Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in roads with medium priority
2027 JFK Boulevard grant and Van Cleef Bike Path extension
With a school bus driver shortage and a surge in teens riding e-bikes and e-scooters, board member Jennifer Rangnow proposed a completed sidewalk path to the high school and middle school. Staff agreed to sketch out a possible route, and the board may add it to the master plan — possibly funded by the township's sidewalk fund.
One-Lane Bridge (Griggstown) Traffic Plan
A resident asked for updates on the one-lane bridge bottleneck. County plan: traffic signals on both sides of the bridge and at the causeway, plus a three-way stop at Canal and Bunker Hill — no bridge replacement or widening.
Traffic calming: rumble strips and JFK/Winston signal study
Residents asked about rumble strips on Amwell Road (a county road) and a traffic signal study at JFK Boulevard and Winston Drive. The signal study is underway and should wrap in a couple of months.
Road resurfacing - Willow Avenue and Pierce Street
Two paving contracts totaling about $1.13 million were awarded, resurfacing Willow Avenue area and Pierce Street.
Road Repaving and Water Infrastructure
Council members reported finalizing this year's road repaving list and completing millions of dollars in water system upgrades in Wards 4 and 5, with paving coming to Coppermine, Stirling, and MacAfee Road areas.
New Brunswick Road parking and snow plowing complaints
Council members praised police and public works after the blizzard: zero storm-related injuries, two lives saved by police/EMS, a baby delivered on-site, and roads largely cleared. Some residents complained about unplowed streets and blocked driveways.
Vacation of Executive Drive
The council gave up the public's rights to part of Executive Drive so a planned warehouse can use it as a private driveway. A resident worried it favors the developer; the manager said keeping it public would cost taxpayers given expected truck traffic.
Road Asset Management Software Purchase
The township was set to buy software from Vialytics Americas to better track road conditions and manage repaving priorities. Better data could mean smarter spending on street repairs across Franklin.
New Brunswick Road Resurfacing Grant
The council authorized a state municipal aid grant application to resurface New Brunswick Road from Cedar Grove to Willow — a road improvement funded by the state if awarded.