Public Meetings - Franklin Township, New Jersey

The Franklin Township Board of Adjustment met on February 6, 2025, at 12:30 PM. The board approved minutes from two prior meetings, adopted resolutions for three previously heard cases, and conducted a public hearing on an application to eliminate a community garden requirement at a townhouse development. The meeting adjourned after granting the requested variance. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Unanimously approved minutes from the regular meetings of January 9, 2025 (motion by Alan Rich, second by Bob Shepard; vote: 5-0) and January 16, 2025 (same motion and vote). - Resolutions: Three resolutions were adopted for the following cases, each with a 4-0 vote (members Cheryl Bethia, Alan Rich, Gary Rosenthal, Robert Shepard): - Andaaz Caterers, LLC / ZBA-24-00016 - Princeton Route 27, LLC / ZBA-24-00015 - Millstone Valley Fire Department / ZBA-24-00019 Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke for or against any agenda item. Discussion Items - Application Manjit Singh & Ravinder Kaur (ZBA-24-00011) was rescheduled from tonight to April 3, 2025, with notice to property owners required. - Fleet Franklin, Inc. (ZBA-24-00022) – Applicant sought a C variance to eliminate a required community garden (6,542 sq. ft.) from a prior 2019 approval for The Grove at Somerset, a 34-unit townhouse development. The developer, Paul Schneier, testified that the homeowners association did not want the garden due to proximity to units, maintenance concerns, and desire for flexible open space. He noted the development already includes a gazebo and passive open space, and the garden area is currently maintained as lawn. The HOA board member, Aditya Makapardi, confirmed a survey of 24 of 34 units found 75% supported removal. The applicant's planner, Andrew Janu, argued the variance furthered the purposes of the Municipal Land Use Law by allowing the community to use the space flexibly for gatherings and passive recreation, with no detriment. During board discussion, members (particularly Mark Healy) clarified that a lawn area alone does not meet the ordinance's 400 sq. ft. per unit recreation requirement; therefore, a variance is necessary. They distinguished this case from a new development, noting the community's active request and lack of precedent. Key Outcomes - Fleet Franklin, Inc. variance granted – Motion by Alan Rich (second by Bob Shepard) to approve the C variance allowing elimination of the community garden, leaving the area as maintained lawn. Vote: 7-0 (Cheryl Bethia, Alan Rich, Gary Rosenthal, Robert Shepard, Faraz Khan, Michael Dharty, and Shubhendu Singh). The board stated this does not set a precedent for future developments, as the variance was specific to an existing community's request. - Meeting adjourned – Unanimous vote.

The Township Council held a work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the municipal building. Key topics included adoption of consent agenda resolutions, public comments on affordable housing, warehouse development, and cannabis licensing, as well as council reports on public safety, affordable housing obligations, and community events. The meeting also addressed the fourth round affordable housing obligation, resulting in a filing to the state with a reduced number from 714 to 623 units. Consent Calendar - Resolutions 25-051 to 25-069 were adopted unanimously. Notable items: - Resolution 25-052: Award non-fair and open contract to Integrity Health, LLC for health care services – amount not to exceed $324,450.00. - Resolution 25-053: Award contract to Aon Consulting Inc. for 2024 GASB 75 valuation – amount not to exceed $18,000.00. - Resolution 25-054: Authorize out-of-state training for police captains in Glendale, AZ. - Resolution 25-055: Shared services agreement with Somerset County for senior transportation – amount not to exceed $94,271.84. - Resolution 25-056: Authorize advertisement for bids for Flock license plate readers. - Resolution 25-062: 2025 recycling agreement with Somerset County at $27.60 per household. - Resolution 25-069: Adopting the Township's present and prospective need for the fourth round of affordable housing obligations. - Resolutions 25-057, 25-058, 25-066, 25-067, 25-068: Authorize releases of performance guarantees for various developments. - Resolution 25-059: Authorize grant application for heat monitoring. - Resolution 25-061: Authorize fireworks display at The Palace at Somerset