Franklin, NJ

Zoning Board

The September 1, 2026 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting has been canceled. The next scheduled meeting is October 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM. No items will be discussed or decided at this canceled meeting.

• September 1, 2026 meeting canceled
• Next meeting: October 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Environmental Commission

The Franklin Township Environmental Commission is meeting to review three planning and zoning board applications, discuss old business including Malaga Lake Park and Piney Hollow, and address emergency management and hazardous waste sites. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific details or dollar amounts provided for the applications or other items.

• Review of planning board application PB26-07
• Review of zoning board applications ZB26-04 and ZB26-06
• Discussion of Malaga Lake Park
• Discussion of Piney Hollow
• Emergency management and hazardous waste sites update

Library Board of Trustees

The Franklin Township Library Board of Trustees is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, receiving reports, and discussing personnel policy and a Friends/Board agreement. The only new business is correcting the 2026 holiday/closing schedule for Veterans Day.

• Correct 2026 Holiday/Closing Schedule – Veterans Day
• Personnel Policy discussion
• Friends/Board Agreement discussion
• Letter from B. Doherty
• Director's report and statistics

Planning Board

The Franklin Township Planning Board will consider two minor subdivision applications, each to split one lot into two. Both are listed as granted subject to conditions. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no public hearings or other business.

• PB26-02 – Minor subdivision at 2633 Sheridan Avenue, Block 701 Lot 14, to create two lots from one
• PB26-04 – Minor subdivision at 2156 Chew Avenue, Block 303 Lot 1, to create two lots from one
• Approval of minutes from June 16, 2026
• Executive session for attorney-client matters, no action to be taken

Communications Commission

The Franklin, NJ Communications Commission is meeting to handle routine procedural items including approval of minutes, a review of previous statistics, and updates on old business such as Civic Plus hours, web page updates, and an OPRA online form. Under new business, they will consider new forms and approve website design. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Moment of Silence for member Kristin L Mathiesen
• Civic Plus hours update
• Web page updates
• OPRA online form
• Website design approval

Township Committee

The Franklin Township Committee will hold public hearings on the 2026 municipal budget and an ordinance to use unexpended bond proceeds for capital improvements. They will also vote on a series of resolutions, including hiring two DPW laborers, accepting a gym equipment donation, and approving farmland preservation agreements. An ordinance to change alcohol sales hours will be introduced for a future public hearing.

• Public hearing on 2026 Franklin Township Budget (R-119-26)
• Public hearing on Ordinance O-15-26 to appropriate unexpended bond proceeds for capital improvements
• R-123-26: Hiring two full-time DPW laborers to replace resignations
• R-121-26: Accepting gym equipment donation from Delsea Regional School District for police use
• R-122-26 and R-127-26: Farmland preservation easements and agreement with South Jersey Land and Water Trust

Recreation Commission

The Franklin Township Recreation Commission met on August 5, 2026, to plan the upcoming Community Day. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting focused on confirming event details, discussing logistics, and scheduling a follow-up meeting. The National Night Out was cancelled due to rain.

• Scheduled next meeting for August 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
• Agreed to consider Texas Roadhouse fundraiser for Monday after Community Day
• Confirmed Community Day activities including stage, bouncers, fireworks, helicopter, pony rides, headliner band, stilt walkers, Danny's Pizza, Sue Belt Rentals, and Cedar Run Wildlife program
• Noted ax throwing will not take place this year
• Discussed proclamation and helmet display for young fireman who died in accident

Zoning Board

The Franklin Township Zoning Board of Adjustment posted a tentative agenda for its August 4, 2026 meeting. No substantive decisions, ordinances, or public hearings were listed; the board will handle only procedural items such as approving minutes and adjourning.

Planning Board

The Franklin Township Planning Board will hear presentations and public comment on three applications for minor subdivisions. Each applicant is seeking to divide one existing lot into two lots.

