Connoquenessing Borough and Township might embark on an endeavor that could benefit both municipalities - joint comprehensive planning.

But first the township will have to navigate the potentially sticky issue of whether to pass a zoning ordinance. Considering the growth that is taking place along the Route 68 corridor, it would make sense for the township to do so.

The borough already has a zoning ordinance in place. The township would need such an ordinance for it to opt for comprehensive planning.

A zoning ordinance guides growth in an orderly way and helps avoid hodgepodge development that oftentimes works to a municipality's disadvantage. Meanwhile, a comprehensive plan looks at all aspects of a municipality, delving into such issues as recreational and open space, housing and infrastructure.

Thirty years ago for the two Connoquenessings, concern about development wasn't high on the agenda, despite the growth that was taking place a few miles down the road in Cranberry Township.

However, with growth spreading on many different fronts in the county, including the Route 68 corridor between Evans City and Butler, indifference to the way development is taking place can no longer dominate.

Some might already judge comprehensive planning as late in coming to the two Connoquenessings but, regardless, such planning cannot be put off much longer.

Depending on how the comprehensive planning takes shape, the joint effort could put the two municipalities in a more favorable position for competing for governmental grants.

Connoquenessing Township faces an important zoning decision, which will ultimately decide the fate of the comprehensive planning in question. Neither township officials nor other residents should regard this juncture lightly.