Park. - Resolutions 25-063, 25-064: Authorize refund for construction water meter escrow and judgment credit. - Resolution 25-065: Award competitive contract for water sample monitoring. Public Comments & Testimony - Benjamin Guy (35 Pite Drive) urged recognition for Somerset County Commissioner Chanel Robinson, announced a Black History Month event on February 15th (Underground Experience at the community center, 2-5 PM), questioned the township's affordable housing record (claiming failed quota), and asked about Hamilton Street streetscape study and parks & rec award. - Jim Johnston (34 Norwich Place) opposed the proposed Onyx warehouse at 785 Old New Brunswick Road, noting 200 protesters at the planning board meeting. He questioned the change from a planned shopping center to a warehouse and cited concerns about truck bays, proximity to ShopRite and a nursing home, and vacant warehouses. He also referenced the loss of the Pro Tech ice skating rink. - Marcel Rodriguez (owner of We Shop CBD, 657 Hamilton Street) requested a township approval letter for his cannabis business, stating he submitted documents in 2022 but received a new requirement two weeks ago. He expressed frustration that a new ordinance capped cannabis businesses at 18, excluding him, and asked to be included. Discussion Items - Affordable Housing (Fourth Round Obligation): Council members (Francois, Embarrison, Vasanella, Carazi, Deputy Mayor Uddin) and Township Manager detailed the process. The state assigned Franklin an obligation of 714 units for the next 10 years. After evaluating state-identified developable land (originally 400 acres reduced to 200 acres due to preserved open space, detention basins, etc.), the number was recalculated to 623. The resolution on the consent agenda (25-069) accepts this study and files a response to the state. The next step is an affordable housing plan due by June 30, 2025. Council members emphasized Franklin's history of meeting prior obligations (first round from 1986) and expressed optimism for more local control over siting. - Public Safety Report (Councilman Vasanella): Crashes in 2024 totaled 2,307 (down from 2,447 in 2023), but injuries rose to 534 (up 22-23% from 444 in 2023). Fatalities increased from 5 to 6. The ARRIVE Together program (mental health crisis response) was used 278 times with no violent outcomes. - Cannabis Ordinance Clarification (Councilwoman Francois): The ordinance amendment capping cannabis businesses at 18 was enacted due to oversaturation. Only those with a CRC license at the time of adoption were grandfathered; Mr. Rodriguez did not have his license then. - Hamilton Street Safety Study: A public meeting will be held on February 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the municipal building. The NJTPA-funded study focuses on safety, not streetscape. - Youth Center Award: The youth center won the NJRPA Excellence in Programming award for an impact video produced by children. Award ceremony February 25 in Atlantic City; recognition at a council meeting in March. - Other Events: MLK Jr. Breakfast, Chamber of Commerce networking, YMCA campaign, health screenings (Feb 5), Black History Month Underground Experience (Feb 15, 2-6 PM), MBK parent meet-and-greet, and senior club meetings. Resolutions Voted Separately - Resolution 25-060: Authorizes intent to participate in State Plan Cross Acceptance Process for Somerset County and appoints five members: Township Manager (Mark Healy), Mayor (Kramer), Planning Board Chair, Councilman Embarrison, and citizen member Ted Chase. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-070: Authorizes developer's agreement with EWA Somerset 400 Owner, LLC for properties at 400 & 600 Atrium Drive (offices being converted). Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-071: Appointments to Senior Citizen Advisory Committee and Cultural Arts Council. Passed unanimously, though Councilwoman Francois noted that some Cultural Arts Council members had not been formally appointed by the council. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (resolutions 25-051 through 25-069) adopted unanimously. - Resolutions 25-060, 25-070, 25-071 adopted unanimously. - Warrants (bill list) approved for $5,852,611.86. - Affordable housing obligation filed at 623 units (down from state's 714); a plan due June 30, 2025. - Public safety statistics noted with concern; ARRIVE Together program highlighted. - Next meeting will discuss boards, committees, and commission vacancies.

