Franklin Dissenters Protest Crossmann Homes Project

FRANKLIN, Ind. -- One of Indiana's largest builders wants to expand, but may find that they are no longer welcome in some communities.

The attorney general's office is investigating Crossmann Communities because of a rising number of complaints. That's why many residents turned out Tuesday for a commissioners meeting, where the company was to propose annexing property in Franklin to build 2,000 homes.

Crossmann representatives were hoping to sell their plan of building the 2,000 homes to planning commission members, but weren't given the chance because they didn't prepare adequately for the meeting, reinforcing residents' concerns that Crossmann will only bring problems to the community.

Community members came armed with reasons why they did not want Crossmann Communities in Franklin. The company hopes to build homes in an area that is farmland now, and that's the way many residents would like to keep it.

"For those of us that live in the rural areas, we know that that can't last forever, but if they're going to put homes out there, we would rather them (the homes) be two homes per acre or three homes, but not the five homes that they're wanting," Franklin resident Stacy Taylor said.

The concerns go much deeper than that.

The attorney general's office currently has 17 complaints against the company that range from electrical boxes attached only with a wire to major cracks in ceilings.

Crossmann didn't have the proper paperwork to address planning commissioners tonight, but will likely try again next month.

"No one wants to live in an area where homes are below code or have those kinds of problems. There have been other housing developments in Franklin that have already had those kinds of problems. We don't need anymore of that," Franklin resident Candy Reese said.

Crossmann released a statement Monday, saying that the company wants to clarify the customer service and inspection issues that have been reported.

It said that they are aware of seven open complaints on file with the attorney general's office and have already responded to them.

The planning commission meeting was postponed until Sept. 18.