The original item was published from January 8, 2021 9:26 AM to January 8, 2021 9:28 AM
Six years ago, Cranberry’s Board of Supervisors formally adopted a comprehensive plan for the Township. Nearly three years in the making, it set out Cranberry’s philosophy, policies and priorities through 2030. It was a massive effort involving lots of residents, staff and professional consultants.
While it was not our first comprehensive plan – others had been prepared in 1977 and 1995 – it was by far the most comprehensive of those comprehensive plans, embracing essentially every aspect of life in the Township affected by its municipal government. As Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing community at that time, the plan attempted to address one central question: what should Cranberry be like once its growth leveled off and we became a mature, fully-developed community?
The answers would determine how our land should be zoned for use, how development should be managed, what sorts of infrastructure would be needed to support a fully built-out community, how we could retain the engagement of local residents, and how to do it all in a way that would remain financially sustainable over the long haul.
At least this far into the plan’s 25-year horizon, I think it’s fair to say we did a pretty good job of getting things right. But, as with every long-range plan, unforeseen changes can take place over time which challenge its underlying assumptions. As a result, it’s always good to revisit those plans periodically and determine whether their bases and projections remain valid.
So this year, we are revisiting our comprehensive plan, and we’re inviting all our residents to participate. Your views will be critical in determining if the long-range plan’s original priorities need to be tweaked and whether there are new issues that now require Township government attention.
Part of that update effort involves three surveys, posted at weekly intervals, to probe different aspects of life in the Township. Every survey contains ten questions, each of which can be answered on a five-point rating scale, as well as an open-ended question providing respondents an opportunity to submit their own comments. The first of the three survey forms is now online. The survey period will close at noon on Monday, July 20.
At the conclusion of that survey sequence, all of our responses will be compiled and analyzed to determine whether new strategies are required to supplement the ones identified in the 2009 plan. Every resident, regardless of age, is welcome to participate; no personally identifying information will be collected in the survey.
Survey questions relate to perceptions of Cranberry’s economic development, land use planning, library services, schools, community aesthetics, transportation, safety and recreational opportunities, as well as other aspects of community life affected by local government policies.
In addition to the online survey forms, which can be accessed at www.CranberryPlanUpdate, print copies are available from Municipal Center take-one racks and from our customer service desks.
Other opportunities will also be available to participate in the update. A Public Forum on the plan update is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 in Council Chambers from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. An information booth in Community Park will be open on Saturday, July 11 during Community Days. A public meeting is scheduled for September 29 at 6:00 PM. And email comments are welcome at planning@cranberrytownship.org.