Recent changes to what is considered normal maintenance pursuant to the Uniform Construction Code no longer mandate construction permits for the installation of siding for one and two family detached dwellings (except for polypropylene) and the replacement of roofs for one and two family detached dwellings. 

It is very important to note that all siding and roof replacements for all structures located in a Historic District still require Historic Commission review and approval before the work can commence.  Below is map  showing the various districts.   To determine if you property is within an Historic District or for further information please contact via email Vincent Dominach at  or 732-873-2500 (ext. 6274)

Historic District Map

Please download the attached brochure to better understand the easement

Understanding Conservation Easement Brochure

A conservation easement is piece of land dedicated to protect specific environmentally sensitive features such as streams and wetlands. This is done by limiting the type and amount of development that may take place on or near an important environmental resource. This restriction stays with the land and each new owner of the property must abide by the terms of the easement. The conservation easement must remain in a natural state and not be used or altered in any way. This includes the building of structures, placing of fences, and mowing of grass. The easement area is intended to remain undisturbed and forever wild.

The franchise renewal agreement is available at: http://www.state.nj.us/bpu/pdf/boardorders/2014/20140129/1-29-14-3A.pdf

A copy of Ordinance No. 4118-15, effective October 19, 2015, is on the Township website at: http://ecode360.com/documents/FR0703/public/206844024.pdf#search=4118-15.

The ordinance included the following:

• Free internet service to schools, fire departments, libraries and Franklin Township offices.
• Fiber communication services between Township public buildings.
• One-time payment of $125,000.
• Annual franchise agreement fee, currently two (2%) percent of the gross revenues from all recurring charges in the nature of subscription fees paid by subscribers for cable television reception service.

Verizon is in the process of establishing FIOS service in Franklin, but the mechanical aspects of the service (such as laying wire) vary by area. Thus a time frame for full service in Franklin cannot be determined at this point.  To check availability and request FIOS service follow link:

https://www.verizon.com/foryourhome/ordering/checkavailability.aspx?type=pheonix&fromPersonalisation=y

Under their agreement with the State of New Jersey, Verizon is required to provide service to 70 selected public entities in the State; New Brunswick and Princeton are two that must have 100% service. This service “bleeds” into some areas of Franklin. As Verizon continues the work in these neighboring communities, service will become available to some additional areas in Franklin. According to the Verizon representative, there are no current plans to expand into all areas in the Township. 

Cable and FIOS are two different technologies. Cable TV utilizes coax cable, whereas FIOS utilizes fiber optic cable.

Additionally, cable service is provided through contracts with individual municipalities, whereas FIOS service is chartered by the state and operates across municipal boundaries.

1. Recommended that the existing franchise fee of 2% be based upon all recurring monthly charges.

    The amount of the franchise fee and the manner in which the fee is calculated is set by state law; Franklin has no control over this.

    

2. Customer fee should be negotiated by the Township on behalf of all residents.

               The Township has no legal authority to regulate rates - basic rates are regulated by the  State of New Jersey.  See N.J.A.C. 14:17-6.17

3. The Township should negotiate a basic internet access rate for its residents.

   The Township has no legal authority to do this - these rates are regulated by the State of New Jersey through the NJBPU.  See 47 U.S.C. 541(b)(3). 

    

4. Comcast should ensure that that residents that have negotiated a separate agreement with Comcast through their homeowner’s association all pay the same franchise fee as charged to other households.  

   The persons making this allegation should be referred to the NJBPU’s Office of Cable Television so that this allegation can be investigated.  It is not an appropriate item for a local franchise agreement because the franchise fee is assessed by Comcast pursuant to State law. 

    

5. Comcast should have to appear at periodic public meetings (every three to five years) to address performance and customer service.

   The franchise agreement can require this. 

    

6. The Franchise Agreement should be for a term of no greater than 10 years because of rapid changes in technology.

   Franklin can incorporate this recommendation into its franchise agreement; however Comcast will likely seek to bargain for a longer term and may provide concessions to Franklin to obtain the longer term.  

    

7. Comcast should continue to provide a discount to basic service for income eligible PAAD subscribers.

   Franklin cannot mandate that Comcast do this, however Comcast currently has a policy of offering the discount to PAAD eligible residents. 

    

8. Comcast should be required to report annually to the Township concerning all of the educational organizations that are being serviced and invoiced per the franchise agreement and Comcast should have a procedure for handling inquiries for free service from schools. 

   The provision of free services by Comcast cannot be mandated; rather the NJBPU will allow free services to be offered in franchise agreements after a review of the public need for these free services.  It may be difficult to get Comcast to agree to additional burdens on a free service that it provides on a voluntary basis, but we can certainly discuss these concerns during the negotiations.

    

9.  Comcast should maintain a local office in Franklin; the Hillsborough location is not convenient and has no convenient public transportation. 

   Franklin may not be able to mandate that the office be located in Franklin, however it can discuss with Comcast whether Hillsborough meets the definition of an office “within reasonable proximity of its service area” as required by N.J.A.C. 14:18-5.1(a). Comcast would be required to petition the BPU to close or relocate the Hillsborough office. 

    

10. In addition to maintaining the Education and Government Access channels, Comcast should add a Public Access channel. 

                This can be discussed during the franchise negotiations.

     

11. Comcast should extend the dark fiber network to the radio towers, pump stations, parks, open spaces, historic sites, library, library branches and any other publicly owned facilities deemed need by the Township for the efficient operation of the Township.

    This can be discussed during the franchise negotiations.  Depending on the cost of this endeavor, and assuming Comcast were willing to do this, Comcast would likely exact significant concessions (such as franchise term) to undertake this.  Comcast can require that the Township contribute to this cost, or in the alternative place on the monthly bill to customers in Franklin a statement concerning what portion of the monthly bill is attributable to the installation of this additional dark fiber. 

     

12. Comcast should provide a grant for $35,000 for equipment updates in the Council Room studio – the types of equipment are listed on page 19 of the Municipal Report. 

    This can be discussed during the franchise negotiations. 