• PB26-02: Minor Subdivision at 2633 Sheridan Avenue (Block 701 Lot 14)
• PB26-03: Minor Subdivision at 592 Proposed Avenue (Block 1401 Lot 32)
• PB26-04: Minor Subdivision at 2156 Chew Avenue (Block 303 Lot 1)

The Franklin Township Planning Board approved two minor subdivisions. PB26-04 at 2156 Chew Avenue was granted unanimously (7-0) to create two lots, with variances for lot area, frontage, and impervious coverage. PB26-02 at 2633 Sheridan Avenue was granted 6-1, including a waiver of all agricultural buffers and conditions for driveway clearance. A third application (PB26-03) was postponed to August 18, 2026.

• Approved PB26-04 minor subdivision at 2156 Chew Avenue (7-0)
• Approved PB26-02 minor subdivision at 2633 Sheridan Avenue with waiver of all agricultural buffers (6-1)
• Postponed PB26-03 minor subdivision at 592 Proposed Avenue to August 18, 2026
• Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous, with Mr. Keen abstaining)

Library Board of Trustees

The Franklin Township Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve minutes from previous meetings, receive financial reports, and consider abolishing the Replacement Card Policy. The meeting will also include a closed session.

• Motion to approve minutes from May 20, 2026
• Motion to approve 2025 Audit
• Motion to abolish Replacement Card Policy
• Motion to approve personnel committee minutes
• Friends/Board Agreement

Township Committee

The Franklin Township Committee will hold a public hearing on several ordinances, including a repeal and replacement of the township’s affordable housing fee regulations. The meeting will also consider resolutions to introduce the 2026 budget, renew alcohol beverage licenses, and approve a grant contract for resurfacing Williamstown Road. Additional items include a purchase of Block 4904 Lot 5, a land renunciation for Block 2103 Lot 23, and the creation of new compost‑facility positions.

• Ordinance O‑10‑26: Repeal and replace Chapter 138 on affordable housing fees and development charges
• Ordinance O‑12‑26: Purchase of Block 4904 Lot 5 returning ownership to Franklin Township
• Ordinance O‑13‑26: Renunciation of Block 2103 Lot 23 returning ownership to Franklin Township
• Resolution R‑108‑26: Introduction of the 2026 Franklin Township budget
• Resolution R‑113‑26: Approval to submit a grant application and contract with NJDOT for Williamstown Road resurfacing

Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Agricultural Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting. The committee noted that Ken’s contract was extended through the end of 2026. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026.

• Approved minutes of May 11, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Extended Ken’s contract to yearend 2026 (no vote recorded)
• Set next meeting for September 14, 2026

Communications Commission

The Franklin Communications Commission will review an ordinance update, consider an online OPRA request form, and discuss Daniel's Law. It will also address several website changes, including a rewrite of the main page and the addition of new sub‑pages such as Bids, Jobs, Business Directory, Places of Worship, Resource Directory, and Post Offices. The meeting includes routine items like approval of minutes and a public portion before adjourning.

• Ordinance update
• OPRA online form
• Daniel's Law
• Web page rewrite update
• Addition of sub‑pages: Bids, Jobs, Business Directory, Places of Worship, Resource Directory, Post Offices

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission will meet to discuss emergency management and hazardous waste sites. The body will review three Planning and Zoning Board applications and discuss ongoing business regarding Malaga Lake Park and Piney Hollow.

• Planning and Zoning Board applications PB26-02, PB26-03, and PB26-04
• Emergency Management and Hazardous Waste Sites discussion
• Malaga Lake Park update
• Piney Hollow update

Library Board of Trustees

The Franklin Township Library Board of Trustees will meet to review reports and conduct general business. The board will consider a motion to approve a teen laser tag event scheduled for July 17.

• Motion to approve after-hours teen laser tag on July 17
• Discussion of replacement library card fees
• Review of Trustee By-Laws
• Discussion regarding the information desk
• PERS eligibility for C. Ogren

Planning Board

The Franklin Planning Board granted a minor subdivision for RM Stinger, LLC at 612 Grant Avenue, splitting the 3.22‑acre property into two 1.61‑acre parcels. The approval includes variances for a front‑yard setback encroachment and the lack of an agricultural buffer easement. The board also considered Ordinance O-11-26, which would amend Township Code Chapter 253 to require non‑public entities to follow state public‑notice rules. No closed‑session items were scheduled.

