DOVER, DE - The Delaware Department of Justice announced Wednesday a settlement of their lawsuit against a local developer stemming from charges over the Noble’s Pond community near Dover.
According to Attorney General Kathy Jennings’ office, the lawsuit was brought against Regal Builders, LLC, their president, and related entities on charges of misleading residents of the 55+ community at Noble’s Pond. In 2019, the DOJ alleged the developer violated Delaware law by having homebuyers enter into confusing contracts and failing to disclose facts. Further allegations claim residents were also forced to buy telecommunications and propane services owned by the developer.
Regal Builders denies these allegations, the Attorney General’s Office says.
According to the DOJ, the settlement includes revisions of the developer’s sales and advertising materials, changes to Noble’s Pond governing documents, price limits on telecommunications services, increased resident participation in the governing boards, and payments to residents.
The settlement agreement stipulates the developer will pay $225,000 to the DOJ for those resident payments and the costs of settlement administration.
Jennings’ office says Consumer Protection Unit representatives will hold meetings to answer questions on the settlement.
“It is important for real estate developers to deliver home buyers what they promised and to follow the law,” said Attorney General Jennings. “We were able to work with Regal Builders and reach a settlement that addressed our concerns and provided homeowners with restitution.”