     

13. Comcast should continue to provide free of charge two telephone lines that allow free calls within the continental U.S., which are currently available in the Municipal Building and Community Senior Center.

The Township cannot mandate that Comcast provide this.  Comcast can agree to continue to provide this on a voluntary basis.  This can be discussed during the franchise negotiations.  

The Township can require that those items be addressed prior to entering into a new franchise agreement with Comcast, or address these issues within a new franchise agreement.  However Comcast has voluntarily provided these free services, Franklin has no right to mandate that free services be provided.  

Yes – the CTAC identified the following areas of non-compliance:

1. St. Mathias indicated that it did not currently receive free service
2. New Road School indicated that it did not currently receive free service
3. Rutgers Preparatory School indicated that it did not currently receive free service
4. Central Jersey College Preparatory indicated that it did not currently receive free service
5. The Township Library has not received free internet service from Comcast
6. The Township Library was not provided the fiber backbone required by the current franchise agreement.

1. The Board of Education requested the conversion from the cable system to an Ethernet network for video distribution.
2. The Board of  Education requested a cable connection to the transportation trailers on Churchill Avenue
3. The Township Library requested Enterprise Level, SLA supported internet service at the main library, existing branches and any future branches.
4. The Township Library requested dedicated network connectivity (such as a dedicated fiber connection) between the main library and branches.  

Franklin can negotiate the terms of Comcast’s line extension policy with Comcast during the negotiating process.  Comcast’s application calls for it to extend its plan along the public right of way to all residents and businesses within 150 aerial feet or 100 underground feet of the operator’s existing plan at no cost beyond the normal installation rate.  

The Township can contact the providers to address the issue.

Regarding poor customer service - Franklin has designated the Office of Cable Television at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities as the complaint officer for hearing customer complaints.  The Report prepared by the Cable Television Advisory Committee (CTAC) provides a record of complaints made, type of complaint and how long it took to handle the complaint.  It is an efficient system that residents should be routinely encouraged to use to address customer service complaints

Franklin has no control over or service offerings, as these are regulated by a combination of the NJBPU and the FCC.  However, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 14:18-3.4, upon request by the customer at no charge they must provide a complete copy of its current schedule of prices, rates, charges and services.  They are also required by that regulation to provide customers, upon request with an explanation in non-technical terms of its service packages, rates and prices to enable customers to obtain the most affordable service. 

Franklin cannot dictate that companies provide more channels or certain types of channels. Residents should send their requests directly to the providers. 

Franklin has no control over competition, its franchise agreement with Comcast is non-exclusive – which means other providers can offer services in Franklin if they so choose.

The Township’s priority is arterial streets--larger streets that carry the heaviest volumes of traffic. A repair on an arterial street that carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily will take priority over a residential street that carries far fewer vehicles. However, all potholes are important to us, and every pothole reported will be fixed.

Potholes occur when street pavement cracks and breaks because of water or traffic.

Water can get under the pavement through cracks or from the side of the road. Over time, the water can cause the material under the pavement to erode, causing the pavement to sink down and break. During the winter, the water under the pavement can freeze and expand, and then thaw and contract. This freeze/thaw cycle can cause the pavement to crack so that it deteriorates quickly under the weight of traffic, and then streets can seem to break out in potholes overnight.

Depends on its location:

609-588-6212 for State roads:  Rt. 27 and Route 287

908-541-5021 for Somerset County roads: Easton Avenue, Elizabeth Avenue, Manville Causeway, Kingston-Rocky Hill Road, Andover Road, Franklin Boulevard, Amwell Road, Bunker Hill Road, Blackwells Mills Road (Canal to River Road), Canal Road (Griggstown Causeway to Bunker Hill Road), Griggstown Causeway, South Middlebush Road, Weston Canal Road, Laurel Avenue, Old Road, Cedar Grove Lane, Land Lane, Hamilton Street, Route 518, Claremont Road

732-249-7800 (Public Works Department) for the remaining local roads, or use the following on-line LINK, so we can repair them quickly. 

There are several reasons why we may not have made the repair you requested:

Weather conditions have created a backlog: There are seasonal variations in the amount of new potholes that are created. When there is a significant backlog, the Township will put extra crews on the job of filling potholes until the backlog is gone.

Can’t find the pothole: Sometimes we are given insufficient information or there may be a car parked over the pothole when we arrive, hiding it from view. If we have the name and telephone number of the person who reported the pothole, we call for a better description of the location.

Utility cuts: Some of the potholes reported are the responsibilities of other parties to fill. The agencies or private contractors who dig into the street to work on underground utilities must either repair the street pavement or pay the Township to make the final, permanent repair. If the "utility cut" is not properly repaired, the area of the excavation can sink, leaving what can appear to be a pothole. When these are reported, we may require the utility to return and correct the paving.

Utility covers: When entrances to underground utilities become worn, the owners of the utility must repair cracked or damaged pavement around the rim.

Railroad Tracks: The Township is not allowed to work within three feet of railroad tracks. This area must be repaired by the railroad. Repairs in the area we are responsible for within 25 feet of railroad tracks may take longer because we have to coordinate with the railroad.

Off to the side of the road: Sometimes a pothole forms off to the side of the roadway, especially when drainage is inadequate and the area is used for parking. These areas are usually the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain. When a street is fully improved, these areas include a planting strip, sidewalk, and curb. A DPW inspector can verify if the pothole is in the part of the right of way that is the responsibility of the property owner.

The material used to patch potholes doesn’t stick as well to the surrounding pavement when it is cold or wet, so repairs made in the winter may not last as long as on dry, warm pavement. We can’t wait for dry weather to fill potholes, however, because we must maintain safety. In late December and the beginning of January, asphalt plants are closed, and hot asphalt is not available. Instead, during these weeks, we use a “cold mix.” Pothole repairs made under adverse conditions may not last as long, but the potholes still need to be filled for reasons of safety.

If a police report has been made.

If no police report was made.

Requirements vary by project.  Please contact the Construction Office at 732-873-7283 for specific information.