• PB26-01: Approval of minor subdivision at 612 Grant Avenue, creating two 1.61‑acre parcels with variances for front‑yard setback and agricultural buffer easement.
• Ordinance O-11-26: Amendment to Township Code Chapter 253 to require corporations, individuals, and other non‑public entities to comply with NJ Stat. §35:3‑1 et seq. public‑notice requirements.
• No communications or correspondence were noted for this meeting.
• Minutes from the previous meeting (May 19, 2026) were referenced.
• No closed‑session discussion was scheduled.

The board recommended Ordinance O-11-26 to the Township Committee, which shifts public notice requirements from newspaper publishing to internet publishing. The board also approved a resolution for a minor subdivision at 612 Grant Avenue.

• Approved Resolution PB26-01 for RM Stinger, LLC minor subdivision at 612 Grant Avenue (4-0)
• Recommended Ordinance O-11-26 regarding public notice requirements to the Township Committee (5-0)

Communications Commission

The Communications Commission will adopt the minutes from its prior meeting. It will then discuss and vote on updates to its website layout and color scheme, changes to the public‑notice sidebar, and the possible creation of an OPRA request form. Additional items include a review of monthly analytics and civic‑plus usage hours. The meeting will end with a public comment period.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Review and approval of web page layout and color proposal
• Review of public notice sidebar changes
• Discussion of possible OPRA request form creation
• Review of monthly analytics and civic‑plus usage hours

The Communications Commission approved the May meeting minutes and adopted the proposed website redesign using the township color scheme. It also adopted a new ordinance requiring all public notices to be routed through Barbara’s office before the Commission receives them. Additional actions included keeping the Auto Eye ADA page unchanged, planning to move ADA information to Analytics, hiring two part‑time staff for compost work, and confirming meetings are not livestreamed but recordings are on the township YouTube channel.

• Approved May meeting minutes (motion by Sara, seconded by Bill)
• Approved website design proposal and move forward with township color scheme (motion by Jim, seconded by Bill)
• Adopted ordinance routing public notices through Barbara’s office before Commission review
• Kept Auto Eye ADA page unchanged for now
• Planned to move ADA information to Analytics next month
• Authorized hiring of two part‑time employees for compost‑related activities
• Confirmed meetings are not livestreamed; recordings posted on township YouTube channel
• Noted website cannot display sidebar public notices; an online submission form will be needed

Township Committee

The Franklin Township Committee will vote on a series of resolutions and ordinances, including agreements for school resource officers, extensions of several employee contracts, and tax-related actions. A key item is authorizing Bryson & Yates Engineering to receive an additional $31,884 beyond FY25 and FY26 NJDOT reimbursements for a paving project. The agenda also includes adopting an affordable‑housing planner fee proposal and a marketing plan for fair‑housing outreach.

• R-97-26: Authorize Bryson & Yates Engineering for $31,884 extra costs for a paving project
• R-88-26, R-89-26, R-90-26: Agreements to provide 2, 3, and 1 school resource officers to local school districts for 2026‑2027
• R-91-26 to R-94-26: Extend employment agreements for payroll clerk, technical assistant, tax collector, and chief of police
• R-104-26: Approve Burgis Associates, Inc. fee proposal as affordable‑housing planner for the remainder of 2026
• R-101-26 to R-103-26: Grant tax exemptions to totally disabled veterans

The Franklin Township Committee approved a series of routine items, including correspondence, meeting minutes, bill list and food and farm‑stand licenses, all unanimously. It also adopted several ordinances covering affordable‑housing regulations, public‑notice requirements and new municipal positions. Additionally, the committee authorized agreements to provide school resource officers to three local school districts.

• Approved correspondence and reports (unanimous)
• Approved May 12, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved bill list (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 food and mobile food handling licenses (unanimous)
• Approved farm stand license (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance O-10-26 repealing and replacing Chapter 138 affordable‑housing regulations (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance O-11-26 amending Chapter 253 public‑notice requirements (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance O-14-26 creating part‑time compost attendant and full‑time program coordinator positions (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will conduct a remand hearing for ARCR Properties, LLC following a court order. The board will also memorialize resolutions for two previously granted use variances.

