CRANBERRY TWP — A number of state laws constrain how municipalities can restrict or entice development, but many residents aren't aware of these restrictions on municipal authority, manager Dan Santoro said.

After hearing a series of questions about maintaining the township's idyllic properties, Cranberry Township leadership scheduled a “Coffee and Conversations” session May 19 to address the rules limiting Cranberry's say in what can be developed and how.

The event, called “Building Balance: According to Plan,” will run from 6 to 7 p.m. May 19 at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course banquet room.

Santoro and director of planning and development services Ron Henshaw will speak about Cranberry's role in development as well as how the development process plays out, step by step, in the township.

Santoro said the impetus for the meeting was a handful of questions posed by a resident at the April 29 board of supervisors meeting.

“One of the residents ... wanted to ask and have a conversation on the virtual board meeting: 'How does a church get approved or allowed in a certain residential district?'” Santoro said, noting the board felt a lengthy discussion was inappropriate for that venue. “We offered, and the board suggested, that we do a 'Coffee and Conversations' to really get into the specifics, to have folks understand how that works, what the laws are in Pennsylvania and what we can do and what we can't do.”

While township officials understand and empathize with the concerns of many residents, Santoro said, “sometimes our hands are bound by the state law.”

While an hour-long session may not allow as much detail as a lengthier discussion, Santoro said he hopes residents can come away from the conversation with an understanding of the constraints placed on Cranberry by the state.

“We'll talk about how things get zoned, what the process is,” he said. “Can you really expect a farm across the street from you to not be developed? What can your expectations be?”

Only 30 individuals will be permitted to register for the in-person event, at which social distancing will be maintained and masks required. Those interested may register on the Cranberry Township website, https://www.cranberrytownship.org/.