DOVER, Del. (AP/WBOC)- State officials have filed a lawsuit against the developer of an 879-lot housing community in central Delaware following an investigation into alleged fraudulent practices affecting prospective homebuyers and current residents. The lawsuit filed Thursday by Delaware's attorney general targets developer Harry Miller III and various entities under his control in the development and management of the Villages of Noble's Pond, an age-restricted "55-plus" community. State officials allege that development company Regal Builders requires home buyers to enter into contracts that are confusing, misrepresent or omit material facts, and include terms and conditions that violate state or federal law. The lawsuit alleges that those contracts enable development firm Regal Builders and its affiliates to dominate community governance and to exploit Noble's Pond residents in the provision of internet and propane fuel service.
“My office initiated its investigation after receiving dozens of complaints from homeowners, many of them seniors, who did not receive what had been advertised to them when they were purchasing their homes,” Attorney General Jennings said. “When a developer engages in such wide scale conduct to take advantage of homebuyers, that is the time for legal action by our department on behalf of consumers. The purchase of a home is often the most consequential financial decision one can make; Delawareans should be able to choose their future residence without fear that a developer is misleading them about the community in which they will live.”
In addition to Regal Builders and Harry D. Miller III, the complaint names Galaxy Networks, LLC, County Propane of Delmarva, LLC, and a variety of other entities Miller owns, manages, or controls, as defendants.
A copy of the complaint is available here.