• Remand hearing for ARCR Properties, LLC at Block 5702, Lot 55 - Main Road
• Memorialization of use variance for Porchtown Storage LLC at 4494 Harding Highway
• Memorialization of use variance for Niraj Khanna at 572 Porchtown Road
• Appointment of Solicitor
• Appointment of Conflict Engineer

The board approved a variance for a 10-foot driveway on a Main Road property, as required by a court order, and set conditions including a 14-foot clearance and specific paving. Two use variances for commercial properties were also approved. The meeting included public opposition and a closed session for appointments.

• Approved ARCR Properties variance for 10-foot driveway with conditions (5-2)
• Approved use variance for Porchtown Storage LLC (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for 572 Porchtown Road convenience store (unanimous)
• Appointed Dasti & Staiger, P.C. as solicitor (unanimous)
• Appointed Environmental Resolutions, Inc. as conflict engineer (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Franklin Recreation Commission met on June 2, 2026 at the Community Center. The meeting included announcements about a Revolutionary Veterans’ Military War Memorial ceremony on June 6 and a community coin‑drop event scheduled for June 26‑27. No formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

Historical Advisory Committee

The Historical Advisory Committee met to finalize details for the upcoming military burial ceremony for Moses Crane and Joel Stewart. The committee discussed the presentation of flags to family members and the loan of those flags to Porchtown United Methodist Church. No formal votes or binding decisions were recorded; the meeting was primarily planning and informational.

• Finalized agenda for the Moses Crane and Joel Stewart military burial ceremony
• Discussed loan of Betty Ross burial ceremony flags to Porchtown United Methodist Church (proposed, not voted)
• Purchased commemorative 250th American flags, bracelets, and stickers for distribution (reported by chair)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hear a presentation and public comment on application PB26-01 submitted by RM Stinger, LLC. The proposal seeks to split a 3.22‑acre property at 612 Grant Avenue into two 1.61‑acre parcels, one retaining the existing home and the other for a new single‑family house. The applicant is requesting variances for a front‑yard setback encroachment and for the absence of an agricultural buffer easement. The board also received a communication (O‑5‑2026) indicating a stand‑alone ordinance that would prohibit data centers in warehouses or other structures.

• Review of PB26-01 minor subdivision application for 612 Grant Avenue
• Consideration of variance for existing front‑yard setback encroachment
• Consideration of variance for lack of agricultural buffer easement
• Communication O‑5‑2026: ordinance prohibiting data centers in warehouses or other structures

The Planning Board approved a minor subdivision of a 3.22-acre property into two parcels. The decision allows for the existing home to remain on one lot and the creation of a second lot for a future single-family home.

• Approved PB26-01 minor subdivision at 612 Grant Avenue (7-0)
• Approved April 21, 2026 meeting minutes (Unanimous; 2 abstentions)

Senior Citizen Advisory Committee

Communications Commission

The Franklin Communications Commission met on May 13, 2026, with two members present and several members absent. A motion was made by Sara to approve the April minutes, seconded by Bill. The board discussed adding an OPRA link to the website, ADA compliance status, and the upcoming website redesign, but no formal actions were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Bill, seconded by Sara.

Township Committee

The meeting will approve various 2026 licenses for local businesses and organizations. The Committee will vote on several resolutions, including reappointing Christina Mulford, restricting bicycle traffic on Route 55, authorizing a fireworks display for National Night Out, and an emergency temporary budget resolution under N.J.S.A. 40A:4‑20. Ordinances to be adopted cover new fire inspection fees, municipal budget appropriation limits and a CAP bank, a prohibition on data centers in all zoning districts, and traffic movement rules on municipal and school property.

