Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in zoning with medium priority
Casa Esencia Relief of Condition
64 Casa Esencia, LLC was scheduled for a discussion on clarifying its approved floor area ratio and whether the 64 Norma Avenue project is rental or owner-occupied housing.
Proposed Place of Worship on Millstone Road
The Light of Christ International Fellowship Ministries was scheduled to seek D variances to convert a vacant former food-bank storage building at 60 Millstone Road into a place of worship, with Sunday parking at the adjacent HOPES CAP building. Neighbors may weigh traffic and parking impacts against the community benefit of a local congregation.
Oversized signage at 45 Veronica Avenue
Dream on Me's sign contractor put up signs far bigger than the code allows, without permits, in 2023. The board effectively granted forgiveness, finding the huge signs are needed for wayfinding on a 48-acre flag lot whose building sits 700 feet from the road.
Data Centers Barred from B-I Zone
The new ordinance kicks data centers out of the B-I zone entirely, citing noise, air quality, and heavy strain on electric and water infrastructure. Chairman Orsini noted they could still seek a use variance from the zoning board, but likely without success.
Farming operations in R-40 residential zone
A board member flagged that farming is a permitted use in R-40 zones with no minimum lot size — raising the possibility of a small residential lot next door hosting livestock. Staff agreed to research right-to-farm limits and bring the question back, possibly as a future ordinance.