This meeting included a roll call, the adoption of a resolution to deny a previous application, and a public hearing on the Onyx 789 LLC warehouse proposal. The hearing was continued to March 19, 2025 due to outstanding engineering and site plan items. Public Comments & Testimony - General Planning Comment: A member of the public asked about the difference between variance applications handled by the Planning Board and the Zoning Board. The Chair explained that use variances go to the Zoning Board, while design waivers for permitted uses go to the Planning Board. - Public Testimony on Onyx Application: Several residents of Somerset Run and nearby areas spoke during the question-and-answer portion of the hearing. - Dave Robinson questioned the truck turning radius at the Old New Brunswick Road and New Brunswick Road intersection and stated that modifications would require property not owned by the applicant. - Bernard Goldband expressed concerns about left turns from Elizabeth Avenue onto New Brunswick Road causing traffic backups, and asked whether the applicant had considered that during design. - Jeffrey Friedman asked about 24-hour operation, lighting, noise, and air pollution. He highlighted a study linking warehouses to pollution and asked the board to consider restrictions. - Susan Kaplan raised the need to clean up the existing site (which the applicant said was ongoing) and the need for the township to enforce traffic regulations. Discussion Items - Resolution – Chad M. Rossbach / PLN-24-00003: The board considered a resolution for an application that had previously been denied. Only the members who voted for the denial were eligible to vote on the resolution: Theodore Chase, Robert LeCourt, Charles Brown, and Mark Dancy. The resolution passed 4-0, formalizing the denial. - Hearing – Onyx 789, LLC / PLN-22-00017: Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan with variances. The applicant proposes to demolish an existing 55,419 sq ft retail building and construct a 91,309 sq ft warehouse (with 1,995 sq ft of office) at 785 Old New Brunswick Road. The site is in the B-I zone with a Retail District Overlay, and warehouses are currently prohibited in the township, but the application was deemed complete before the prohibition took effect. The applicant’s engineer, Keith Cahill, testified that the plan had been revised since the last hearing in April 2024: the building was reduced from 128,796 sq ft, all bulk variances except for a pipeline setback variance were eliminated, stormwater management was upgraded to current NJDEP standards, fire access was improved, and landscaping was enhanced. The only variance requested is for the setback to a Buckeye Pipeline easement (46 ft proposed vs. 100 ft required). Discussion focused on: - Truck turning movements: Board members and the township engineer requested an engineered turning template showing that trucks can safely enter and exit the site, particularly at the intersection of Old New Brunswick Road and New Brunswick Road. The applicant agreed to provide this. - Sidewalk requirement: The applicant requested a waiver for sidewalk along New Brunswick Road, citing environmental constraints and lack of connection. Board members expressed differing views; some favored the sidewalk to comply with the township’s complete streets policy. - Pipeline proximity: Board members questioned the safety of building close to the pipeline even if it is outside the easement. The applicant argued that Buckeye’s design standards are controlling and that the proposed setback is an improvement over the existing 12-ft distance. - Traffic and road weight limits: Concern was raised that trucks would use roads with 4-ton weight limits. The applicant stated that they would follow legal truck routes and that the number of truck trips is projected to be low (fraction of a truck per peak hour), but the traffic engineer had not yet testified. - Other issues: Buffering, lighting, noise, hours of operation, and stormwater management were discussed. The applicant indicated that most township professional comments had been addressed or would be satisfied as conditions. - Representation from Buckeye Pipeline: Attorney John Wasneski stated that Buckeye holds a 70-year-old easement on the property and expects its property rights to be honored. He noted that the easement prohibits buildings or structures on the easement and any activity that alters soil coverage. The board acknowledged that further testimony from Buckeye’s engineer would be heard at the continued hearing. Key Outcomes - Resolution PLN-24-00003 (Chad Rossbach): Approved 4-0, denying the application. - Onyx 789 LLC hearing: Continued to March 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the same location. The board requested that the applicant provide: - Engineered truck turning templates for the site and the adjacent intersections. - Detailed plans for modifications at the Old New Brunswick Road/New Brunswick Road intersection, including any needed pedestrian accommodations. - Finalized compliance with Buckeye Pipeline’s easement requirements. - Updated stormwater and environmental documentation. - The applicant agreed to extend the board’s time to act through the end of March 2025.