A Certificate Continued Occupancy inspection is not required in Franklin Township when selling a residential home; what is required is an inspection from the Fire Prevention Department

732-873-2500 extension 6303.  A CCBC (Certificate Of Continued Building Compliance) is required if you are selling commercial building or if a new tenant is acquiring the space.

Depending on the project, if prior approvals (Zoning, Engineering, Health etc.) are not required, a minimum of twenty (20) business days should be planned for processing applications.  If such prior approval is required, your application review may take longer.  The twenty (20) business day period begins on the date the complete construction permit application arrives at the CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.  Also if, during the review of your application, it is determined that additional information is required, this may result in a longer review time.

If you are the owner of a single family and you reside in the home, in most cases, may perform your own work and draw your own plans. Please call the Construction Department and speak to the appropriate inspector who will steer you in the correct direction.

732-873-7283 Extension: 6224

A construction permit is required for everything that is not considered an ordinary repair or maintenance. Permits are required for Finishing Basements, Decks, Raised Patios, Swimming Pools, Renovating Bathrooms & Kitchens, Water Heaters, Sheds, Gazebos, new Electrical wiring and new Plumbing installations. Click here to view additional guidelines. Please keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive and is meant to provide general information only. For more specific information please contact the Construction Office at 732-873-7283.

The application can be downloaded here. If you do not have printer capabilities to download the form from, you can email your address to the Board of Elections and request an application be sent to your home.

Any "Local government employee" which means any person, whether compensated or not, whether part-time or full-time, employed by or serving on a local government agency who is not a local government officer, but shall not mean any employee of a school district; and any  "Local government officer" which means any person whether compensated or not, whether part-time or full-time: (1) elected to any office of a local government agency; (2) serving on a local government agency which has the authority to enact ordinances, approve development applications or grant zoning variances; (3) who is a member of an independent municipal, county or regional authority; or (4) who is a managerial executive or confidential employee of a local government agency, as defined in section 3 of the "New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act," P.L.1941, c.100 (C.34:13A-3), but shall not mean any employee of a school district or member of a school board.

a.    An appointed local government officer or employee found guilty by the Local Finance Board or a county or municipal ethics board of the violation of any provision of the Local Government Ethics Law or of any code of ethics in effect pursuant to this act, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.). The board shall report its findings to the office or agency having the power of removal or discipline of the appointed local government officer or employee and may recommend that further disciplinary action be taken.

b.    An elected local government officer or employee found guilty by the Local Finance Board of the violation of any provision of the Local Government Ethics Law or of any code of ethics in effect pursuant to this act, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to “the penalty enforcement law” (N.J.S.2A:58-1et seq.).

a.    To initiate, receive, hear and review complaints and hold hearings with regard to possible violations of the Local Government Ethics Law;

b.    To issue subpoenas for the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses with respect to its investigation of any complaint or to the holding of a hearing;

c.     To hear and determine any appeal of a decision made by a county or municipal ethics board;

d.    To forward to the county prosecutor or the Attorney General or other governmental body any information concerning violations of the Local Government Ethics Law which may become the subject of criminal prosecution or which may warrant the institution of other legal proceedings by the Attorney General;

e.    To render advisory opinions as to whether a given set of facts and circumstances would constitute a violation of the Local Government Ethics Law;

f.     To enforce the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law and to impose penalties for the violation thereof as are authorized by the Local Government Ethics Law; and 

g.    To adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) and to do other things as are necessary to implement the purposes of the Local Government Ethics Law.

It is a violation of the Local Government Ethics Law if a local government officer or employee under the jurisdiction of the Local Finance Board does not comply with the following:

a.    No local government officer or employee or member of his immediate family shall have an interest in a business organization or engage in any business, transaction, or professional activity, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest; 

b.    No independent local authority shall, for a period of one year next subsequent to the termination of office of a member of that authority: 

(1)  award any contract which is not publicly bid to a former member of that authority;

(2)  allow a former member of that authority to represent, appear for or negotiate on behalf of any other party before that authority; or

(3) employ for compensation, except pursuant to open competitive examination in accordance with Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, any former member of that authority.  The restrictions contained in this subsection shall also apply to any business organization in which the former authority member holds an interest. 

c.     No local government officer or employee shall use or attempt to use his official position to secure unwarranted privileges or advantages for himself or others; 

d.    No local government officer or employee shall act in his official capacity in any matter where he, a member of his immediate family, or a business organization in which he has an interest, has a direct or indirect financial or personal involvement that might reasonably be expected to impair his objectivity or independence of judgment; 

e.    No local government officer or employee shall undertake any employment or service, whether compensated or not, which might reasonably be expected to prejudice his independence of judgment in the exercise of his official duties; 

f.     No local government officer or employee, member of his immediate family, or business organization in which he has an interest, shall solicit or accept any gift, favor, loan, political contribution, service, promise of future employment, or other thing of value based upon an understanding that the gift, favor, loan, contribution, service, promise, or other thing of value was given or offered for the purpose of influencing him, directly or indirectly, in the discharge of his official duties. This provision shall not apply to the solicitation or acceptance of contributions to the campaign of an announced candidate for elective public office, if the local government officer has no knowledge or reason to believe that the campaign contribution, if accepted, was given with the intent to influence the local government officer in the discharge of his official duties;

g.    No local government officer or employee shall use, or allow to be used, his public office or employment, or any information, not generally available to the members of the public, which he receives or acquires in the course of and by reason of his office or employment, for the purpose of securing financial gain for himself, any member of his immediate family, or any business organization with which he is associated;

h.    No local government officer or employee or business organization in which he has an interest shall represent any person or party other than the local government in connection with any cause, proceeding, application or other matter pending before any agency in the local government in which he serves. This provision shall not be deemed to prohibit one local government employee from representing another local government employee where the local government agency is the employer and the representation is within the context of official labor union or similar representational responsibilities;

i.      No local government officer shall be deemed in conflict with these provisions if, by reason of his participation in the enactment of any ordinance, resolution or other matter required to be voted upon or which is subject to executive approval or veto, no material or monetary gain accrues to him as a member of any business, profession, occupation or group, to any greater extent than any gain could reasonably be expected to accrue to any other member of such business, profession, occupation or group;

j.     No elected local government officer shall be prohibited from making an inquiry for information on behalf of a constituent, if no fee, reward or other thing of value is promised to, given to or accepted by the officer or a member of his immediate family, whether directly or indirectly, in return therefor; and

k.    Nothing shall prohibit any local government officer or employee, or members of his immediate family, from representing himself, or themselves, in negotiations or proceedings concerning his, or their, own interests. 

