News-pourri

SCHOOL DONATIONS – Makeda Fryson and Kwame Breedy of the Tripe B Foundation, and Claremont Elementary School vice-principal Angela Pape (left to right) talk about the supply donation made by the Foundation to the school. A township-based foundation made the wishes of a number of Claremont Elementary School teachers come true October 28 with the donation of $7,100 worth of …

RECOUNTING FAMILY HORRORS – Board of Education member Sami Shaban speaks to the crowd about the many members of his family who were killed in Gaza since the 1940s. Colonial Park’s Knob Hill Pavilion was the scene October 27 of a gathering showcasing Palestinian culture. Called “Connect with Palestine,” organizers designed the event to highlight the art, culture and heritage …

AFFORDABLE HOUSING NUMBERS EXPLAINED – Township attorney Lou Rainone discusses the state Department of Community Affairs report giving guidance on towns’ affordable housing obligations for the next decade. Township planning officials are studying a state Department of Community Affairs report, released last week, designed to provide guidance on state towns’ affordable housing obligation over the next decade. The report, described …

QUESTIONS PROPOSAL – Township Councilman Alex Kharazi was among the Councilmembers who said they were not comfortable with a proposed ordinance that would require registration of private parties with more than 100 guests. An ordinance that would have required the hosts of private parties with more than 100 guests to register with the Township was shelved by the Township Council …

EXPLAINING THE AMENDMENT – Township Attorney Lou Rainone shepherded the proposed ordinance amendment through the Township Council’s October 22 meeting. An ordinance amendment that is seen as making it easier for police to crack down on excessive noise was introduced at the October 22 Township Council meeting. The amendment would scrap the existing noise ordinance and move “noise nuisances” to …

The Franklin Department of Public Works has released the latest update in the 2024-25 street resurfacing program. Cornelius Way Resurfacing – Paving Pucillo Lane and Virginia Ct – 10/21/24. Paving Railroad Ave and Debow St -10/22/24. Weather permitting Cornelius Way – Paved Gunther Loop- Paved Pucillo Ln -Milled Debow St- Milling Jean Rd – Paved Lenape Dr Railroad Ave – …

Singers and dancers ruled the night October 18 at the inaugural Franklin’s Got Talent: Youth Edition variety show held at Franklin Middle School’s Sampson G. Smith campus. The stars of the show were Franklin students from all schools in the township: the traditional township schools, plus Central Jersey College Prep Charter School, Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School and Cedar Hill …

PARKING TESTIMONY – Jay Troutman, the church’s traffic engineer, makes a point during his testimony at the October 16 Planning Board hearing. After being told twice in the past two years to return to the drawing board, representatives of a Booker Street church on October 16 seemed to present a plan for a new building with which Planning Board members …

PROPOSED APARTMENT BUILDING – An artist’s rendering of the proposed four-story, 200-unit apartment building proposed for the former K-Mart location in Rutgers Plaza. The October 17 Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on the Levin Properties application to build 200 apartments in Rutgers Plaza has been postponed until 2025. The township published an online notice, saying that Levin had requested the …

The Raritan Valley Symphonic Band returns to Franklin High School, 500 Elizabeth Avenue, to start its 42nd season with its free Fall concert, “American Voices”, at 3 p.m. October 20.  The band is under the direction of Music Director William Berz. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth of information presented by the …