MIDDLESEX TWP — Construction could begin in the fall on Middlesex Crossing, a 93-acre residential and commercial development proposed at the southeastern corner of Routes 8 and 228 after it received preliminary approval Wednesday from the township supervisors.

About 50 residents attended the standing-room-only hearing regarding the plan, and residents shared their concerns with the supervisors and asked questions of the developer’s team.

The plan includes 108 single-family homes and 40 town homes in the southeastern half of the plan, and retail, commercial, gas station and office space along Route 8 and Overbrook Road.

Three entrances to the development will be added along Route 8.

Motorists traveling both north and south will be able to access the development at a non-signal intersection at its southern end.

Another road just north of that intersection only can be used by motorists traveling north on Route 8 and those turning right out of the plan.

A third access, near the crest of the hill just south of Route 8’s intersection with Route 228, will get a traffic signal to move vehicles in and out of the plan.

Another access will be added on Overbrook Road, which will be widened. That road leads to a street that will parallel Route 8 along the commercial part of the plan.

Developer Chris Kaclik said while a gas station, medical offices, restaurants and a grocery business have expressed interest in the plan, no businesses officially have signed on yet.

Township manager Eric Kaunert reminded those in the audience that the project only has received preliminary approval, and that the developers must get final approval for each of the six phases. He said each phase would include a public hearing by the supervisors.

Chris Kerns of Eco Land Solutions, who presented the plans on Kaclik’s behalf, said the residential part would be built first, then the commercial buildings along Route 8, and finally the area along Overbrook Road.

“If we attain all the approvals as we’re hoping to, (construction could begin) possibly this fall,” Kearns said.

Residents’ concerns included stormwater runoff, natural buffers, lighting, and access points.

April Reibie, who has lived for 32 years on nearby Truver Road, said the developer has been reasonable.

“You’re not going to stop it,” Reibie said of the inevitable growth that is spreading east from Cranberry and Adams townships.

Her neighbor Maureen Strawn agreed, but said she hopes the plan doesn’t come with trash and other problems associated with commercial development.

Strawn said she is glad Kaclik is leaving as much of the existing woods as possible.

Denise Patsko, who has lived on Lowery Drive for 25 years, pointed out that while big cities are making room for farming, existing farms — such as the former Boyd farm on which Middlesex Crossing will be built — are being developed.

“We moved here because we didn’t want to live in a housing plan, and we didn’t want to be anywhere near it,” Patsko said.