Written complaints shall:

1. State the point of the Local Government Ethics Law alleged to be violated;

    

2. State the name(s) and title(s) of the parties involved in the action and against whom the complaint is filed; 

3. Set forth in great detail the pertinent facts surrounding the alleged violative action;
    

4. Indicate whether the complaint concerns the complainant in any way and what, if any, relationship the complainant has to the subject of the complaint; and

5. Indicate any other action previously taken in an attempt to resolve the issue and indicate whether the issue is the subject of pending litigation elsewhere.

• The Local Finance Board, upon receipt of a signed written complaint by any person alleging that the conduct of any local government officer or employee, not regulated by a county or municipal code of ethics, is in conflict with the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law, shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 30 days of receipt and initiate an investigation concerning the facts and circumstances set forth in the complaint.

   

• The board shall make a determination as to whether the complaint is within its jurisdiction or frivolous or without any reasonable factual basis.

   

• If the board shall conclude that the complaint is outside its jurisdiction, frivolous or without factual basis, it shall reduce that conclusion to writing and shall transmit a copy thereof to the complainant and to the local government officer or employee against whom the complaint was filed.

   

• Otherwise the board shall notify the local government officer or employee against whom the complaint was filed of the nature of the complaint and the facts and circumstances set forth therein. The officer or employee shall have the opportunity to present the board with any statement or information concerning the complaint which he wishes.

   

• Thereafter, if the board determines that a reasonable doubt exists as to whether the local government officer or employee is in conflict with the provisions of this act, the board shall conduct a hearing in the manner prescribed by the Local Government Ethics Law, concerning the possible violation and any other facts and circumstances which may have come to the attention of the board with respect to the conduct of the local government officer or employee.

   

• The board shall render a decision as to whether the conduct of the officer or employee is in conflict with the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law. This decision shall be made by no less than two-thirds of all members of the board.

   

• If the board determines that the officer or employee is in conflict with the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law, it may impose any penalties which it believes appropriate within the limitations of the Local Government Ethics Law.

   

• A final decision of the board may be appealed in the same manner as any other final State agency decision.

Curb stop is an underground valve which is located between water main and your water meter.  The curb stop can be operated by using a special key through the opening of a cast iron device called “curb box”.  The curb box is typically located between the sidewalk and curb or on your front lawn.  The curb box usually has a 4” round iron cap which prevents debris dropping into it. 

A working curb stop/curb box is important for reliable water service.  If you notice your curb box cap is missing, please contact Franklin Township Water at 732-249-7800 M-F 7am-3pm, so that we can have the curb box repaired before further damage occurs.

Franklin Township Water Utility Department operates 24/7.  If you have any water emergency outside of our regular office hour (7:00 to 3:00 PM, M-F), please contact Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 and one of our stand-by crew will respond to your call promptly.

We will be glad to answer your questions related to your drinking water.  Please call us at 732-249-7800, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Turn on your tap slowly and run the cold water until the sputtering stops. Flush water pipe by running the water until it is clear.  Also, check the faucet screens for trapped particles. Remove the screens and clean out any particles. Put the screens back on the faucet.  Begin with the faucet that is highest up in your home or building and then open the other faucets one at a time moving from the highest floor to the lowest.

Water dispensers and ice makers are connected to your water line. You need to flush and clean them.  Follow the directions in the owner's manual or:

1. Throw out ice
2. Flush the water dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes
3. Run the ice maker for 1 hour
4. Throw out all the ice
5. Wash and sanitize bin areas
6. Change the filter cartridges. Some units need disinfecting. Follow the directions in the unit's owner's manual.

Please follow the boiling water guidelines to bring the water to “rolling boil” for 1 minute before drinking it.  Please contact Somerset County Health Department for more details 

Health Page

We leave a door tag when we attempt to get in touch with you.  So, please call us back when you notice a door tag at your door.  We typically leave a door tag when we need to get into your house to work on the water meter.  Please call us at 732-249-7800 as soon as possible to make an appointment with us whenever you receive a door tag from us.  When you have an appointment, make sure you are available at the appointment time.  If you cannot keep your appointment, please call us as soon as possible so that our service personnel can help other customers.

When you receive an unusual high water bill, it is a high possibility that you have a toilet valve leak or leak from one of your faucets.  Check your toilet, to make sure there is no leak.  To help you identify the toilet leak, put a dye pill in the toilet tank and see if the dye color gets in the toilet bowl without any flush.  To help you identify the toilet leak, we have dye pills available for pick up from the DPW office located at 40 Churchill Avenue in Franklin Township. 

You can also determine leaks by reading your water meter when no one is in the home for a period of time.  Write down the meter reading before you leave the house and compare the meter reading after you come back.  If the meter readings are significantly different, you may have a leak.  Please consult with your plumber to repair the leak.

All Franklin Township Water Utility service staff wear uniforms which has a Franklin Township logo and they carry a Franklin Township employee photo ID.  You can ask them to put on shoe covers before entering your house.  As always, if you have any doubt or questions, simply call 732-249-7800 one of our representatives will confirm the appointment for you.

When you establish the water service, you pay for the water meter.  Therefore, the water meter is your property. 

When you request to temporary shutoff your water service, Franklin Township Water Utility will shut off the water service and remove the meter.  The removed meter will be given to you to keep in a heated and safe location.  When you request to have the water service turned back on, you should provide us with the water meter.  If the meter is damaged or lost, you will need to pay for another meter before the water service can be turned on.  Please note that the shutoff service is free of charge and the charge for service turn-on is $75 each time.

