By KEVIN CHIRI

Editor and Publisher

LAPLACE – While one major homebuilding project expected for St. John continues to appear unlikely, officials with KB Home still say they are working to push through a 2,000 home development on the eastern side of the parish just off Airline Highway.

The original deal for New Millenium Homes, which promised 1,000 new homes near East St. John High School, still appears to be dead this week after developer Don Jones failed to come through with a $50,000 check to land owner Daniel Becnel Jr., which would have extended the contract.

&#8220He was supposed to have the check last Friday, but we haven’t seen it, and frankly I don’t think he has the financing to do this,” Becnel said.

That project was a $10 million deal for 362 acres, with Becnel the major land owner there, and local businessman Pat Sellars the other majority holder.

&#8220I got an e-mail from Mr. Jones this week saying he still was trying to have the money in the next few days,” Becnel added, &#8220but as far as we are concerned, the land is back for sale to whoever shows up with the money.”

Jones did not return phone calls seeking comment.

However the biggest development proposed locally still is in the works, according to KB Home Director of Land Clint Szubinski, who told L’Observateur this week his national homebuilding company is still working to purchase over 600 acres of land on the eastern end of St. John Parish.

&#8220It’s been a challenge making this happen, but we still think we will overcome the obstacles and make this happen,” Szubinski said.

The challenge in purchasing the land is that many local families own portions of the property, not to mention a sugar cane lease on the land.

But Szubinski said his company is making progress, albeit slower than expected, and still plans a 2,000 home development.

&#8220We’ve changed the scope of the project somewhat,” he said, &#8220and now we are looking at doing everything from starter homes to estate homes.”

Szubinski said homes could start in the $150,000 price range and go as high as areas where they would cost $500,000. Additionally, he said there are talks with commercial interests to bring new businesses to the project as well.

&#8220KB Home is still committed to the development here,” he said. &#8220And we’re trying to partner with others on some of the commercial aspects to make it more than just a home development.”

Szubinski said he hoped to have the development approved and announced within six months, and construction to begin in eight to 12 months.