By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com

A new development at a popular Lyon Township orchard is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Several different proposals for developments at and around Erwin Orchard’s have come before Lyon Township officials in recent years. Earlier this month, the planning commission gave a unanimous recommendation of approval to one. Applicant Lombardo Homes first brought their concept plan for Orchard Crossing to the township last April.

Orchard Crossing would be a planned development that includes 121 single family homes and 40 duplexes on 77 acres of the roughly 180 acre site. Other features as part of the development include an event center, tasting room, and farmer’s market. The cider mill and portions of the orchards will be preserved. Construction of the homes is expected to take place in four phases, as they sell.

Lombardo Homes Vice President Greg Windingland thanked the planning commission and residents, saying it is his belief that they have done the job of addressing previous concerns of orchard sustainability, traffic density, buffering for neighboring homes, and a pathway to Kent Lake Elementary School, according to Hometownlife.com. The Road Commission for Oakland County will make a determination on a crosswalk over Silver Lake Road as the project progresses.