Zoning For Wegmans Development Approved By LMT Planners

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — Planners in Lower Makefield on Monday signed off on the zoning required for a 36-acre development on Stony Hill Road that will include a Wegmans grocery store.

In a 4-1 vote, the Lower Makefield Township Planning Commission approved the zoning overlay for the mixed-use development, which would be called Prickett Preserve at Edgewood. The development would sit between Shady Brook Farm and Interstate 295 in Lower Makefield.

It's a first step for the project. If township planners also approve the zoning change, the project will proceed through the land development process.

"We appreciate the planning commission’s thorough review of the proposal and approving the Prickett Preserve mixed-use development," said Vince DeLuca, of DeLuca Homes. "It is an opportunity to bring new economic opportunities to Lower Makefield, while providing historic preservation and traffic improvements to the area."

Developers DeLuca Homes and Equus Capital say the development would be a "live, work, play" community across from the farm, which is a popular destination for visitors. Plans for it include a Wegmans grocery store.

At a series of hearings — including the planners' original meeting, which was postponed so it could be moved to a roomier meeting space for the crowd — local residents have spoken against the proposal, saying it would increase traffic in an already congested area.

But DeLuca said developers have "received overwhelming support from residents and businesses who want more local options."

The proposal, which would feature Wegmans as the anchor tenant, also includes additional retail space, upscale apartments, and the preservation of an on-site historic house and barn that dates back to the 1700s. The plans include six additional retail buildings and nine residential buildings and a clubhouse.

Developers have confirmed they have a signed agreement with Wegmans.

The plans also include a courtyard and amphitheater adjacent to the existing historic house and barn. The house may be used as office space and the historic barn may be used for a BYOB restaurant, according to DeLuca.

The courtyard and gathering space will be open and available for community functions, DeLuca noted. The apartments are proposed to be high-end, with rents of $2,000 or more.

"We look forward to presenting our plan before the supervisors and working with the community to bring this development to fruition for everyone to enjoy," DeLuca said.