The Village of Germantown on Nov. 17 approved an amended plan for the Blackstone Creek site that retains commercial lot creation but removes the proposed 20.55‑acre, 205‑unit residential component.

The move followed a successful motion to reconsider the board’s earlier approval and a subsequent amendment supported by Trustee Rick Miller to limit action to the commercial portions and the certified survey map (CSM). Trustee Miller said he was "okay" with the commercial parcels but not the multifamily portion and moved to delete the residential language from the supplemental general development plan.

Why it matters: The decision allows the board to proceed with creating the smaller commercial parcels — including a 1.27‑acre corner parcel identified for a fast‑food restaurant with a drive‑through — while pausing approval of large‑scale multifamily housing. Supporters of the change argued it preserves the board’s ability to pursue a Village Center vision and to hold broader neighborhood engagement about future residential proposals.

What the board said and asked: Trustees and staff debated whether the certified survey map and the PDD amendments were tightly linked. Village counsel explained the CSM creates two lots (the small corner lot and the remainder of the golf‑course parcel) and described outlot creation for a roughly 5.28‑acre strip along the river. Trustee concerns focused on process, neighborhood notification, and whether creation of an outlot should proceed now.

Public reaction: Multiple residents who spoke during citizen input urged the board to slow or split approvals. Mike Foley, a Blackstone Creek resident, said the proposed development "includes areas that are seriously underwater" and pressed the board for clearer stormwater and access plans. Melanie Smythe recommended separating the proposal into distinct votes for the Culver’s lot, other commercial uses, parcels near the river, and apartments to ensure fair consideration of each component.

What happens next: The board’s amended approval authorizes the PDD text revision deleting references to the 205‑unit residential area and requires removal of the five‑acre outlot from the CSM. The commercial approvals will proceed to the plan commission for review of site‑specific details; any future residential proposals would return to the board and plan commission under separate review and public engagement.

A spokeswoman for the board said staff will expand the pending neighborhood‑engagement RFP to include the whole Village Center neighborhood, allowing broader public input on the site and related parcels.

This action does not authorize construction permits or any building plan; it modifies the PDD text and the CSM as described above.