Franklin Township Planning Board Meeting - April 1, 2026

The Franklin Township Planning Board held its regular meeting on April 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (transcript indicates evening session). The board approved previous meeting minutes, granted a time extension for a mixed-use project, conducted a public hearing and approved a minor subdivision with variances tied to a farmland preservation easement, and formed an ordinance subcommittee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the regular meetings of February 4, 2026 and February 18, 2026, both by unanimous roll call votes.
• Extension of Time: Approved a one-year extension (through June 21, 2027) for 789 Hamilton, LLC, allowing more time to satisfy conditions for a previously approved three-story mixed-use building with 2,300 sq ft of retail and 25 apartment units in the Highway Business District. Vote was unanimous, with Mark Dancy recused due to arriving after testimony began.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: No members of the public spoke during the general public comment period; the board closed it without remarks.
• Hearing for Suydam Associates, FLP (PLN-26-00004): A resident, Delores Christmas of 3 Castle Court (behind Suydam Farm), expressed concern about potential impact on her property. After hearing that the subdivision was limited to a small area along Skillmans Lane, she indicated she had no objection.

Discussion Items

• 789 Hamilton, LLC Time Extension: Matt Flynn of Savo Shock Law requested a one-year extension through June 21, 2027, for the project approved June 21, 2023. No board questions; motion carried unanimously.
• Suydam Associates Minor Subdivision with Bulk Variances: Applicant sought to subdivide a 1-acre lot (Block 57.01, Lot 32.01 & Lot 32.01QF) on Skillmans Lane for a future single-family home. The lot is a severable exception area within a 130+ acre farmland preservation easement acquired by the township in 2008. Variances required due to the underlying AG zone: minimum lot area (1 acre vs. 6 acres required), frontage (199 ft vs. 400 ft), and rear yard setback (50 ft vs. 200 ft). Witness Michael Ford (Van Cleef Engineering) testified that the variances are justified because the lot is constrained by the easement and the dwelling will be sited to maintain the agricultural character. Board members discussed the potential for future fences obscuring the open view; some members expressed the preference that no perimeter fence be erected, but no condition was imposed. After public comment, the board unanimously approved the subdivision with the three variances, conditioned on satisfying all staff and outside agency requirements (stormwater/drainage to be addressed at building permit stage).
• Ordinance Subcommittee Formation: Chairman proposed creating a four-person ordinance subcommittee to review draft ordinances (e.g., rezonings) before full board discussion. Members Jennifer Ragnarok, Charles Brown, Mark Dancy, and Sammy Shabon volunteered. The subcommittee will likely work via email or occasional Zoom meetings.
• Board Comment: Member Jennifer Ragnarok shared insights from an environmental stewardship class, noting that climate change must be integrated into the master plan and that environmental commissions have broader roles.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved (2 sets) – unanimous.
• Extension for 789 Hamilton, LLC: Approved – unanimous (Mark Dancy did not vote).
• Suydam Associates Subdivision (PLN-26-00004): Approved with three variances – unanimous roll call.
• Ordinance Subcommittee: Appointed: Jennifer Ragnarok, Charles Brown, Mark Dancy, Sammy Shabon.
• Next meeting: scheduled for the next regular meeting date (not specified further).

Additional Notes

• The application material for Suydam Associates included a TRC report (03/19/26), Environmental Commission report (03/17/26), D&R Canal Commission review (03/18/26), and a soil conservation district report (02/27/26). The board conditioned approval on compliance with those agencies.
• The easement precludes development outside the designated exception areas; the subdivision implements the intent of the 2008 preservation agreement. The 1-acre lot is one of two severable exceptions; the other (across Skillmans Lane) remains undeveloped for now.
• The board did not discuss any additional work session or new business beyond the items listed.