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WEST POINT — A developer who is planning some commercial and residential projects in the City of Valley was the guest speaker at Thursday’s noon hour meeting of the West Point Rotary Club. Kalpesh Bhandari, better known as K.P., talked about some coming projects along the Fob James Drive corridor including a family-friendly restaurant and a new subdivision off King Road.

A groundbreaking recently took place at the future site of the Crown Homes subdivision, where 60 homes in the $230,000 price range could be going up in the next few years.

Bhandari was born near Mumbai (Bombay), India and immigrated to the U.S. several decades ago. He has been in the Greater Valley Area for the past 25 years and presently owns several convenience stores, including the Citgo station at the intersection of Fob James Drive and Fairfax Bypass.

The commercial and residential developments are being planned under the names Landkart LLC, Crown Homes and Prime Space Holdings LLC.

“I am truly passionate about the growth and well being of our local area,” he said. “For us, Landkart and Crown Homes aren’t just buildings, they are all about creating homes and communities where people thrive. We are driven by a deep understanding of what residents need – spaces that feel like home, places where connections are made and where dreams are nurtured.”

Bhandari sees endless possibilities for Valley and the surrounding area.

“We know that to achieve our vision we will need to work together,” he said.

Collaboration, said Bhandari, is at the heart of everything he is trying to do.

“It’s through coming together, pooling our strengths and supporting one another that we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities,” he said.

He added that  change is daunting and exciting at the same time. “

It’s the bold actions, the leaps of faith, that propel us forward,” he said. “Let’s not be afraid to take those leaps because that’s where the magic happens and financial success is achieved.”

“The future we envision for our city is one of inclusivity, opportunity and growth,” he said. “It’s about investing in our infrastructure, supporting our local businesses and ensuring that everyone has access to better education and job opportunities.”

Through Landkart, Crown Homes and Prime Space Holdings, Bhandari said it’s his intention to be a force for positive change in the local area. “I will champion projects that make a real difference in people’s lives, whether that’s creating jobs, building affordable housing or adopting sustainable practices,” he said. “But I can’t do it alone. I need your help. Let’s come together as a community and build something we can be proud of, a place where everyone has a chance to succeed and where no dream is out of reach.”

Bhandari thanked Rotary Club members for their taking part in local civic activities. “Let us create a future that is brighter and more prosperous for all of us,” he said. “I also want to express my appreciation to Terri Kelly for her gracious invitation to speak to this esteemed club and for her dedicated service as the exclusive real estate agent for the Crown Homes community.”

Five types of homes will be going up in the Crown Homes subdivision. Model 1 is the Majestic Manor. It is 1,556 square feet in size with three bedrooms and two baths. There’s a garage, a 46-square-foot front porch and a 150-square-foot rear patio.

Model 2 is the Imperial Villa. It’s 1,534 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths, a 70-square -foot front porch, a 190-square-foot rear patio and a garage.

Model 3 is the Monarch Mansion. It’s 1,402 square feet in size with three bedrooms and two baths. It will have a front porch that’s 77 square feet in size, a rear patio that’s 150 square feet and a 313-square-foot garage.

Model 4 is the largest of the five home types. It’s known as the Castle Creek and is just under 2,100 square feet. It has four bedrooms and three baths, a front porch that’s 46 square feet in size, a 150-square-foot rear patio and a 313-square-foot garage.

Model 5 is known as Heritage Heights. It’s 1,720 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. It has a 77-square-foot front porch and a 160-square-foot rear patio. The garage is 508 square feet.

“We will build 60 single family homes to start and could build up to 120 in all,” Bhandari said.

Bhandari has a business partner who has managed hotels and restaurants in the Houston, Texas area. He’s currently the district manager for five Waffle Houses.

“Covid was a really tough time for all of us,” Bhandari said. “But I think we are heading to a good future now. Everything goes through a trial-and-error period. I’m the sort of person who likes to keep an eye on the day-to-day operations. I have the philosophy that the customer always comes first and that the community has to be supportive of investments if they are to be successful.”

In running the Citgo station on Fob James Drive for the past 16 years, Bhandari said he is seeing a definite growth trend for the local area but there needs to be commercial and residential growth to sustain it. People who are relocating like to be where there’s abundant housing, restaurants and stores.

Club member Jody Elmore, who manages a hotel in Auburn, said that she sees that every day in her job. 

“We have a lot of people staying with us who come to us frequently because they have business with Kia in West Point,” she said. “They like to stay in Auburn because of the restaurants and the accommodations. I have no doubt a new hotel is needed in the Valley. The Hampton is full all the time. I know another hotel would do really well, too.”

Bhandari is currently involved in the development of a 31-unit development on Lake Eufaula. The project is going well, and he’s confident Crown Homes in Valley will do well, too.

“I am grateful you asked me to speak here today,” he said. “I want everyone to know that I always open to new ideas in the way of development. I want feedback from the local community. Good ideas can always help you with your investments.”