• Approve 2026 Mobile Food License for Buon Viaggio, Green Garden Cafe
• Approve Farm Stand License for DeVard & Drakar – 1792 Harding Hwy
• Resolution R‑82‑26 – Emergency Temporary Budget Resolution (N.J.S.A. 40A:4‑20)
• Ordinance O‑5‑26 – Prohibit Data Centers in all zoning districts
• Ordinance O‑4‑26 – Establish 2026 municipal budget appropriations limits and a CAP bank

The Franklin Township Committee unanimously adopted several resolutions, including a new fee schedule for non‑life hazard inspections, the 2026 municipal budget appropriations limits with a CAP Bank, and an amendment that defines data centers as prohibited uses. It also approved changes to traffic movement rules, authorized a closed executive meeting, and approved a police agreement for the National Night Out celebration. Additionally, the committee appointed a water and sewer engineer and adopted an emergency temporary budget resolution.

• Adopted O-3-26 fee schedule for non‑life hazard inspections (unanimous)
• Adopted O-4-26 2026 municipal budget limits and CAP Bank (unanimous)
• Adopted O-5-26 amendment defining data centers as prohibited uses (unanimous)
• Adopted O-6-26 amendment to Chapter 373‑34 moving traffic on municipal and school property (unanimous)
• Authorized closed executive meeting per R‑78‑26 (unanimous)
• Authorized Chief of Police agreement with American Bounce for National Night Out (R‑80‑26, unanimous)
• Appointed Township Water and Sewer Engineer (R‑81‑26, unanimous)
• Adopted emergency temporary budget resolution (R‑82‑26, unanimous)

Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Agricultural Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the March 8, 2026 meeting. No new farm preservation applications were approved; the committee noted ongoing discussions with several farms. Ken’s contract with the township was extended through the end of 2026. The next meeting was scheduled for July 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

• Approved minutes from the March 8, 2026 meeting
• Extended Ken’s contract to year‑end 2026

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board will conduct a remand hearing regarding a variance for a single-family home on Main Road. The board will also memorialize resolutions for two previously granted use variances.

• ZB25-08: Remand hearing for ARCR Properties, LLC to build a house at Block 5702, Lot 55 (Main Road)
• ZB25-23: Memorialization of use variance for Porchtown Storage LLC at 4494 Harding Highway
• ZB26-01: Memorialization of use variance for Niraj Khanna at 572 Porchtown Road

Recreation Commission

The commission approved a permit for the June 26‑27 coin‑drop event. It also decided to hold the next meeting at the Ambulance Building. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Approved coin‑drop permit for June 26 (4 p.m.–8 p.m.) and June 27 (8 a.m.–noon)
• Decided to move the next Recreation Commission meeting to the Ambulance Building

Historical Advisory Committee

The Historical Advisory Committee received an update on the military funeral service for two Revolutionary War veterans to be held on June 6, 2026. Members discussed details including the Marine Corps rifle salute, 21‑gun salute, flags, seating, refreshments, and possible flyer distribution. The committee noted pending confirmation of Congressman Jeff VanDrew’s attendance and that the county will film the event. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

Library Board of Trustees

The Franklin Township Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting with standard procedural items and a new business item to review and discuss the library's bylaws and trustee manual. The meeting includes a first public portion, the new business discussion, a second public portion, and a closed session. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 20 at 7:00 pm.

• Review and discuss library bylaws and trustee manual (new business)
• First public portion
• Second public portion
• Closed session

The Library Board unanimously approved motions to open and close the first and second public portions of the meeting, as well as to open and close a closed session. The board also unanimously moved to adjourn the meeting. A review of the bylaws and trustee manual was discussed, but no formal action was taken.

• Opened First Public Portion (unanimous)
• Closed First Public Portion (unanimous)
• Opened Second Public Portion (unanimous)
• Closed Second Public Portion (unanimous)
• Opened Closed Session (unanimous)
• Closed Closed Session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Environmental Commission

The Franklin Township Environmental Commission meeting on April 27, 2026 will consider the minutes from February 23, 2026 and hear from guests. It will discuss emergency management and hazardous waste sites, and review one Zoning and Planning Board application identified as PB 2 6-01. The commission will also address old‑business items for Malaga Lake Park and Piney Hollow Preserve, and a new‑business item for Community Day.

• Review of Zoning and Planning Board Application PB 2 6-01
• Discussion of Emergency Management and Hazardous Waste Sites
• Old Business – Malaga Lake Park
• Old Business – Piney Hollow Preserve
• New Business – Community Day