Water meters do get old and become slow and inaccurate overtime.  Franklin Township Water Department has a meter replacement program which replaces meters in our entire system every 10 to 15 years.  To help us complete our work efficiently, please call us at 732-249-7800 to make an appointment as soon as possible whenever you receive a water replacement notice.

Franklin Township does not have any water treatment facilities.  We buy treated water from our bulk suppliers.  Currently, our bulk suppliers are City of New Brunswick Water Department, New Jersey American Water Company and South Brunswick Township Water Department.

Unless the tree is on township property, neither the Shade Tree Commission nor the Department of Public works (DPW) has the authority or obligation to remove or replace these trees. Instead, it is the homeowner's responsibility.

If you cannot determine whether a specific tree is within the Township's property or right of way, you may call the Engineering Department at 732-873-2500 x6230 to obtain street right-of-way widths to assist in determining if the tree is on Township property. Your inquiry will be easier to handle if you provide your specific block and lot numbers.

State listing provides protection similar to Section 106 review under New Jersey Register Encroachment Review (NJAC 7:4) for all state, county, or municipally funded or licensed projects. The State has made Historic Preservation Bond Fund matching grants and low interest loans for rehabilitation and restoration available to state, county, and local agencies and non-profit organizations with properties listed on the Register.

Local designation offers the strongest protection of historic sites and districts. It requires the owner of a property designated a historic site or within a local historic district to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Franklin Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission before undertaking any exterior addition,  alteration, removal or demolition.

A property currently may receive local historic designation by recommendation of the Franklin Township Planning Board to the Franklin Township Council. To be placed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places as a site or district, an application must be submitted to the New Jersey Office of Historic Preservation for review. Once it has been entered on the State Register, the Office of Historic Preservation will forward the application to United States Department of the Interior for National Register consideration.

The Township Council negotiated a contract with RCN in 1999. Patriot took over from RCN in 2003, operating under the same contract. Patriot was sold to Comcast in 2007. Comcast now operates in Franklin by the same 1999 contract with RCN, which terminated in 2014. It was renewed by the Township in 2015.

TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN, SOMERSET COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 4118-15

The franchise renewal agreement is available at: http://www.state.nj.us/bpu/pdf/boardorders/2014/20140129/1-29-14-3A.pdf

1. Review the services for which you currently pay and see if you can switch to a plan with fewer channels.  
2. Review which equipment option and leasing program you have selected.
3. Check to see if there are any promotions available.
   
   
   

The Cable Committee does not negotiate directly with service providers or the BPU on behalf of individual residents.

Comcast Customer Service Guarantee

You should contact your service provider.

We do not serve lunch at the center, but feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch if you are spending the day. However, lunch is served daily at the Quail Brook Senior Center at 625 New Brunswick Rd. You may call Margie O’Conner at 732-563-4213 for more information.

You may pick up a monthly Calendar for days and times at the Center or click here for more information.

Township residents 55 and older may participate in the following activities.

FINE ARTS:Welcomes artists of all levels. We provide supplies or you may bring your own. This course runs in eight-week sessions, and there is a small fee to take this course. 

HEALTHY BONES: This course is sponsored by the Somerset County Office on Aging and requires a physician’s release and registration prior to starting the class. This class is an exercise program that uses weights to deter 
osteoporosis. There is a small cost to take this course. 

SIT AND KEEP FIT EXERCISE: This free program is offered twice a week and 

YOGA: This very popular 13-week course is taught by certified instructor, Tom Allardice. All levels are welcome, and there is a small fee to attend this class.

LOW IMPACT AEROBICS: Another very popular 13-week course that is taught by certified instructor, Mary Ann Carroll. All levels are welcome and there is a small fee to attend this class. 

WALKING CLUB: Offered most months throughout the year. Walkers either meet at the local parks, or are transported to malls and other sites. Registration is required on any walking trips. Stop by the center for a monthly schedule.
Please note that there is no walking from Mid June until the beginning of September, and then a few weeks in the winter. Annual membership fee.

ARTS & CRAFTS: This weekly activity helps participants make small crafts that may be good for holiday gifts or decorative pieces for your home. Small fee.

SWINGIN SINGIN SENIORS: A group of dedicated seniors who practice weekly and sing at different outside engagements throughout the year. New participants are always welcome, and no prior experience is necessary.

THE FRANKLIN HI-STEPPERS: A group of dedicated volunteers who practice twice a week and perform all over the state of NJ.

LINE DANCING: This group meets every week and there is no registration or fee to join. 

BRIDGE GROUP: Meets for informal instruction and then plays using the techniques just learned. No fee or registration required. 

BINGO: Organized by the Franklin Township Senior Citizens Club and Franklin Park Senior Citizens Club. Club members may play following the weekly club meeting. 

TAI CHI: Under the instruction of Brian Coffey, this program is offered weekly for 8 weeks, and there is a fee due at the time of registration. 

Three different seniors citizens clubs currently meet at the Community/Senior Center. You are encouraged to visit all three and then join one or all of them. Nominal dues vary per club. Each club has weekly meetings, trip calendars, social events, and guest speakers.

The club’s schedules are as follows:

Call the Water Utility at 732-249-7800 as soon as possible to setup an appointment.

The following Sports Organizations run independently of the Recreation Department and administer their own program including registration, schedules, fees and organizational structure 

• FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP BASEBALL LEAGUE (732) 828-1233 www.ftllbaseball.com
• FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP/SOUTH BOUND BROOK LITTLE LEAGUE (732) 469-7761 www.sbbsll.com 
• FRANKLIN TWP. SOCCER LEAGUE (732) 699-0002 www.ftsconline.org
• POP WARNER FOOTBALL (732) 422-3879 www.ftpw.org

The following Sports Organizations are co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and can be reached as follows:

• FRANKLIN TWP. WRESTLING (732) 873-1275 (732) 296-1009 www.franklinwrestlingclub.com
  
• Hershey Track & Field (609) 409-6327
• Franklin Adult Slo-Pitch Softball (609) 395-9167

Simply access the Rutgers University Youth Sports Research Council Web site at http://www.youthsports.rutgers.edu. On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation, which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the “Little League Law” (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a “safety orientation and training skills program.” Please check site frequently for clinic availability updates. Site is updated as classes fill.

