News-pourri

Here is the latest update from the 2026 Street Resurfacing Program: Sterling Rd Area Resurfacing – Bid Awarded

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 …

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 …

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 …

HOW TO SPOT A SCAM – Some of the attendees at the AARP-NJ-sponsored seminar on spotting and avoiding frauds and scams in the East Franklin Fire Department’s hall on April 30. More than 50 older adults gathered April 30 at the East Franklin Fire Department’s community hall on Pinegrove Avenue for a community education event focused on the growing threat …

NEW SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR – James Overton speaks to the Board of Education April 28 after he was named the new vice-principal at Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street campus. An educational veteran was appointed as the new vice-principal at Franklin Middle School — Hamilton Street campus at the Board of Education’s April 28 meeting.