The Pinehurst Village Council decided Tuesday to table a vote on a zoning text amendment that would allow the developer of upscale town homes in the village to increase the density of the project.

After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to hold off on voting on the measure until they heard more specifics from developer Mike Doninger about The Tradition of Old Town project. Doninger has requested that the village change the maximum allowable dwelling density in the Village Residential District — the project's zoning classification — from 5.25 units per acre to 6.75.

The change would allow him to divide the six most expensive units on the property in half, by floor level, creating 12 smaller units that could be sold for about half the price. The smaller units would cost around $450,000. Without the change, the full-size units would cost around $900,000.

Doninger said at a public hearing last month that the $450,000 level would be a more attractive entry point for buyers, considering the economy.

Doninger was not present at the council's work session. A few concerned residents cautioned the council against approving the change.

The village's planning and zoning board and planning staff has recommended the council deny the request.

For more on this story, see Friday's edition of The Pilot.