Fee waivers/reductions are available to low/moderate-income families. Fees may be waived/reduced pending proper documentation. Please call the Recreation office to obtain a form at (732) 873-1991 

If you do not get into a class, you are placed on a waiting list in order of registration. If an opening becomes available in a closed program, the space will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. If that person declines or is unreachable after three attempts, the staff will then contact the next person on the list. You are simply required to forward a payment to the Recreation office. There is no need to fill out another registration form. All your information is already on file.

NO confirmations will be made if you get into a program. If you DO NOT get into a class, you will be notified, placed on a waiting list, and your payment will be returned.

Our random lottery selection process ensures that all registration requests received with postmarks of the specified mail-in date have an equal chance of enrollment. Registration forms received with postmarks other than the specified mail-in date will be processed following the lottery process on a first-come, first-serve basis (this includes any registrations received before or after the specified mail-in postmark date). MAIL-IN REGISTRATIONS ONLY will be accepted and included in our random lottery selection process only when they are received through the mail at Franklin Township Recreation, 505 DeMott Lane, PO Box 6704, Somerset, NJ 08873, with a postmark OF the specified mail-in date. Walk-in registrations will be accepted on a specified date AFTER the lottery, space permitting.

Non-Township residents have full use of the park (permits notwithstanding), but only Township residents can hold park permits. 

A Special Event Permit or other Township approval may be needed if you can answer yes to any of the following questions. Residents should check with the Township Clerk for details. 

• Is the event open to the public?
• Is there an admission fee? 
• Will the event take place on public property or roadways? (Including but not limited to Township property, buildings, and Parks.) 
• Will alcoholic beverages be served? 
• Does the premise possess a liquor license? 
• Are tents or canopies proposed? 
• Will food be served? 
• Will food be prepared on site? 
• Will food be warmed on site?
• Are any open flames, fireworks, or pyrotechnics proposed?
• Will portable lighting, power or sound Amplification devices be used? 
• Are raffles or games of chance proposed? 
• Are restroom facilities available? Permanent or Portable? How many?
• Are amusements, rides, animals, show mobiles, Etc.proposed? 
• Will signs be utilized for Advertising, Directions, Other? 

In most cases park permits are $10.00 per 4-hour block of time.

Yes. You are required to possess a valid Permit to Purchase a Handgun in order to purchase a handgun from a friend and /or acquaintance. The only circumstance not requiring a Permit to Purchase a Handgun is when the firearm(s) is inherited from a deceased individual.

Applications for Permits to Carry a Handgun are made through the Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County). Please review our “Concealed Carry” section for more information.

The State of New Jersey does not require you to possess or obtain a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and / or Permit to Purchase a Handgun to take possession of inherited firearms; however, you can not take possession if you would be disqualified from owning or possessing firearms subject to N.J.S.A. 2C-58-3. We highly recommend that you voluntarily register all the firearms with the State of New Jersey utilizing the Voluntary Form for Firearms Registration. This can be located at Firearms Forms to Download | New Jersey State Police (nj.gov) (Form S.P 650).

The Franklin Township Police Department charges $50.00 for a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and $25.00 for every Permit to Purchase a Handgun. Please be advised that all Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards and Permits to Purchase Handguns are now electronic.

Upon completion of your FARS Application in https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars., you will receive access to your Firearms Purchaser Identification card in your approval email. You will also receive confirmation of your E-Permits in your approval email, and you should provide that email to a NJ retail firearms dealer who will have access to execute your E-Permit.

If you have never been fingerprinted before for firearms purposes, you will need to go for fingerprinting. Upon completion of your FARS application submitted on https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars , Follow the instructions / link in your confirmation email to schedule your fingerprint appointment. However, if you have been fingerprinted before for firearm purposes, upon completion of this form and payment, you will have completed both the Firearms Application and 212A requirements.

If you need to be fingerprinted for a Carry Permit, please review our “Concealed Carry” section for further instructions.

Permits to Purchase a Handgun expire 90 days after being issued. Permits that have not been used and will expire can only be extended ONCE for an additional 90 days from the original date of expiration.

No, however, non-U.S. citizens must provide a copy of their Permanent Resident Alien Card.

To apply, please visit Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS) | New Jersey State Police (nj.gov) and follow the instructions.

Franklin Police Department is in the process of coordinating various community policing activities and programs. It is important to stay connected to the community, either by attending meetings, viewing the updates on our website and/or social media sources. Please get involved!

• We utilize a trigger-based early warning system for types of incidents officers' are involved or encounter. This early warning system helps us monitor our officer's behavior and allows us to evaluate each officer for any potential issues.This system tracks the type of incidents officers are involved; and requires supervisors to monitor and re-assess each officer. If necessary, officers receive the necessary re-training, assistance and/or required discipline. We work with our Human Resources Director to make final determinations on discipline and/or terminations.

• There are no minimum requirements for the number of complaints before an officer is reprimanded, disciplined or terminated. Depending upon the violation, the officer may be disciplined after one (1) sustained violation of any of the department's policies and/or procedures.

Medical attention is always required when any type of injury or pain is reported or observed during any encounter or following a use of force incident.

In regards to background checks, thorough background checks are completed. Professional, personal and independent references are sought. Applicants are psychologically evaluated for 5 plus hours by licensed independent psychologist for all the concerns noted in the above question.

In all instances when physical, mechanical or deadly force is used, each officer who has employed such force must complete a report and required forms.

Verbal warnings are always an officer's first option prior to drawing a weapon or using force. However, each case may be handled on a case by case basis; and rely upon the officer's or citizen's level immediate danger of serious bodily injury or death.

