Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in environment with high priority
Open Space Acquisition — 287 Cedar Grove Lane
The Council finalized a $5.46 million purchase of the long-listed Sudia property for preservation, funded by the Open Space Trust Fund — keeping the land from being developed.
Open space preservation — Cedar Grove Lane and Collins Property acquisitions
The town is locking up two big pieces of land for preservation: the ~34-acre Cedar Grove Lane tract that could have held 25 homes, and the Collins Property on Route 27. Both are paid from the Open Space Trust Fund, so no hit to the general budget.
Warehouse diesel emissions and health review of development
A resident urged the township to put public health representatives on its zoning and planning boards, citing two dozen warehouse applications since 2018 and state warnings that diesel exhaust is a carcinogen threatening nearby neighborhoods.
Canal Road open space preservation subdivision
Somerset County wants to subdivide 32.9 acres at 1452 Canal Road, buying 23.9 acres to add to its open-space inventory next to existing county land. The application was carried to May 6.