News-pourri

Franklin’s Nigerian population was honored by the Township Council on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of Nigerian independence. The council at its Oct 23 meeting presented a proclamation to the township’s West African Community organization, commending it “through its Chairman, Ambassador Foday Mansaray for their continued efforts and Commitment in promoting sovereignty by cultural diversity programs in Franklin Township” …

A townhouse project targeted for Cedar Grove Lane, which was the subject of a lawsuit, received final approval Nov. 1 by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Known as The Grove at Somerset, the 34-unit development is planned to be built on nearly eight acres between the Jain Center and Cedar Hill Landscaping, across the street from Cedar Grove Plaza.

The Hamilton Street Business District and the township’s Parks and Recreation department partnered Oct. 28 for the annual Trunk or Treat event at John’s Plaza on Hamilton Street. In years’ past, the two events were held at separate locations, It was felt by organizers that it would be better to combine the two events into one.

Analysis

The Mettlers Road bridge was closed on Oct. 23 for emergency repairs which are expected to take four weeks. Somerset County Engineer Matthew Loper said the work consist of emergency repairs to the brick arch of the bridge.

The Franklin Township Community Foundation on Oct. 24 voted to return to donors the remaining contributions to a proposed “Peace and Non-Violence” monument park. The vote effectively kills the project that has sparked controversy in the township over how Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad (D-At Large) handled its approval process and his characterization of the park’s opponents.

A member of the Township Human Relations Commission said at a recent meeting that the people who opposed a proposed “Peace and Non-Violence” monument park were “white racists.” The member, John Tibbs, said at the commission’s Sept. 24 meeting it was the same people who several years ago opposed Catalpa Park because of plans to install cricket pitches there.

Oct. 21 was a double-barreled fundraising day for the Franklin Food Bank. First, there was the 9th annual “Hot Dog Day” fundraiser at the Corner Cafe and Grille at DeMott Lane and Amwell Road.

The former Crowne Plaza hotel on Davidson Avenue will be getting a hotel neighbor, thanks to an Oct. 18 Zoning Board of Adjustment approval. The board approved an application for a 128-room, extended-stay hotel which will be owned by Somerset Hotel LLC, the same group which owns the hotel that began as a Marriott and was operated under a number …

Analysis A campaign flier promoting the Republican slate of Somerset County Freeholder candidates contains misstatements about the candidates’ Democratic challengers.