Officers are trained and expected to make sound judgment and exercise appropriate use of force. When an officer has to use force, they are trained to utilize reasonable force when necessary to protect citizens and themselves. Officers are instructed and trained to always utilize the minimal use of force, ranging from verbal commands, gestures, warnings, chemical or natural agent spraying and hand-to-hand methods. All use of force incidents are reviewed by supervisors and Internal Affairs.

Planned Events: The Contractor provides 48-hour advance notice and works to minimize the length of all planned water shut downs required to install new water mains. Water service may be disrupted for 4-6 hours or longer if unforeseen issues arise.

Emergency Events: Unexpected breaks can occur requiring the system to be shut down for repair. The length of time needed to repair the line and resume water service varies depending on the severity of the damage. As always, crews will do everything they can to make the needed repairs and return water service to you as soon as possible.

Our police officers train in use of force techniques, internal affairs reporting as required by the New Jersey Attorney General Directives and Guidelines; and is committed to the New Jersey Attorney General's Excellence in Policing Initiative.This initiative reinforces law enforcement Professionalism, Accountability and Transparency. Keep in mind that this training is mandated by the Attorney General's Office for law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.' For more information, please visit the following website: (www.nj.gov/oag/excellence).

The Contractor will notify residents prior to the contractor mobilizing to begin work. They will provide notices at least 48-hours prior to work beginning and updates at important milestones. Any impacts to roadway or driveway access will be noted. Notices are provided using hang-tabs attached to front doors.

NJ Attorney General Guidelines restrict law enforcement officers from shooting at moving vehicles, except in extenuating circumstances, i.e. a vehicle driving directly at an officer or citizen whose life is in immediate danger.

With the growth of e-commerce and rising consumer expectations for same-day delivery services, the demand for large-scale warehousing for goods storage and distribution to businesses and retail customers has increased exponentially.

Due to New jersey’s strategic geographic position, skilled workforce, major consumer markets, and robust transportation infrastructure that serve the entire Northeast, New Jersey is an ideal location for the warehousing and goods movement industries. While, these industries contribute economic activity, jobs, and ratables to the state, warehousing can also generate substantial noise, traffic, and air pollution, especially from medium to heavy-duty diesel trucks.

Franklin Township has certainly been experiencing the exponential growth of warehouse development. Since 2018 the Township has received more than two dozen applications for the development of new or expanded warehouses. In total, these developments total several million square feet. A number of these applications are expected to result in lesser impact due to their nature (e.g., redevelopment or expansion of previously-developed warehouses or large-scale office buildings) and/or due to their location (e.g., in the middle of light industrial areas with no nearby sensitive land uses such as residentially-zoned areas and/or located in close proximity to the I-287 without the need for associated truck traffic to traverse residential areas of the Township). However, many of these applications are located in either close proximity to sensitive land uses (including residential zones) and/or are located a significant distance from I-287 (which would require associated truck traffic to traverse through residential areas of the Township). Particularly due to their location, such developments would be far more likely to produce negative impacts to sensitive land uses including noise, traffic, and air pollution.
As indicated above, the rapid growth of warehouse development is not unique to Franklin Township. Communities throughout New Jersey have experienced this phenomenon and its associated impacts. As a result, earlier this month the New Jersey State Planning Commission issued a report (https://www.nj.gov/state/planning/) (the “State Planning report”) which provides guidance to local governments to control warehouse development.

This ordinance is intended to reduce potential impacts of warehouse development. It incorporates a number of the considerations raised in the State Planning report and is supported by the Township Master Plan most notably the following goal and objectives related to such development:

Goal: Encourage commercial and industrial development in areas with access to major regional highways (I-287) and in established areas.

• Locate major employment and traffic-drawing uses in areas where they will least impact residential neighborhoods.
• Maintain size of industrial districts to ensure adequate space for light industry and warehousing.

As part of the project, each water service is replaced from the water main to the shutoff in the Townships Right of Way. This section constitutes the Town’s portion of the water service. The section of water service from the shutoff box into the house is the responsibility of the owner. We recommend the owner review the condition of the water service to determine if replacement is desired. New water service lines are installed using copper pipe. We recommend that any private side water services that are a material other than copper (such as iron) be upgraded.

In New Jersey, an officer failing to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force is considered a criminal violation, Official Misconduct, which has a mandatory five (5) year prison sentence.

Because the temporary by-pass is above-ground, it is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. You should be able to resolve temperature issues by running a faucet to flush the line.

The ordinance:

Makes warehouses a conditionally-permitted use in the B-I (Business and Industry) zone. The ordinance would prohibit warehouses on lands located within 500 feet of a residential zone. This requirement is consistent with a recommendation in the State Planning report in its “Municipal Mitigation Best Practices” and is consistent with the Goal and Objectives of the Township Master Plan cited above.

• Section VI – amends Schedule I, Permitted Uses, to make “warehouse and distribution uses” a conditional use in the Business and Industry (B-I) zone
• Section XII – provides the conditional use standards for “warehouse and distribution uses” in the B-I zone. In addition to the 500-foot separation requirement, warehouses would be specifically required to be served by public water and sewer.
• Figures 7 and 8 show the properties that would be affected. Sites shown in red are those in the B-I zone that are within 500 feet of a residential zone and thus warehouses would no longer be permitted, whereas the sites in green are not located within 500 of a residential zone and thus warehouses would continue to be permitted.

Rezones property along Mettlers Road (north of Weston Road) from the ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) zone to the RR-3 (Rural Residential) zone. Access to this large undeveloped property, located at the northeast corner of Metters Road/ Weston Road, is limited to two roads (Weston Road and Mettlers Road) that are particularly unsuitable due to their width and geometry for large-scale traffic-inducing developments. Further, while located in the sewer service area, the property is not served by public sewer (closest sewer line is located a significant distance in School House Road). Lastly, sensitive land uses in the form of residential development and Franklin High School are located to the west and east of the site respectively. The property would be rezoned to the RR-3 consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties.

• Section III – rezones this property to the RR-3 zone.
• Sections I, IV, VI, VII, X, XIII – with the rezoning of this property the ordinance would no longer need to reference or contain standards for development in the ROL zone. Such requirements would be eliminated from the ordinance
• Figures 1 and 3, below, show the area and property involved.

