Dorchester’s Dot Block development is being scaled back in response to a loss of several parcels of land that developer Dot Block LLC had hoped to acquire from local businesses, according to Eric Robinson of project designers RODE Architects, who provided an updated overview at a community meeting last night.

The developers were forced to adjust the project when purchase agreements that had been reached with three local businesses expired and the owners backed out, taking with them a total of almost 35,000 square feet at the edges of the development site.

As a result, the total size of Dot Block has shrunk from 206,849 square feet (4.75 acres) to 172,023 square feet (3.95 acres). The majority of this lost area will come at the expense of retail space, which has gone from about 73,000 square feet to about 40,000, Robinson said, including a 22-space parking lot. The residential aspect of the site has seen a reduction of six housing units.

Going forward, Robinson said, the development team has resolved to focus on the core of the site, referring primarily to a proposed pedestrian walkway that weaves through the premises, accompanied by about an acre of public green space.

“There’s been a fairly large change on the periphery at this point, but we think the center of the project is intact and will be celebrated when the project is completed,” he said.

Additionally, the plan still includes a roundabout at the western edge of the site to safely funnel traffic into and around the development, replacing the Pleasant Street/Hancock Street intersection, which Robinson described as “dangerous” and “a disaster.” The audience expressed general agreement.

Dot Block has seen a considerably fluid developmental process, originally filed in March then augmented in May, only to be scaled back with the recent loss of parcels. Robinson thanked the community at large for its patience throughout the development process.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority, which oversees the project, has hosted several public meetings during the project’s several stages; local residents and community leaders have expressed concerns over the potential for increased traffic and property taxes, as well praising the project as an investment in the community.