Westview Estates (Lancaster, California)

 community, desert, subdivision (housing subdivision)

A planned, gated community, developed by New Jersey based Hovanian Homes.
The developer halted construction in September 2007, after building 35 of the 425 homes planned. Of those 35 completed homes, 23 have been sold.
Some Westview homeowners say they would like to sell but can't because of the real estate slump, but even worse, who would want to buy a home in the desert knowing there were serious problems with the water system?
Jamie Duarte, an attorney representing the Westview homeowners, is suing Hovnanian Homes for fraud, negligence and breach of contract. The lawsuit alleges the developer knew of the water deficiencies but failed to disclose them.
Los Angeles County, its Waterworks District 40 and the City of Lancaster are among other defendants named in the suit, which alleges that they failed to ensure that the developer installed a permanent water utility system before issuing certificates of occupancy.
Even though the water pressure problem was resolved the developer has been denied occupancy permits for the remaining 12 homes since September 2007.
The senior deputy county counsel for the L.A. County counsel's office says the waterworks agency has informed the developer that before additional water meters could be issued, it would have to finish building a groundwater well and facilities related to its operation.
County officials say the developer stopped construction of the well in March 2008.
When the water system failed to pass Fire Department tests, the county installed a backup generator, boosters and pressure sensors.
A small pump station also was erected about a quarter-mile away. Water pressure is stronger, but it's still inadequate, residents say.
Some homeowners blame the county for approving what they think is a substandard water system, but they also think the developer concealed the water problems.
A contractor who questioned why the spray function on the kitchen faucet was so weak during a walk-through of his new home, was assured that the water tank serving the community was still being filled up.
An outdoor barbecue has been stolen from one model home, and the copper wiring snatched from the air-conditioning units of others. Only holes remain where nine fire hydrants once stood on undeveloped lots before vandals ripped them out.
Some frustrated homeowners have let their properties slip into foreclosure.
Some Westview residents want L.A. County and Lancaster to revoke the certificates of occupancy issued to Hovnanian Homes, because this would compel the developer to refund homeowners' money, their attorney says.