Environment

The region’s roller-coaster weather is expected to continue for the next few days, with the recent warm weather giving way to colder-than-normal temperatures next week. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth of information presented by the Franklin Reporter & Advocate. Period. We are the only truly independent media serving the Eight Villages. …

BIG STORM BREWING – The snow storm that is expected to hit our area this weekend could be the most impactful storm in the last five years, the state Climatologist said. (File photo). The upcoming snow storm expected to hit the area late Saturday into Sunday could be the most impactful storm in five years, according to the state Climatologist. Dave …

DEP COMMISSIONER NOMINEE – Township Councilmember Ed Potosnak, center, after he was sworn into his second Council term by Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill at the January 3 Council reorganization meeting. Also pictured in Potosnak’s partner, John Marchetti. (File photo). Township Council member Ed Potosnak has been nominated by Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill to be the next commissioner of the state Department of …

EXPLAINING OPTIONS – Township attorney Lou Rainone explains what options are available to the Township regarding the Williams-Transco NESE pipeline project. The last of the state permits needed for the construction of a $1 billion, multi-state natural gas pipeline project – part of which will come through Franklin – was approved January 12, and was immediately blasted by state environmentalists and …

BLOWER BAN PROPOSAL – Environmental Commissioner Arnold Schmidt has proposed banning fossil fuel-powered leaf blowers six months out of the year. A suggested Township ordinance amendment that would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers six months out of the year was the main topic of discussion at the January 5 Environmental Advisory Commission meeting. The idea was brought up …

EXPLAINING THE CONCEPT – Township Open Space Consultant Tara Kenyon describes Stormwater Management Utilities to the Environmental Commission at its December 1 meeting. The township Environmental Commission wants Franklin to join the small roster of New Jersey towns that charge landowners a fee for the the amount of stormwater runoff generated on their property. The Commission at its December 1 …

NOT HAPPY – The crowd of residents, mostly from Canal Walk, who watched the August 6 Planning Board hearing on approval conditions for the B9 warehouse development. (File photo). There was more legal wrangling November 17 in the controversial B9 warehouse development on Schoolhouse Road. Attorneys for the the developer and a Canal Walk-based citizens group opposing the development argued …

Nearly 100 people – including Franklin residents – gave state environmental officials an earful November 13 during a public hearing on a controversial natural gas pipeline project. The project, Williams-Tranco’s Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, will run from Pennsylvania, through New Jersey and eventually into New York. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth …

Local officials denounced the state Department of Environmental Protection November 7 for its approval of water permit applications needed for the Williams-Transco Northeast Supply Enhancement project. The officials also criticized the New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s approval of a similar permit application on the same day. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the …

UNDER CONSIDERATION – The Eagle HD Portable Bariatric Power Wheelchair is one of three mobility devices under consideration for purchase by the County Parks Commission. The Somerset County Park Commission is looking for the public’s input on the planned purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device. The device would be used to help visitors enjoy trails and other …