In the wake of opposition from numerous Easttown Township residents, a new zoning overlay ordinance proposal has been submitted by the developers for the plans to build Devon Yard, the new retail and multi-family housing development at and around Waterloo Gardens, writes  Linda Stein for the Daily Local.

The revised Devon Yard proposal still includes an apartment building, a garage, as well as retail, professional and personal services, healthcare and spa, garden center and an outdoor café. However, the new plan now includes only 100 units instead of the 135 apartments in the original proposal. The height of the apartment building at the east side of the development has also been reduced from 60 feet to 50 feet.

In November, the Easttown Planning Commission had recommended to the Board of Supervisors that they approve the earlier version of the Devon Center Overlay District. This zoning change would have permitted the planned $40 to $45 million investment proposed by Waterloo Devon, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.

The original plan, and in particular, the height of the five-story apartment building, was opposed by many residents saying that it would overshadow the historic Devon Horse Show grounds. Some of the residents were concerned about changing the character of their residential community and the potential increase in traffic and noise. However, they did not object to the plans for the western side of Devon Boulevard which includes retail stores and restaurants.

The Board of Supervisors considered the new plan on Monday and referred it back to the township Planning Commission. The date for the Planning Commission meeting to discuss the new overlay ordinance proposal has not been set yet.

For more information about the new proposal, visit here.