). They received a call today from the sales office informing them that Kimball Hill is selling Settlers Ridge. There are two prospective buyers--the sales lady would not (or could not) say who they were. There was no time frame for completion of the sale. Kimball Hill is completing the houses that are currently under construction but will not begin any others. Kimball Hill will also honor any and all warranty claims on houses that they built.

Hopefully whoever buys the development will get their models built and continue on with the subdivision. I realize that KH's vision for the development is moot now--hopefully the new builder will have a unique vision of their own and will not turn this into a cookie cutter neighborhood.

On another note, have any other Settler's heard from the association? My wife and I have been here almost a year and we haven't gotten squat from them.

[sgresident]

It is good to hear that they are finding a buyer for the development. Whoever buys it will have to abide by the development agreement/annexation agreement. They can go back to the village board to ask for changes to that agreement, but the board would have to vote for approval. For those above, just a reminder that this saturday is the first day of the Sugar grove Farmer's Market! It will now be located in the parkling lot at village hall(10 municipal drive) across from the fire dept. It is also the day of the annual village open house. you can stop in and meet the elected officials, see some plans, meet staff etc. There will be free cfl light bulbs. At the farmer's market there will be local farmers, waterman winery, coffee, baked items, fruit, crafts, eggs, jojo the clown, Catering Gourmets etc. check it out!

[dblsae]

[SIZE=3]Sgresident, if you had to take a guess do you think the next builder will keep the same style houses in place so that they don’t clash with what Kimball Hill has done? It’s too bad Kimball will not be finishing what they started.[/SIZE]

[Settlers Ridge Homeowner]

What a shame. My wife actually talked to Tom Borta (the go-to-guy here for warranty issues) and he said the development has been for sale for a while along with Ingham Park. Those two subdivisions aren't even on the Kimball Hill Homes website anymore. My guess is some of the integrity will stay since there are already a lot of alleyways poured. We were/still are happy to be here and hopefully this development will weather the storm!

[sgresident]

I heard today that there were two letters of intent, but no one had any names. I have no idea what will happen. I really liked the styles of the homes and think it is too bad that they won't get a chance to finish what they started. I think a lot will depend on who takes over. if I hear anything, i will post.