When driving around Cranberry Township, it might be hard to believe the community is lacking anything. From restaurants to hotels to stores, there is seemingly two (or three) of everything.

It may be even harder to believe, then, that the township has a need for more businesses in the future. But a recently completed market analysis indicates that need does indeed exist.

The analysis, the third such study in the past 12 years, predicts the township will continue to grow over the next four years, outpacing any other part of the Pittsburgh region.

A little more than 10,000 of Cranberry’s residents leave the township for their job. That is roughly half of the more than 20,000 outsiders who commute into Cranberry to earn a living.

To serve the needs of those people, the township is home to more than 230 retail establishments and nearly 90 restaurants, in addition to numerous hotels. Township officials said past analysis reports have helped them to reduce the number of “big box” stores, and instead focus on smaller niche ventures.

More is needed, officials concluded, to address the ever growing population in the area. Officials explained there are still many establishments that residents must leave the area to patronize, taking their hard-earned dollars with them. There are also businesses that could serve as destinations for shoppers from other areas, helping to further boost the local economy.

For residents whose daily commute involves extended waits at multiple light cycles and views of ongoing construction, the idea of more growth in the area may be frustrating. We empathize with those who moved to the area seeking a respite from city life, only to have that sprawl follow them.

However, the discussion of these additional needs is based on much research and study, using intricate data to not only chart the progress and growth of Cranberry Township and the surrounding areas, but also map out how those trends will continue in the future. The desired additions would be of interest to the demographics that make up the area, which the analysis shows is younger and has a higher median income than other parts of the Pittsburgh region.

If new development is needed, it will be completed in adherence with strict township code and guidelines. Officials have used past analyses as well as the comprehensive plan to set these rules and ensure growth doesn’t happen in a way that could create issues.

We encourage residents to see the value that growth can bring, and to trust that local officials are continuing their quest for more business based upon thought and study.

We also encourage township leaders to have an open dialogue with Cranberry residents, and to continue to share this data with them. While it is certainly a great tool in attracting new residents and businesses, the analysis and discussion on its findings will lead to a deeper understanding of what residents truly need, as no amount of data can replace face-to-face interaction.

— JWJ