DETAILING OBJECTIONS – Peter Steck, a planner hired by opponents to a plan to raze the Ukrainian Cultural Center, testifies about his objections to the application at the May 7 Zoning Board hearing. A planner testified May 7 that a proposal to demolish the Ukrainian Orthodox cultural center on Davidson Avenue and replace it with a 258,150-square-foot warehouse is riddled …

Four township-based culture and arts groups were among 27 organizations in Somerset County awarded a total of $283,450 in 2026 through the County History Partnership Program (CHPP) and Local Arts Program (LAP). Made possible by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, the LAP Grant is funded through a partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, while …

By The Rev. Jack Zamboni, Franklin. This Memorial Day, as New Jersey marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, we are called to honor not only the sacrifice of Black soldiers — but the debt this state still owes them. Black New Jerseyans fought in every conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present. They served under Washington’s Continental Army …

EXPLAINING THE PLAN – Samantha DeAndrea, Director of Planning for Somerset County, tells the Planning Board about the County’s subdivision application at the May 6 meeting. The Township Planning Board voted unanimously May 6 to approve a Somerset County application to subdivide a 32.9-acre property on Canal Road, preserving nearly 24 acres as permanent open space in the Millstone Valley …

LOOKING AT CRICKET TEAMS – Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Dahl and Advisory Recreation Council Chairman Keith Stewart (left to right) led the discussion on cricket teams at the May 6 Council meeting. Franklin Township’s Parks and Recreation Department is preparing a review of cricket field permits after discovering that some teams have manipulated their player rosters to qualify for …

A NEW SEASON – Parks & Recreation Director Stephen Dahl tells the Advisory Recreation Council about new programs and events coming up in the Spring and Summer. The township’s Parks and Recreation Department is launching a slate of new and expanded summer programs this season, including a debut theater camp, an upgraded concert series and the first outdoor pickleball tournament …

GUIDING THE DISCUSSION – Township Planner Mark Healey led the Planning Board in its initial review of recommendations made in the 2026 Master Plan Reexamination Report at the May 6 meeting. The Franklin Township Planning Board on May 6 began its review of a series of proposed zoning ordinance changes drawn from the township’s 2026 Master Plan Reexamination, with Board members …

State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (R-17) is hosting a health fair from 10 a.m. to noon May 15 at the Franklin Township Senior/Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane. At the inaugural fair, attendees will be able to meet with local healthcare representatives, get vitals and glucose screenings, try massage therapy, and learn about state healthcare programs.

A Community Flea Market and Artisan Alley is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16 near the Cultural Arts Gazebo in the Municipal Complex at 475 DeMott Lane. The event is hosted by the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council in partnership with Franklin Township Parks and Recreation. This free event is open to the public and will feature …

A public hearing on Somerset County provided services and programs for adults aged 60 and older, their caregivers, and residents age 18 and older living with a physical disability is set for 10:30-11:30 a.m. June 10 at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, 876 East Main Street. The hearing is sponsored by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services …