Franklin Township Council Meeting - February 13, 2024

The Franklin Township Council met on February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the municipal building. The meeting included commendations for student authors, a Black History Month proclamation, public comments on traffic safety and warehouse development, adoption of several ordinances, and establishment of an ad hoc committee to review the sign ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of December 12, 2023 executive session, January 2, 2024 reorganization/work session/regular meeting, and January 23, 2024 work session/regular/executive session.
• Approved warrants totaling $20,475,223.84.
• Adopted resolutions #24-056 through #24-075 covering tax title lien redemptions, refunds, water charge adjustment, court overpayments, vehicle outfitting contract, records management software contract, veterinary services contract, CDBG housing rehabilitation change order, two downpayment assistance grants, out-of-state training for police officers, copier lease, amended agreement with Somerset County for traffic signal and camera equipment, appointments to Senior Citizen Advisory Committee and Municipal Alliance/YSC, bond sale resolution, NJDOT utility agreement, grant application for youth programs, and police written examination fee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kiki Anastasicus (3204 Enclave Circle) commended the council for purchasing land on Elm Street for open space and requested updates on the municipal traffic study and the Eastern Avenue DOT-funded study. She expressed concern about a proposed warehouse at Elizabeth Avenue and Schoolhouse Road, citing congestion and safety issues, and opposed the Levin proposal for residential development at the Radkir’s plaza (old Kmart), urging more retail to retain senior spending.
• Pat Schmal (15 Market Street, East Millstone) reminded residents of fire district elections on February 17 and announced his candidacy for commissioner in Fire District One.
• Shaban Zusingh (6th Street Top Circle, representing Princeton Highlands) requested a pedestrian crossing at Gold Star Drive and Route 27 and a traffic signal at Princeton Highlands Boulevard and Route 27, presenting a petition signed by nearly 300 homeowners. He thanked the council for prior support and urged expedited action.
• An unnamed speaker criticized the proliferation of warehouses, noting a vacant warehouse behind Mavis Tire and another under construction behind ShopRite, and called for the township to find ways to stop warehouse development, citing other communities that have done so.
• Shani Madaminova (Leaf House, 900 Eastern Plaza) requested permission to maintain signs and banners outside its business, citing restrictions on cannabis advertising. She stated Leaf House serves about 92 clients per day but needs 300 for profitability, and that neighboring businesses support the request. Kevin (owner of Promo Nutrition) echoed the need for better signage, noting his business sees only 5-6 customers per day compared to 10-20 at other locations.
• Paul Litsky (13 Republic Row) raised safety concerns about the Onyx warehouse development, noting the TRC report shows the proposed building would be 21 feet from the Buckeye pipeline instead of the required 100 feet, a variance he called dangerous.
• Alex Strauss (285 Haslett Way) questioned the use of open space funds, noting Hillsborough spent $10 million to prevent a warehouse, and called for more transparency. He also asked about the open space fund balance and suggested using funds for parks in Wards 4 and 5, possibly with American Rescue Plan funds.

Discussion Items

• Sign Ordinance Ad Hoc Committee: Councilman Anbarasan proposed forming an ad hoc committee to study and update the dated sign ordinance (last updated 2009) to better support small businesses. After discussion about whether to use the existing land use committee, the motion passed with members: Councilman Anbarasan, Mayor Kramer, Councilman Shep of Dinky, and staff support from Mark Healy and Vince Dominik. The committee aims to complete its work in 30-60 days.
• Traffic Safety Updates: Township Manager Vornlocker reported that the municipal traffic study data has been collected and is being integrated into the master plan reexamination of the BI zone. The Eastern Avenue improvement study is ongoing with federal funding via Somerset County; updates are available at eastonave.com. For the Route 27/Gold Star pedestrian crossing, DOT has given general support, and funding will be sought in the upcoming capital budget. For the Princeton Highlands Boulevard/Route 27 signal, a warrant analysis is being prepared by the township engineer. Councilman Anbarasan noted a recent accident at that location.
• Warehouse and Open Space Fund Discussion: During the public hearing on Ordinance 4428-24 (acquisition of East Millstone United Methodist Church), Alex Strauss questioned the open space fund's use and transparency. Township Manager Vornlocker clarified that the open space trust fund balance is approximately $17 million, and that over 500 acres have been preserved in the last five years. The township has preserved about 1/3 of its 48 square miles. Councilman Anbarasan noted that the average purchase price per acre is $40,000-$45,000, and spending millions on high-priced land would be irresponsible. Mayor Kramer noted that the fund is actually the Open Space, Farmland Preservation, Historic and Recreation Fund, and that voters approved using it for recreation. Attorney and manager also clarified that the BI zone did not create new warehouse opportunities but combined existing zones; warehouses were previously permitted in M1/M2 zones.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances Adopted (all unanimously):
  • Ordinance 4425-24: Amending water curb connection capital fees.
  • Ordinance 4426-24: Closing a portion of Brookline Avenue to non-emergency traffic to improve access for the sewerage authority.
  • Ordinance 4427-24: Accepting a conservation easement from Royal Somerset Inc. for 315 Davidson Avenue.
  • Ordinance 4428-24: Authorizing acquisition of East Millstone United Methodist Church (4 Elm Street) for open space preservation (approximately 2.7 acres, estimated to prevent about six houses).
  • Ordinance 4429-24: Capital ordinance appropriating $261,500 from the Open Space Trust Fund for the acquisition.
• Resolution 24-055: Introduced the CY2024 Hamilton Street Special Improvement District Budget and set a public hearing for March 12, 2024.
• Consent Agenda: All 20 items (resolutions #24-056 through #24-075) adopted unanimously.
• Appointments (approved by acclamation): Sam Velo to Human Relations Commission; Prabish Lall to Trail Committee; Mark Dancy to Planning Board; Kunal Lakia to Zoning Board; Robert Kovacs as Alternate 2 and Vanessa Davenport as Alternate 1 to the Sewerage Authority; Terry Seggio to Cultural Arts Commission.
• Ad Hoc Committee: Established to study the sign ordinance, with members as stated.

Note: The meeting also included commendations for student authors Ilan Gate Ilamaran, Kayla Washington, and Isabella Robles, and a Black History Month proclamation.