The Franklin Township Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on January 16, 2025, at 12:30 PM ET. The meeting included the swearing-in of members, a discussion and vote on an extension of time for a prior approval, and a hearing on an application for a pre-existing nonconforming use determination. The board granted a one-year extension of preliminary site plan approval and carried a separate application to allow additional evidence gathering. Oath of Office & Roll Call - Alan Rich was sworn in as a regular member for a new term (noted as 48 years of service). Faraz Khan arrived later (7:34 PM) and was sworn in after the first item. Shubhendu Singh was excused. Kunalakia was not present. - Roll call members present: Cheryl Bethiah, Richard Procanic, Alan Rich, Gary Rosenthal, Faraz Khan, Frankl Darty (not clear), Robert Thomas, Robert Shepard. Kunalakia absent, Subhindus excused. Discussion Items - Extension of Time - Dada Bhagwan Vignan Institute / ZBA-19-00040: Attorney representing the current owner (Dawah Center, Tawid Dalba Center, which purchased the property from Dada Bhagwan) requested a one-year extension of preliminary site plan approval granted three years prior. The applicant cited delays due to need for new plans (including a canal approval) and lack of information from the previous developer. The board clarified that the extension applies only to the preliminary approval, not a new application. After a motion and amendment to set a deadline of January 16, 2026, the board voted unanimously (7-0) to grant the one-year extension. Hearings - Pre-existing Nonconforming Use Determination - 13 Essex E Orange LLC / ZBA-24-00018: Applicant Jared Sutton (sole member of LLC) seeks confirmation that 264 Girard Avenue, Somerset (Block 300, Lots 62 & 63, R-15 zone) is a legal three-family dwelling as a pre-existing nonconforming use. The property was purchased in October 2023. Applicant testified that he lived on Girard Avenue from 2005 to 2019 and observed multiple tenants; the former owner (Belinda) stated it had been a three-family since the 1960s. A fire inspection application in September 2023 indicated a two-family dwelling. The applicant's expert, David Beekus (building inspector), testified that based on electrical meters (three Square D XO series, last produced 1955), large basement windows, multiple entrances, three kitchens (one with removed cabinets), and other physical evidence, the house was built as a three-family in 1953, prior to the 1958 zoning change to single-family. The board discussed the burden of proving pre-existing use and noted the lack of building department records. The chair suggested the applicant conduct further research (tax records, construction permits). The board voted to carry the application to April 3, 2025, with no further notice required, to allow the applicant to gather additional evidence. Key Outcomes - Vote on Extension of Time (ZBA-19-00040): Motion to grant a one-year extension of preliminary approval, expiring January 16, 2026, passed unanimously (7-0). - Vote to Carry (ZBA-24-00018): Motion to continue the hearing to April 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM or soon thereafter, with no further notice required, passed unanimously (7-0). The applicant will research tax records and building permits, and only Jared Sutton will be recalled as a witness. - The board adjourned after the vote.

The Franklin Township Board of Adjustment held its annual reorganization meeting on January 9, 2025, at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. The board elected officers, reappointed its attorney, swore in the Director of Planning, approved minutes and resolutions, and granted a time extension for an application. One hearing was carried to a future date. Reorganization and Appointments - Unanimously elected Robert Thomas as Chairperson (vote: 7-0). Vice Chair Bob Shepherd was nominated and elected in absentia (7-0). - Reappointed Eric M. Bernstein and Associates as Board Attorney (unanimous). - Mark Healey was sworn in as Director of Planning. Consent Calendar - Minutes of October 10, 2024, and November 7, 2024, approved. - Resolution for 2025 Board Meeting Calendar approved with a correction (January 2026 instead of 2025). - Resolutions approved for: Somerset Properties Realty, LP (ZBA-23-00016), Gregory Booth (ZBA-24-00013), Carl Bamboe-Parry (ZBA-24-00014), Charles DeFilippo (ZBA-24-00012), and Marvel Builders, LLC. Discussion Items - Sai Datta / ZBA-19-00037 – Extension of Time: Attorney Jim Stall requested a one-year extension for a religious organization's house of worship approval, citing delays due to septic design and leadership changes. The board granted the extension to the maximum allowed (through November 24, 2025) unanimously (7-0). Hearings - Levin Properties, L.P. / ZBA-24-00001: Application for a 4-story apartment building at 940 Easton Avenue was carried to March 20, 2025. No further notification required. Key Outcomes - Board officers elected for 2025: Robert Thomas (Chair), Bob Shepherd (Vice Chair). - Board Attorney reappointed: Eric M. Bernstein and Associates. - All resolutions and minutes approved as listed. - Sai Datta granted a one-year time extension until November 24, 2025. - Meeting adjourned.

