The 1995 book Save Our Land, Save our Town: Cranberry Township identified this Pennsylvania community as a prime example of what typical suburban sprawl looks like. That was then, and this is now. Today Cranberry is a thriving community that offers its diversifying resident population a high quality of life and attracts commerce of all types. Find out how planners used tools coordinated under the township’s comprehensive plan to achieve this transformation.
Speaker Details
Ronald G. Henshaw, AICP
Director, Community Development
Cranberry Township
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Bio: I am the Director of Community Development for Cranberry Township in Butler County, PA. I have been with the Township for about 19 years, 6 of those in my current role. I am responsible for coordinating and overseeing all Land Development approvals, Economic Development and Planning efforts.
Education: I have a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Slippery Rock University, PA.
John K. Trant Jr., AICP
Chief Strategy Officer
Cranberry Township
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Bio: John is the Chief Strategic Planning Officer for Cranberry Township in Butler County, Pennsylvania. John works with the Township's elected and appointed officials, staff, and community leaders to address long range policy issues including economic development, strategic planning, and sustainability. After working as a consultant to help many Pennsylvania municipalities draft comprehensive plans and recreation studies, John worked as a Community Planner for Cranberry Township. During that time, he reviewed land development applications and drafted amendments to the Township’s zoning and subdivision ordinances as the Township implemented progressive growth management techniques. After leaving Cranberry for a Pittsburgh law firm, John focused his practice on municipal and school law, often dealing with issues related to real estate development and land use. John returned to Cranberry Township in his current position, which presents him with a unique opportunity to utilize all aspects of his diverse training and background.
Education: Pennsylvania State University - Bachelors of Landscape Architecture; Bachelors of Arts in Geography. Duquesne University Law School - Juris Doctor
Past Assignments: 2009 Build Green Conference, Philadelpha PA 2008 Sustainable Pittsburgh Smart Growth Conference, Pittsburgh PA
Thomas J. Comitta, AICP
President
Thomas Comitta Associates
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Bio: Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. Town Planners & Landscape Architects in practice since 1973 focus as a Municipal Planning Consultant represented over 115 municipalities
Education: Penn State University 1971, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture Harvard University 1973, Master of Landscape Architecture
Key Publications: Charter of the New Urbanism Chapter 18 on Recreation and Open Space in Cities, Towns and Neighborhoods, 1999, McGraw Hill
Other Publications: Traditional Neighborhood Development Planning Beyond Boundaries, 2002, PA Environmental Council Book Reviews, New Urban News, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006
Past Assignments: Tours of Manayunk (Philadelphia, PA), 2012 Determining Community Character, Albright College, 2012 Developing Form-Based Codes, Lancaster, 2012
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