Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in development with high priority
Sentinel Data Center air permit (NJDEP)
Sierra Club members and others urged the Council to object to NJDEP's 'minor source' classification of the data center's diesel backup generators. The public comment period runs through November 9, thanks partly to Mayor Kramer and state senators.
Affordable housing at 260 Davidson Avenue and 40-year PILOT
The Council adopted the PILOT ordinance converting hotel buildings into 142 affordable units with a $3.5 million trust-fund contribution. Residents raised diesel truck traffic, health, and transit concerns; officials defended the site's proximity to ShopRite, CVS, and shuttle service.
Affordable housing on Main Street and Kossuth Street
Habitat for Humanity is building township-donated lots as 100% affordable homes to help Franklin meet its state-mandated obligation of 659 affordable units. Residents asked why these homes land mostly in Wards 2, 4 and 5; the township explained those wards hold most of the buildable lots with public water and sewer.
Proposed 258,150 sq. ft. warehouse at 1950 Easton Avenue
Concore Realty seeks approval for a 15,425-square-foot warehouse in the B-I zone. The hearing was carried to October 21, 2026, delaying any decision and requiring new notices to property owners.
Habitat for Humanity Land Sale at 168 Churchill Avenue
The council sold the tiny 50-by-195-foot township lot at 168 Churchill Avenue to Habitat for Humanity despite a neighbor's objections about lot size, flooding, parking and traffic safety. The zoning board will decide the variance in two weeks; if denied, the land reverts to the township.
Second 30-unit apartment building at Spangenberg Lane
Cal-Sterling Franklin wants to build a second 30-unit apartment building at Spangenberg Lane in Somerset, needing a conditional-use variance in the SCV zone. The board was scheduled to decide whether the project moves forward.
Future of 135 Davidson Avenue: church/school retention vs. large warehouse
A warehouse is proposed on the church/cultural center site in the B-I zone, where warehouses were removed as a permitted use in 2023 — hence the D(1) use variance. Residents raised truck traffic on Davidson Avenue and Easton Avenue during peak hours, and the objectors' counsel challenged whether the site can support a use variance given the zoning history.
PSE&G Bennetts Lane substation improvements
PSE&G is replacing 60-year-old equipment and adding a second transformer and feeder at the Bennetts Lane substation, which serves about 17,500 customers and was nearing 100% capacity on hot summer days. The upgrade should keep air conditioning and power reliable through peak demand, with construction from 2027 to 2030 and no planned outages.
Intensity of use at proposed mosque
The applicant promises 50-60 worshippers per daily prayer service, up to 70-80 during Ramadan evenings and 150 max at special events. Board members worry nothing stops those numbers from growing once the building is up, and that the worship area grew more than 20% over the prior approval even as attendance stays small.