On January 8, 2025, the Franklin Township Planning Board held its annual reorganization meeting followed by a regular session. The board re-elected its chair and vice chair, reappointed the board attorney, approved prior minutes, and advanced several administrative and planning matters, including the appointment of an affordable housing subcommittee and the continuation of two development applications. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved minutes from three previous meetings: October 16, 2024 (vote: 3-0), November 6, 2024 (vote: 6-0), and December 4, 2024 (vote: 4-0). - Resolution Approval: Resolution PLN-23-00024 for Twelve 31 Properties, LLC was approved (vote: 4-0). Discussion Items - Minor Subdivision Committee Report: The board endorsed the minor subdivision committee's approval of 179 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, subject to conditions including a limit of disturbance as shown on the plan, compliance with tree and stormwater ordinances at building permit stage, and adherence to TRC report terms. Chairman Orsini noted that the applicant's proposed disturbance area is conservative and any expansion would require return to the committee. - Redevelopment Study Update: Director of Planning Mark Healey presented a study area along Hamilton Street (including Franklin Boulevard, Lewis Street, and Martin Street) identified by the Township Council for potential designation as an area in need of redevelopment. The goal is to include the site in Franklin's upcoming affordable housing plan, due June 30, 2025. The board will review a consultant report and hold a public hearing before making a recommendation to the Council. Healey noted the state-mandated affordable housing obligation is 714 units, but that number is expected to decrease after site review. He also highlighted options such as bonus credits (up to 25% of obligation) and extension of existing affordable housing controls. - Affordable Housing Subcommittee: The board appointed a subcommittee to address the township's affordable housing obligations. Members: Chairman Michael Orsini, Maher Rafik, Theodore Chase, and Robert LaCourt. Additional alternates may be added later. The subcommittee will coordinate with the Council's parallel subcommittee. Key Outcomes - Reorganization: Chairman Michael Orsini was re-elected (unanimous). Charles Brown was elected Vice Chair (unanimous). Clarkin & Vignolo were reappointed as Board Attorney (unanimous). - Hearings Carried: - Hamilton Street Management, LLC (PLN-24-00002) – preliminary and final major site plan for a 4,605 sq. ft. mixed-use building at 681-685 Hamilton Street – continued to February 19, 2025, with no further notification required. - HSU Property Holdings, LLC (PLN-23-00014) – preliminary and final major site plan for a 64,515 sq. ft. warehouse addition at 400 Cottontail Lane – continued to April 2, 2025, with no further notification required. - Next Meeting: The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2025, at the Franklin Board of Education (location confirmed pending applicant readiness for an Onyx application). No public comments were received, as no members of the public were present.

The Franklin Township Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on December 26, 2024, at 12:30 PM. The board approved prior meeting minutes, a resolution, and conducted hearings on three zoning applications: a pole building for the Millstone Valley Fire Department, a banquet facility for Andaaz Caterers, and a multi-tenant shopping center use variance for Princeton Route 27 LLC. All three applications were approved with conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved for the regular meetings of September 5, 2024, and September 19, 2024. Votes were unanimous. - Resolution: Approved for Jayant Gokhale (ZBA-24-00009). Vote was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments or testimony during the hearings. Discussion Items - Millstone Valley Fire Department (ZBA-24-00019): The applicant sought a D(2) use variance, preliminary and final major site plan, and C variances to construct a 2,884-square-foot pole building at 2365 Amwell Road, Somerset (Block 512, Lot 5.04) in the A (Agricultural) Zone. The firehouse is a non-conforming use in all zones; the expansion is for additional equipment including a water rescue vehicle. Proposed C variances included impervious coverage (from 47.1% to 54.2%), lot coverage (from 11.5% to 14.9%), front yard setback (existing 76.4 ft vs. required 100 ft), side yard (9.9 ft vs. required 50 ft), and rear yard (78.3 ft vs. required 150 ft). The applicant demonstrated enhanced stormwater management (7,200 cubic feet of storage vs. required 1,546 cubic feet). The board approved the application. - Andaaz Caterers, LLC (ZBA-24-00016): The applicant sought a D(1) use variance to convert a previously approved 50-seat overflow restaurant space into a 94-seat banquet facility at 3887 Route 27, Somerset (Block 34.01, Lot 32.02) in the N-B Zone. The use

