Franklin Township Council Meeting - February 10, 2026: Appointment of Ward 1 Councilmember, Adoption of Affordable Housing Ordinances, and Public Concerns

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on February 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included the appointment of a new Ward 1 Councilmember to fill a vacancy, adoption of multiple affordable housing-related ordinances on second reading, public discussion on snow removal and other community issues, and several administrative resolutions.

Appointment of Ward 1 Councilmember

• The council appointed Shubendu Singh to fill the Ward 1 seat vacated by Ed Pataznik (who resigned to become state environmental protection director). Singh was selected from three candidates presented by the party. The vote was 8-0.
• New Councilmember Singh was sworn in and made brief remarks emphasizing public service, equity, and teamwork.
• Appointments: Singh was assigned to multiple standing committees and liaisons, including Financial Oversight, Public Works, Agricultural Advisory, Board of Education (later reassigned to Councilman Embarrison), Fire Chief Association, Kingston Village Advisory, Local Energy, Open Space Advisory, and Green Team.

Commendations & Proclamations

• Black History Month (February 2026): Proclamation read by Councilman Onyejiaka, presented to Commissioner Director Robinson, who stressed that black history is American history.
• American Heart Month (February 2026): Proclamation read by Deputy Mayor Kharazi, urging heart-healthy behaviors and support for cardiovascular health awareness.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Snow Removal Complaints: Joyce Lee (36 Timberhill Dr.) reported ice buildup on 10 Mile Run Blvd. and snow pushed onto sidewalks. Deborah Inman (67 Roberts Rd.) described poor plowing on her street and lack of enforcement of parking bans. Jabon Walker (15 Kune St.) requested supplementary review of plowing. The township manager acknowledged challenges due to extreme cold and salt ineffectiveness, and stated that 10 additional police officers were deployed for parking enforcement. The public works department will investigate specific complaints.
• Community Center Heating: Joyce Lee asked about lack of heat at the Park Hill Estate senior center meeting room. Mayor Kramer explained the boiler system may be undersized for record-low temperatures; an engineer will inspect. Township manager added that the issue is limited to the meeting room and the system was newly designed by a contracted engineer.
• Traffic Light on Route 27 (Princeton Highlands): Kunal Lakia (8 Super Ct.) requested council commitment of $75,000 for a traffic light at the intersection near Princeton Highlands. Mayor Kramer expressed concern that eight other communities would then request similar lights; council would need to balance resources. Township manager noted additional unknown costs for right-of-way acquisition. Councilman Singh acknowledged the safety issue but no immediate commitment.
• Recycling Bins: Tracy Moyne (130 Alcorn St.) asked about delayed new recycling bins. Mayor Kramer cited supply chain issues since COVID, with equipment shortages beyond township control.
• Stop Sign/Traffic Light at Gerard and Orton: Resident requested a four-way stop or traffic signal. Township manager explained that a traffic study found volume levels below required warrants, so a four-way stop is not legally permissible.
• Traffic Light at JFK Blvd and Winston Dr.: John Trackis (85 Arlington Ave.) requested a traffic signal. Councilman Wright asked for an updated study; township manager will have the Traffic Bureau conduct an initial analysis (estimated cost ~$10,000).
• Franklin Food Bank: Allie O'Brien, Development Director, highlighted the food bank's need for continued CDBG funding due to increased demand (4.4 million meals last year, 1/3 of county's SNAP recipients in Franklin). She cited rising costs and the food bank's expanded services.
• Affordable Housing Ordinances (Ordinance 4489-26): Attorney Andrew Anselmi, representing The Palace at Somerset Park (333 Davidson Ave.), requested a two-week postponement of the public hearing to allow his client to retain a planner to review the proposed inclusionary zoning. Township manager Bob Vornlocker and attorney James Raynone responded that the ordinances are part of a court-ordered affordable housing plan that underwent a year-long public process, including review by a special adjudicator and Fair Share Housing Center. A delay would jeopardize compliance and expose the township to Builder's Remedy lawsuits. The council proceeded to vote.

Discussion Items

• CDBG Program Schedule: Presentation of the FY2026 Community Development Block Grant schedule: applications open Feb 2, due March 10; second public hearing March 24; draft action plan May 9.
• Council Comments: Councilman Wright praised the Franklin Food Bank; Councilman Onyejiaka reminded of Human Relations Committee meeting Feb 25; Councilman Vassanella noted the passing of Jamie Yu, thanked the county for rumble strips on Easton Ave., and encouraged watching the Olympics.
• Township Manager's Report: Upcoming Franklin 250 events: Feb 21 "From Revolution to Rhythm" at Franklin Middle School; Feb 28 musical "The Crossing" at Samson G. Smith campus.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment Approved: Shubendu Singh appointed Ward 1 Councilmember (term ending Nov. 3, 2026) by unanimous vote (8-0).
• Ordinances Adopted on Second Reading (all unanimous):
  • Ordinance 4487-26: Adopting revision and codification of township ordinances.
  • Ordinance 4488-26: Amending water curb connection capital fees.
  • Ordinance 4489-26: Establishing MFIZ-4 inclusionary zone (Royal Somerset Inn site).
  • Ordinance 4490-26: Establishing MFIZ-2 (Pomegranate Investments site).
  • Ordinance 4491-26: Establishing MFIZ-1 (apartment conversion zoning).
  • Ordinance 4492-26: Establishing MFIZ-5 (Dunbar Homes site).
  • Ordinance 4493-26: Amending Franklin Boulevard Redevelopment Plan (affordable housing).
• Ordinances Introduced on First Reading (unanimous, public hearings set for Feb 24 or March 10):
  • Ordinance 4494-26: Amending miscellaneous fees (lead inspection fee).
  • Ordinance 4495-26: Granting utility easement at Castleton Park (0.14 acres of Green Acres encumbered parkland).
  • Ordinance 4496-26: Replacing affordable housing development fee article.
  • Ordinance 4497-26: Repealing and replacing Chapter 81 (affordable housing ordinance).
• Consent Agenda Adopted (unanimous): 25 resolutions (A through Y) including:
  • Confirmations: Rossana Gutierrez as CFO, Tiffany Esquilin as Tax Collector, John Gillooly as Tax Assessor, Catherine Gantner-Wilbur as Deputy Tax Assessor.
  • Awards: Police Dept. skylight replacement ($118,000), Integrity Health contract ($335,000), CDBG admin services extension ($55,000), lead paint inspections contract.
  • Developer agreements: Dunbar Homes, Haven LLC, Pomegranate Investments, Royal Somerset Inn.
  • Grant submissions: Local Recreation Improvement Grant ($75,000 for Grosso's Grove).
  • Resolution endorsing adult-use cannabis (26-087).
  • Increase bid/quote thresholds.
  • Shared service agreement with Woodbridge for Qualified Purchasing Agent.
  • Stormwater maintenance agreement, refunds, etc.
• Committee Appointments (acclamation): Sammy Shaban to Planning Board (alternate #1); Dina Lux to Open Space Advisory Committee; Board of Adjustment members moved up (Alternate #2 to #1, #3 to #2).
• Executive Session: Authorized (unanimous) to discuss pending litigation; no action taken afterward.