CRANBERRY TWP — A major development was given the green light Thursday as township supervisors voted to approve the first phase of work on the Meeder project.

Supervisors voted 4-0, with Mike Manipole not in attendance, to approve preliminary land development and conditional use for the project, as well as Phase 1 of the development. The approval includes 26,299 square feet of retail space, 21 single-family residential lots, 100 townhouse units and 28 second-floor apartment units.

The multiuse development is proposed for a 57.30-acre plot off Route 19, on the former Meeder farm. The property is situated between Route 19 and Rochester, Ogle View and Unionville roads.

The property also is expected to include a pool, community center, pedestrian and bike paths and parks.

The Crossroads at Meeder section of the plan would include spaces for a coffee shop, salon, pet store, yoga facility, bar or brewery, an athletic facility and other retail.

Other areas include the Meeder Promenade, with more retail space, and the Terra Park, an all-natural playground and gathering space. It also includes various green spaces and parks to create a “multigenerational neighborhood” atmosphere.

The project is possible due to a zoning change approved by supervisors in December. Through that move, the property was “down zoned” to reduce the amount of retail space and increase the number residential units.

Developers said they intend to preserve the history of the Meeder farm, working with the family to restore and preserve the home, barn and other buildings on the property. The neighborhood association would own the land.

During a public hearing last month, family member Lorin Meeder said the agreement made the family comfortable in selling the property for development.

Before Thursday's vote, Dick Hadley, supervisor chairman, asked for further assurance that that portion of the property would be cared for moving forward.

“I just want to make sure that when all of us aren't here down the road that its laid out for the staff and elected officials to know the way its going to be handled,” he said.

Ron Henshaw, township director of planning and development services, said the resolution approved Thursday locks the developer and homeowners association into making sure the property is maintained according to the plan. It also calls for a structural analysis to be conducted by all involved parties to make sure the turnover from the developer to the association goes smoothly.

“We've sort of interjected ourselves ... to make sure that the product that is being turned over to (the homeowners association) is the right thing and that it makes sense,” Henshaw said. “It's not a distrust of the developer. ... We're trying to be that helpful partner that can hopefully pull together to make it a successful venture for the HOA.”

Additionally, a landscaping plan is required to be submitted to the township. Henshaw said this will make sure the trail system will connect the area to the rest of the development and make it an amenity to the property overall.