Whether it be a business, resident or non-profit, everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cranberry Township is not immune, as tax income in 2021 is expected to be about $1 million less than 2020. While that situation presented a challenge, it also presented an opportunity.
The decrease in income is expected to come from business, local service and earned income taxes, all of which are down due to the pandemic. Through a series of moves and years of prudent spending, the Township will keep current tax rates, provide high quality services and programs, and undertake infrastructure projects that improve the community.
Current and planned capital projects will proceed in the budget, including renovations at the Rotary Amphitheater in Community Park, as well as the completion of the MSA Thruway.
Additionally, planned widening on Freshcorn Road is still on the docket, as are stormwater upgrades in Sun Valley.
Also planned are upgrades to the Municipal Center front lawn area near Rochester Road that will tie the Municipal Center into the new enhanced signalized intersection with the Meeder development. This project remains a priority and is in the design phase. Officials are also looking at ways to expand the parking areas at the Municipal Center, which is part of the Municipal Center Master Plan.
Elsewhere, the first phase of expansion on Freedom Road is expected to break ground in 2021 as a result of the Township’s supporting role in advancing the design plans through federal approval. These improvements will occur from Commonwealth Drive to Haine School Road and a continuation of the soon-to-be completed Freedom Road Turnpike Bridge Upgrade. Work is being partially funded by a federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant.
Additionally, the annual road resurfacing program, as well as other sewer and water capital improvements, remain fully funded.