Franklin Township Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting – July 16, 2026
Franklin Township Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting – July 16, 2026
The Franklin Township Zoning Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on July 16, 2026. The board took roll call (members present: Cheryl Bathia, Alan Rich, Gary Rosenthal, Robert Shepard, Peter March, and Chairman Thomas; Rich Brookenick and Kunala Kia excused). The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a resolution, and hearings on four variance applications, all of which were approved.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the regular meetings of May 7, 2026 and May 21, 2026.
- Approved Resolution for Dream on Me Industries (ZBA-26-00002) regarding signage.
Public Comments
- No public comments were made during the hearing portions.
Discussion Items
1. Judy Rosier – ZBA-26-00006
C variance to construct a 418 sq. ft. ground-level deck at 1661 Amwell Road. The lot is narrow (48 ft front tapering to 37 ft) in the R-20 zone. Required setback is 15 ft; proposed is 4.93 ft. The board found hardship due to lot configuration and approved unanimously.
2. Josh Taubenslag – ZBA-26-00012
C variance for impervious coverage to install a 992 sq. ft. patio at 12 Lake Avenue. The lot is 12,000 sq. ft. in R-20, already at maximum impervious coverage. The applicant testified the patio size is appropriate for the house and neighborhood. The board approved unanimously.
3. Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity – ZBA-26-00007 (56-58 Main Street)
C variance for a 100% affordable single-family home on a 5,000 sq. ft. lot (min. 7,500 sq. ft.). Variances needed: lot area, lot frontage, lot coverage (27.7% vs 20% max), impervious coverage (38.8% vs 30% max). Property is township-owned and part of the affordable housing plan. The board heard testimony from engineer Thomas Fick and planner Mark Remsa. The applicant agreed to a deed restriction barring additional structures without board approval and, after board debate, consented to use a paved (macadam) driveway instead of gravel. Approved with conditions.
4. Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity – ZBA-26-00011 (29 Kossuth Street)
C variance for another affordable single-family home on a corner lot (5,000 sq. ft., min. 9,000 sq. ft. for corner). Additional variances: front yard setback (15.9 ft vs 25 ft along Kent Street), lot coverage (27.7% vs 20%), impervious coverage (36.9% vs 30%). Testimony addressed tree preservation and driveway material. After a board poll (3 for macadam, 3 for gravel), the motion included a macadam driveway condition. The applicant also agreed to a deed restriction. Approved with conditions.
Key Outcomes
- Judy Rosier: Approved (unanimous).
- Josh Taubenslag: Approved (unanimous).
- Habitat for Humanity (56-58 Main Street): Approved with conditions – macadam driveway, deed restriction on further improvements.
- Habitat for Humanity (29 Kossuth Street): Approved with conditions – macadam driveway, deed restriction on further improvements.
- The board also amended the Main Street approval to include the macadam driveway condition with the applicant’s consent.
Meeting Transcript
July 16th, 2026, in accordance with the open public meetings Act PL 1975, Chapter 231, adequate notice of this regular meeting of the zoning board of the township of Franklin's been provided. Board members, applicant professionals, members of the public, please speak directly in the microphones so our recording secretary can properly process the minutes. Applicants and professionals, please fill out the sheet on the table when you've completed your testimony. Thank you. And would you call the roll? Surely uh Rob Rich Brookenick and Kunala Kia asked to be excused this evening. I see Cheryl Bathia. We're walking in right now, so she's here. Uh Vasim Birdas. Alan Rich. Here. Gary Rosenthal. Here. Robert Shepard. Yeah. Mike. Here. There we go. And Chairman Thomas. Here. We have minutes, regular meeting. May 7th. 507, 2026. Vassim and Peter March cannot vote. I'll move. Cheryl Bathia. Yes. Uh Alan Rich? Yes. Gary Rosenthal? Yes. Robert Shepherd. Yes. Chairman Thomas. Yes. Regular meeting, May 21st, 2026. I'll move. I'll second. You can't. I Cheryl Bathia and Mike Doherty. Well, Mike Daughter's not here. I'll second. Okay, so Gary and Bob. The same Verdas. Alan Rich. Yes. Gary Rosenthal. Yes. Robert Shepard. Yes.
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