News-pourri

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 …

DISCUSSING THE PLAN – Planning Board chairman Michael Orsini leads the January 21 discussion on five ordinances connected to the Township’s Fair Share Housing Plan. The township Planning Board on January 21 moved the township’s proposed affordable housing plan along through a series of technical votes. The votes affirmed the Board’s finding that five projects were consistent with the Township’s …

FURTHERING THE LEGACY – Somerset County Commission Director Shanel Robinson talks about the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King during the annual Franklin Township Community Breakfast on January 19. The dream of the late Dr. Martin Luther King is not a “relic to be remembered,” but a “living legacy to be realized,” hundreds of attendees at the annual Franklin Township …

NEW ORDINANCE REVIEW – Mark Healey, the Township’s principal planner, reviews some of the aspects of the proposed zoning changes to the BI Zone at the January 14 Planning Board meeting. A series of design and location specifications designed to limit where in the township warehouses can be built – and how large they can be – was approved and …

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 …

A handful of ordinances related to the Township’s Affordable Housing Plan were introduced at the January 13 Township Council meeting. The ordinances would create four inclusionary zones and a redevelopment zone in different areas of the township to allow for the affordable housing developments. The Township has received state approval for its plan to provide for 659 affordable housing units …

GAZEBO VIGIL – Michael Steinbrück, left, leads crowd in song during the January 11 “Ice Out For Good” vigil in the Cultural Gazebo. Dozens of people gathered in the township Cultural Arts Gazebo on January 11 to hold a vigil for those who lost their lives in interactions with agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The “Ice Out For Good” …

MAKING ART – Attendees at the Muslim Heritage Month event in the Township Library January 10 make Turkish mosaics. The art and culture of Turkey was on display January 10 at the Township Library’s Muslim Heritage Month observance. The event was co-sponsored by the library and the Muslim Heritage Month Coalition. Ayeshah Ali, a library Trustee and member of the coalition, …

INTRODUCING THE CONCEPT – John Grib, representing the developer of the proposed storage space, talks about it at the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. The developer of a proposed outdoor storage space on State Route 27 is reviewing its plans after appearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment on January 8. The reconsideration came after it became apparent that Board …