Franklin Township Planning Board Meeting

On June 4, 2025, the Franklin Township Planning Board convened to consider a redevelopment study for five properties near Hamilton Street and Franklin Boulevard and an extension of time for a previously approved site plan. The meeting included no public comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present or spoke.

Discussion Items

• Extension of Time for 789 Hamilton LLC (PLN-20-00008): The applicant requested a one-year extension for preliminary and final major site plan approval with variances, originally set to expire June 21, 2025. The board was informed that the applicant has been diligently pursuing approvals and is entitled to a first extension. The motion passed unanimously.
• Area in Need of Redevelopment Study – Blocks 233 & 234: Mika Apte of CME Associates presented the study, commissioned by the Township Committee via Resolution R24421 on December 10, 2024. The study area consists of five properties totaling approximately 3 acres, located north of Hamilton Street and Franklin Boulevard. The properties include:
  • Block 233, Lot 1.01: Irregular 1.13-acre lot with a dilapidated boarded-up dwelling, prior demolition (2017), and a failed 2017 application for a four-story mixed-use building. Recommended under Criteria D (obsolete layout/dilapidation).
  • Block 233, Lot 2.01: Former post office site, well-maintained but vacant office building. Recommended under Section 3 (necessary for cohesive redevelopment).
  • Block 234, Lot 1: Two-story commercial building with red “X” marking structural unsafety; multiple code violations (2023-2025), prior site plan approval (2015) abandoned. Recommended under Criteria A, B, and D.
  • Block 234, Lot 14.01: Paved parking lot, not a permitted use under current zoning, vacant and partially debris-covered. Recommended under Criteria D.
  • Block 234, Lot 16: Single-family dwelling, well-maintained. Recommended under Section 3 as a necessary fill-in parcel.

Board members asked questions about methodology, community engagement, crime data, demographic history, and the impact on the owner of Lot 16. Charles Brown expressed concern about the lack of demographic analysis and potential disproportionate impact on communities of color. Others questioned relocation rights, eminent domain procedures, and whether Lot 16 could be excluded. Peter (board attorney) clarified that the statutory criteria do not change based on condemnation vs. non-condemnation designation and that tenants receive relocation assistance. Chairman Arsini noted that the redevelopment designation provides flexibility for affordable housing and that the board will have future input.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Extension for 789 Hamilton LLC: Motion passed unanimously (8-0). The approval is extended to June 21, 2026.
• Approval of Area in Need of Redevelopment Designation (Condemnation): Motion passed 7-0, with Charles Brown voting yes but expressing concern for the residential property on Lot 16. The board accepts the findings and recommends the designation under Criteria A, B, D, and Section 3, as outlined by the study.
• Other Matters Carried: The Dayal Enterprises hearing (PLN-24-00008) was carried to a date to be determined; 500 Atrium LLC (PLN-23-00005) was carried to July 16, 2025; the master plan public hearing on trails and pathways was carried to June 18, 2025.