Uptown Worthington: New Sketch, New Trees

Uptown Worthington is moving forward, but with different trees.

After approving a preliminary plan in October, the East Whiteland Board of Supervisors granted conditional approval to a revised master plan at its Nov. 14 business meeting. Representatives of developer Brian O'Neill requested waivers that would allow some leeway in the species of trees planted.

Uptown Worthington will include over 1,700 new trees, according to Lou Colagreco, a land use lawyer representing O'Neill Properties.

But the outdated township ordinance specifies tree species that are susceptible to disease, are not marketed locally or are incongruous with the project, Colagreco said. 

The Board of Supervisors approved the plan with waivers, subject to recommendations from ARRO Engineering. The supervisors also indicated an interest in updating the township's ordinances regarding trees.

New Sketch

A new artist's rendering of the Uptown Worthington was unveiled at the meeting (see above). The supervisors noted a change in hue.

"It used to be red brick, now it's changed colors," board chair Virginia McMichael said. 

"Cream... [the developer] likes the limestone," Colagreco said, adding that the development would include a variety of materials.

Slightly smaller retail component

Guy Wolfington, a development manager at O'Neill properties, said the project is slightly smaller than was planned a few years ago.

"[It has] the same amount of residential units. Retail is down a little bit, not much. And the office has stayed stable at 235,000 square feet. So, the real diminution of square footage is mostly due to retailers," Wolfington said.

See also:

Uptown Worthington: A List of What's Coming

Green Arrows Coming to Tricky Worthington Exit

Curtains for United Artists Movie Theater in East Whiteland?