Erie council approves Northwesterly planned development, clearing path for 2,146 homes and village commercial

Erie — The Erie Town Council voted July 22 to approve a planned development (PD) rezoning for the Northwesterly property, a roughly 391‑acre addition envisioned as an expansion of the Westerly community that would include 2,146 dwelling units, about 150,000 square feet of commercial space and new parks and infrastructure.

Senior planner Ali Burkhalter told the council the PD is intended to produce a mixed‑use neighborhood with a mix of single‑family, townhome and multifamily types and that the PD yields fewer units than would be allowed under the original zoning. "They're proposing 2,146 dwelling units," Burkhalter said in the staff presentation and recommended council approval, noting staff had reviewed utilities, transportation and environmental impacts and found the PD consistent with approval criteria.

Developer Southern Land Company and consultant PCS Group described design and commitments that staff and the applicant said provide public benefits in exchange for modifications from standard code. Jim Henry of Southern Land Company highlighted amenity and park commitments and a long‑term investment approach: "We're invested for the long term," he said. The applicant pledged a…