Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in development with medium priority
Dispensary drive-through reactivation on Route 27
A cannabis dispensary in the Princeton Marketplace plaza wants to reuse the old bank drive-through as a pickup-only window. Neighbors' main concerns are traffic queuing on Route 27 and whether the operation stays tightly controlled — the board pressed for conditions before approving.
Sterling Pointe second apartment building
The long-delayed second 30-unit senior housing building at Spangenberg Lane is finally moving forward. Years of water supply disputes between Franklin, New Brunswick and NJDEP held it up; the township says water is now ready and Building One opens around February 2027.
L'Oreal plant expansion extension
L'Oreal USA sought more time on its approved 156,000-square-foot expansion of its Commerce Drive manufacturing plant while it works through Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission requirements. The extension would keep the approved project alive for another year.
Habitat for Humanity Land Conveyance
Two township-owned lots were slated for transfer to Habitat for Humanity under developer's agreements to build 100% affordable single-family homes — one at 56-58 Main Street and one at 29 Kossuth Street. Both projects are part of the township's fourth-round fair share housing plan.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
A new short-term rental ordinance was adopted despite a last-minute Airbnb letter and a speaker asking that second homes be allowed. Officials said tweaks are still possible before it takes effect in 20 days.
Three-lot subdivision at 426 Ralph Street
AP Realty Group seeks minor subdivision approval with variances to create three lots from four tax lots at 426 Ralph Street in the R-7 zone, with two new single-family homes planned. A resolution of approval was scheduled.
Skillmans Lane farm subdivision
A one-acre home site is being split off a 103-acre preserved farm — exactly what was contemplated when the township bought the development easement in 2008. The rest of the farm stays preserved in perpetuity, but board members debated whether a future fence could change how the property looks from the road.
426 Ralph Street Redevelopment
A property with a history of dumping and illegal storage violations is being cleaned up and subdivided for three single-family homes. The neighbor next door raised questions about a storm drainage easement running through the lot.
426 Ralph Street three-lot subdivision
AP Realty Group wants to turn one large residential lot with an existing house into three lots with two new homes, needing a frontage variance for one lot. Neighbors would see new construction and more homes on a residential street.
EV charging stations at Somerset Street Wawa
IONNA is adding six fast EV chargers serving 12 spaces (2 ADA) at the existing Wawa at 607 Somerset Street. The board hashed out how much of the canopy neighbors on Myrtle Street will see and kept the existing buffer intact.
295 Cedar Grove Lane 16-lot subdivision
ODIN DHUN, LLC is seeking approval for a 16-lot subdivision with 14 buildable single-family homes on Cedar Grove Lane, including conditional variances. The hearing was noted as carried to March 4, 2026.
Downtown Park and Cedar Grove Development
The downtown park will be re-bid with construction hoped to start quickly after acceptable bids come in; the Planning Board also approved a 14-home development off Cedar Grove Lane without gates.
Wilf Campus Developer's Agreement
A developer's agreement with the Foundation of the Wilf Campus for property at 350 DeMott Lane was on the consent agenda, tying the foundation to obligations tied to its development approvals.