McCandless council last night gave the approval for work to begin on a multimillion dollar development along McKnight Road.

While there are a multitude of details that still need to be addressed, including finalized land acquisitions, AdVenture Development LLC of North Carolina could begin work on the 81-acre McCandless Crossing West site within the next 30 to 60 days, said Kevin M. Dougherty, AdVenture's founder.

The McCandless Crossing West property is along the west side of McKnight between Cumberland Road south to the Vincentian Home complex. It will contain a Lowe's home improvement store, office buildings and townhomes.

AdVenture also has plans to develop a tract on the east side of McKnight Road. That property, which is being treated separately by council, has been pegged as a possible traditional neighborhood development with a variety of uses including residential, independent living, entertainment and hotels.

Mr. Dougherty, who began his real estate career in Pittsburgh in 1982, said last night's unanimous vote was the culmination of a dream more than 15 years.

"We are excited," Mr. Dougherty said after the meeting. "This is going to be a real asset to the community."

He credited council, members of the community and unnamed others for the success his company has had in gaining approval for the development.

"So many people have been involved in this," he said. "It has been a very long process, but people have been very understanding and helpful. This was an important night."

Mr. Dougherty said he intends to present council with plans for the east side development within a year and hopes the McCandless Crossing West project will be nearing completion within three years.