Developers of Cranberry's first commercial plaza that will contain homes, offices and shops are working to get municipal approvals in line so construction can start in the spring.

Warner Pacific, of Sturgis, Mich., may be requesting final design approval as soon as October, planning director Michelle Mixell said.

Plans for The Promenade cleared a major hurdle July 6 when township supervisors granted conditional use approval to the main components of the 139,500-square-foot development that will bring a mix of residential, office and retail uses to 20 acres at Route 19 and Ogelview Road.

The next step is review by the township planning commission and final approval from supervisors of the detailed plans.

Plans for the development have been in the works for more than two years. As presented to the township, the plaza will be a mix of 10 commercial and residential buildings with enhancements including camouflaged parking, clustered buildings, walkways and architectural variety in facades.

Perhaps the biggest point of contention was access to the site, which is owned by the Meeder family, of Cranberry. Though the main access will be at an intersection with a traffic light at Route 19 and Ogelview, Warner Pacific asked for a left turn into the development from a point north of the main intersection along Route 19. Some members of the township planning commission balked at the idea, but staff recommended approval provided an agreement could be reached with a neighboring property owner, Ricoh Equipment.

Ms. Mixell said lawyers have reported that an agreement is in the works.

The plan is to build the development in stages, with three buildings to be constructed in the first phase. Tenants have not been disclosed, but the developer envisions banks, a furniture outlet and warehouse, a grocery and a pharmacy among the mix.

First Published: July 20, 2006, 4:00 a.m.