News-pourri

For the second time in seven years, an application to turn a vacant building on Old New Brunswick Road into a retail center has been approved by the Planning Board. The board unanimously approved the application of Onyx, LLC to turn the 53,000-square-foot building at 785 Old New Brunswick Road into a strip center. The center would be located next …

Township government officially became an all-Democratic institution Jan. 1 when the team that swept the November election was sworn in to their seats. Taking their oaths were Mayor Phillip Kramer, Councilwomen Kimberly Francois and Shanel Robinson and Councilman Rajiv Prasad, all of whom are At-Large members.

Editor’s Note: Starting with this honor, the Franklin Reporter & Advocate will annually recognize one person who, in our opinion, has made the greatest impact on Franklin Township in the preceding year. Our inaugural award goes to Franklin Township Police Lieutenant Darrin Russo. On Dec. 2, 2015, Franklin Township Police Lt. Darrin Russo had a split second to make a decision …

Outgoing Mayor Chris Kelly has some advice for the man who’s going to be filling the seat come Jan. 1, 2016. Well, actually, he has a lot of advice.

Random thoughts on Christmas to think about today: “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” – Janice Maeditere

The Somerset County Park Commission will be accepting natural Christmas trees for recycling from Saturday, December 26, 2015 through Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Colonial Park parking lot F, 156 Mettlers Road. The facility will accept trees from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.

Two separate applications for gas stations and convenience stores were approved by township boards on Dec. 16 and 17. On Dec. 16, the Planning Board approved an application for a WaWa market and gas station on Route 27, and on Dec. 17, the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved plans for a 7-11 store, gas station and small retail center on …

The developer of the Canal Walk active adult community got most of what it was looking for Dec. 16 from the Planning Board, but it did not come easy. Canal Walk Associates was looking for site plan approval for one part of its planned expansion, a 63-unit, single family home development bordered by Schoolhouse Road and Canal Walk Boulevard.

Ways to keep your home safe – especially during the holidays – were the focus of a forum hosted Dec. 15 by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen at the township municipal building. The Home Safety Forum, the second Danielsen, (D-17) has held since joining the Assembly, featured Charles Maria, the township’s fire prevention inspector, and township police Sgt. Phil Rizzo.

Sights and sounds of the holidays were in abundance in the township Dec. 11. The township held the annual tree lighting and holiday celebration at the municipal complex, and Middlebush Reformed Church presented its annual Living Nativity on the green at Amwell and South Middlebush roads.