WEST CHESTER TWP. — Zoning for a 206-acre “village” of homes, apartments, stores, park land and a new school has won approval from township officials.

        Zoning changes for the proposed development, known as West Chester Village, were approved by township trustees Tuesday night, clearing the way for the project.

        Township Trustee Jose Alvarez described the planned community at Ohio 747 and Tylersville Road as “a win-win for developer and schools.”

        The land, owned by the Hutzelman family since 1845, is now rezoned for both residential and commercial development. Besides a variety of housing and retail, the proposed development also would include parks, ponds, walking paths and offices.

        Under the proposal, another 9.4 acres would be donated by the family to the Lakota Board of Education for a new elementary school.

        In all, 39 acres would be developed for office and commercial use, 137 acres for single-family houses and condominiums, and 30 acres for apartments.

        Six neighborhoods within the project will be developed for residential use and include 255 single-family hous es, 232 condominiums and 224 apartments in price ranges from affordable to luxury.

        The project should take five to seven years to complete.

        Trustee David Tacosik said there has been no public opposition to the plan, but that some township residents are beginning to worry about crowding.

        “But you can't close the door and say no to more people,” Mr. Tacosik said.

        He added that population growth in the township, which is the fastest-growing in Butler County can be controlled through careful cultivation of quality, planned communities such as the village proposal.

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