The Franklin Township Planning Board convened on December 26, 2024, for a regular meeting. The board approved the 2025 meeting calendar, granted a non-material condition modification for the Wilf Campus subdivision regarding tree removal fee payment timing, and approved the Rutgers Preparatory School site plan application for a new 14,529-square-foot performing arts and assembly building. The board also carried the Hamilton Street Management application to January 8, 2025, and began discussions on the state's fourth-round affordable housing obligation of 714 units for Franklin Township. Consent Calendar - 2025 Meeting Calendar: Unanimously approved as amended (changed October meeting dates to October 15 and 22 to accommodate attorney schedules). Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comments: No members of the public spoke during the general public comment period. - Rutgers Preparatory School Hearing: The public was invited to comment specifically on the Rutgers Prep application; no one spoke. Discussion Items - Wilf Campus Condition Modification (PLN-22-00016): Howard Cohen, Esq., representing the Foundation of the Wilf Campus, requested relief from a condition of the May 2023 approval for a major subdivision (11 lots) and site plan for a solar array. The condition required payment of tree removal fees for both components. The applicant asked to pay only the residential subdivision portion ($49,767) now and defer the solar array portion ($44,133) until building permits for the solar array are sought. This was deemed a non-material condition requiring no additional notice. The board agreed, subject to a developer's agreement. - Rutgers Preparatory School (PLN-24-00010) – Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan: The applicant proposed a 14,529-square-foot, two-story multipurpose building (performing arts and assembly hall) on the existing campus at 1401, 1421, 1425 Easton Avenue. Key points: No increase in enrollment; the building will connect to the existing dining commons; an existing rain garden will be removed and replaced with new stormwater management complying with current regulations and Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission review; impervious coverage variance reduced from 27.7% to 27.1% due to addition of lot 4; a buffer will be installed along the newly acquired residential lot (Block 466 Lot 4); prior approval for a differently shaped performing arts center will be abandoned. Staff reports from the planner, engineer, environmental commission, fire prevention, historic commission, and others were reviewed; the applicant agreed to all conditions including tree relocation, EV parking not required, anti-idling signs, and fire code compliance (check valve installation). The architect presented elevations and a courtyard rendering. - Affordable Housing Fourth Round Obligation: Chairman Orsini initiated discussion on the state's assignment of 714 affordable housing units for Franklin over the next 10 years. Township Planner Mark Healy explained the state's methodology (based on household growth, non-residential valuation, and vacant land) and noted that the township can challenge the number, particularly regarding vacant land misidentification. The board expressed a desire to be involved in the council's decision on whether to accept the number and to review the planner's draft report before the council's January deadline. Councilman Barson noted that the council's land use committee would discuss the matter. Key Outcomes - 2025 Meeting Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Wilf Campus Condition Modification: Approved unanimously (8-0) to modify the tree removal fee payment condition, deferring the solar array fee until future building permits, subject to a developer's agreement. - Hamilton Street Management (PLN-24-00002): Carried to January 8, 2025, with no further notification needed. - Rutgers Preparatory School (PLN-24-00010): Approved unanimously (8-0) for preliminary and final amended site plan approval, lot merger, impervious coverage variance, and abandonment of the prior performing arts center approval. Conditions include: coordination of tree placement with stormwater infrastructure, staff approval of any DRCC-required stormwater revisions, and staff approval of final courtyard design and landscaping locations. The building will be LEED-certified with a white reflective roof. - Affordable Housing Next Steps: The board will review Planner Healy's draft report in January 2025 and seek to provide input to the council before the January 31 deadline.

