WILLIAMS BAY — Residents are expected to pack Williams Bay School Monday for a public hearing as the village board and plan commission consider a proposal for an exclusive lakefront resort that has divided the community.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 2024 in the Williams Bay School auditorium.
The board will consider a proposal to amend the village’s Strategic Plan to allow for the proposed development.
According to the agenda, those who sign up for the public hearing will have 5 minutes each to address the board.
Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission and Village Board are expected to take action, according to Village Administrator David Lothspeich. Options include to continue, not approve or approve.
At future public meetings, the Village Board and Plan Commission will consider annexation of the golf course, several development overlays, a final development plan and the developers agreement.
Many in the community say a resort proposed by Chicago developer Topography, doesn’t fit the character of this primarily residential community, while others feel it is the best option for the property that has been for sale since 2023. (READ MORE)
Residents have shared their opinions on a Facebook group called Friends of Williams Bay HERE.
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According to documents distributed by the company, Topography is under contract to purchase the 137-acre former George Williams College along the Geneva lakefront and plans to build a resort that would include an inn with 68 accommodations, two restaurants, a retreat center, a 3,500 seat amphitheater, racquet center with tennis and pickleball courts, a boathouse and spa.
The property includes the former college campus that closed in December of 2023 as well as the former golf course, originally designed by Dr. James Naismith, more well known as the father of basketball.
There also are plans to annex additional land from the town of Walworth to accommodate this project.