The Franklin Township Council held a work session and regular meeting on December 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included council comments on various township projects and services, approval of warrants totaling $3,948,716.20, introduction of an affordable housing ordinance, adoption of a 25-item consent agenda, and an executive session on potential litigation. Following the executive session, the council voted to authorize a redevelopment investigation. Consent Calendar - Warrants: Approved payments totaling $3,948,716.20 for December 10, 2024. - Consent Agenda (Resolutions 24-396 through 24-420): Adopted unanimously with all 9 council members voting in favor. Items included the 2025 council meeting schedule, liquor license transfers/renewals, amendment to engineering services agreement (increase from $130,000 to $240,250.50), award of CDBG administration contract ($55,000/year for five years), document imaging contract ($180,000 for construction/planning/zoning records), special event permit for Middlebush Reformed Church Living Nativity (December 14, 2024, 5-8 PM), 2025 fire district salaries, certification of CY2023 municipal audit, CY2024 budget transfers, tax title lien redemptions, refunds, water charge adjustment for hardship leak ($82.93), cancellation of small balances, release of performance guarantees, change order for Drake Road Area Resurfacing (increase to $727,214.73), award of software/network support contracts, insurance broker renewal, adoption of CJJIF safety incentive program, dental insurance renewals (Aetna $390,000, Cigna $6,500), employee coaching contract ($120,400), and support for farmland preservation program. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward to speak during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Parks and Recreation: Township Manager Robert Vornlocker provided updates on Catalpo Park (still awaiting DEP permits, expected to go to bid by January 2025), ongoing park maintenance by Public Works, and confirmation that Middlebush Park playground was replaced about five years ago and meets current standards. Councilman Wright discussed a resident suggestion to upgrade the Middlebush play area, but manager noted it is already up to standard. - Speed Humps: Councilman Wright outlined a community-driven process for installing speed humps, citing a case on Appletman Street where three of four adjacent residents supported it but one objector blocked it. He invited residents to email him if interested, offering to visit personally. - Master Plan Traffic Study: Councilwoman Shepa Uddin reported the study is still in progress, with an internal community meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, and a public session to follow once findings are compiled. - Website for Studies: Councilman Vassanella requested a clear, concise posting on the township website listing all active studies (federal, state, county, municipal) with links to surveys and public participation opportunities. Township Manager agreed to follow up. - Affordable Housing: Councilman Vassanella shared updates from the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center board meeting, noting that nearly 25% of those seeking affordable housing are living with family. He emphasized the regional challenge of meeting affordable housing goals. - Tree Canopy and Forestry Plan: Councilman Vassanella reported on the Shade Tree Commission’s work, including a decadal forestry management plan and a tree maintenance/planting guide to ensure proper care of new trees. - YMCA: Councilman Carrasi expressed eagerness for a YMCA in Franklin Township, noting ongoing efforts behind the scenes. Councilman Embarrasson confirmed participation on the YMCA campaign steering committee. - Historic Preservation Commission: Councilman Embarrasson praised the commission for processing eight applications in two hours, highlighting Chairman Andrew Murian’s professionalism. - Human Trafficking Awareness: Councilman Carrasi noted that January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, with educational curricula available for K-12, and announced a town hall meeting on opioid settlement funds on December 18, 2024, at 7 PM. - Other Announcements: Councilman Carrasi recognized Dr. Donna Lisi as the Governor’s Council Volunteer of the Year. Councilman Onyejiaka reminded residents to be vigilant during the holiday season due to increased crime. Deputy Mayor Pitasnik provided an update on a traffic warrant study at Route 27 and Princeton Highlands Boulevard. Councilwoman Uddin reported that animals at the shelter are removed during fireworks. Township Manager Vornlocker announced a free rabies clinic for dogs on Saturday, December 14, from 8-10 AM at the animal shelter. Key Outcomes - Ordinance Introduction (No. 4458A-24): Introduced on first reading to amend the municipal code regarding affordable housing by establishing a municipal housing liaison. The ordinance will have a public hearing and final adoption on January 7, 2025. Passed unanimously (9-0). - Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously (9-0). - Executive Session: Authorized Resolution 24-395 to enter executive session for potential litigation related to redevelopment. The council entered at approximately 7:30 PM and returned at approximately 9:07 PM. - Redevelopment Investigation (Resolution 24-421): Following executive session, the council voted 8-0-1 (Councilman Wright stepped away and did not vote) to authorize the Planning Board to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether certain parcels qualify as an area in need of redevelopment under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 PM.