Rezones certain properties along Mettlers Road (south of Weston Road) from the ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) zone to the A (Agricultural) zone. While portions of these lands have been previously developed (a laboratory use and an office building recently converted to a school), there remains a sizeable area of undeveloped land at the southwest corner of Weston Road/ Mettlers Road. For the reasons stated above with respect the property at the northeast corner of Metters Road/ Weston Road, these properties are proposed to be rezoned consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties - in this case the A (Agricultural) zone.

• Section II – rezones these properties to the A zone.
• Figures 1 and 2, below, show the area and properties involved.

Rezones certain properties along the Elizabeth Avenue (south of New Brunswick Road) from the B-I (Business and Industry) zone to the R-40 (Residential) zone. While some of these properties have been previously developed or approved for warehouse or light industrial use, there remains a sizeable area of undeveloped land. This area is proposed to be rezoned to the R-40 zone: it is not served by public sewer; a large portion of the area is environmentally-sensitive including large areas of NJDEP-regulated wetlands; and is located in close proximity to sensitive lands uses including Franklin High School and residences. These properties would be rezoned to the R-40 zone consistent with the zoning of the Elizabeth Avenue corridor to the immediate south.

• Section IV – rezones these properties to the R-40 zone.
• Figures 4, 5 and 6, below, show the area and properties involved.

Makes associated amendments to the land development ordinance primarily intended to provide further protection from the impacts of development in the B-I zone including from warehouse development.

• Section VII – Clarifies the applicability of existing larger setback requirements where the B-I zone adjoins a residential zone
• Section VIII – Decreases the permitted maximum building height in the B-I zone
• Section IX – Expands the applicability of existing buffering requirements in the B-I zone
• Section XI – Amends the design standards of the B-I zone to require developers to address compliance with anti-idling laws and laws addressing “solar ready” warehouses
• Section XIII – Clarifies that no pavement (other than necessary to provide access to the site) may be located in the required 50-foot front yard setback.

 Figure 1: Mettlers Road/ Weston Road Area

Figure 2: Re-Zone from ROL to A zone

Figure 3: Re-Zone from ROL to RR-3 zone 

Figure 4: Elizabeth Avenue, South of New Brunswick Road/ School House Road

Figure 5: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 6: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Ordinance 4371-22

The Township Engineering Department administrates and enforces the program. All stormwater maintenance permittees shall, at a minimum, quarterly submit to the Township of Franklin a maintenance report and control measure check off list demonstrating compliance with the approved stormwater maintenance plan. The maintenance report shall verify that the operating condition of the stormwater control measures are in good working order and that the stormwater maintenance plan has been executed to ensure that stormwater quality treatment devices continue to perform adequately. The Township will conduct inspections of the stormwater quality treatment devices to confirm the information filed in the self certification report. It shall be unlawful to make any false statement or representation in a self certification report submitted to the Township Engineering Department. Self-certification documents can be found in the property’s stormwater management report or obtained from the Township Engineering Department’s website.

• Carotid restraint techniques or 'hog-tying' methods are not methods officers are trained or authorized to perform. 

• As per Attorney General Guidelines, New Jersey law enforcement officers are not permitted to perform chokeholds, carotid artery neck restraints, or similar tactics on any individual, except in the very limited situations when deadly force is necessary to address an imminent threat to life. Our state's police academies have long instructed recruits on the dangers of 'positional asphyxiation,' a form of asphyxia that prevents suspects from breathing adequately, including by kneeling or otherwise placing weight on a subject's neck. Police Training Commission Defensive Tactics Manual ' 5.3.2 (2009). Because these tactics create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm, officers who cause a subject's death or injury while performing them face potential criminal liability.

• We properly transport all subjects in compliance with the motor vehicle safety restraints.

The old water mains will be removed and new mains installed in their place. Due to the nature of the work, this will require shutting off the old water main and installing a temporary, above-ground system of pipes and hoses (called the by-pass) to continue to provide water and fire service to the neighborhood.

You received a notice regarding the public hearing on this ordinance because you are the owner of record of property:
• Within the Business and Industry (B-I) zone or within one of the areas proposed to be rezoned
• Within two hundred feet (200 feet) of the Business and Industry (B-I) zone or within one of the areas proposed to be rezoned

All of our officers have completed training that includes De-escalation, Special Needs/Mental Health De-escalation and Cultural Diversity. De-escalation training involves officers utilizing words and less lethal force for the majority of situations.

If you own property that is:

Located in the B-I zone and located within 500-feet of a residential zone:

• Figures 7 and 8 identify the B-I zoned properties located within 500-feet of a residential zone.
• Future development of a warehouse or expansion of an existing warehouse would not be permitted.
• While future warehouse development would be prohibited these properties would remain within the B-I zone and could be developed with one or more of the various other uses permitted in the B-I zone.

If the property is already developed with a warehouse:

• The use would become a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use. The existing warehouse use could remain in perpetuity at its existing size. However, any expansion of the warehouse use would be prohibited.
• If you still chose to seek expansion of the existing warehouse, you would have the right to apply to the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for a use variance. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and applicable case law.

If the property is already approved for development of a warehouse:

• Your approval would remain in place provided you satisfied all conditions of your site plan approval (including but not limited to obtaining all required outside approvals) and applied for building permits within 2 years of the date your approval was memorialized by resolution of the Planning Board. Failure to do so will render your previous site plan approval invalid.
• If the above is satisfied (and the warehouse constructed), then the warehouse would be considered a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use (see above).

If the property is not developed with a warehouse then the proposed warehouse restriction would not affect the existing development of your site. Further, the warehouse restriction would not apply if you chose to redevelop or expand with another use permitted in the zone.

If you still chose to seek development of a warehouse, you would have the right to apply to the ZBA for a use variance. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the MLUL and applicable case law including demonstrating that the site was suitable for development with a warehouse despite the deviation from the ordinance which restricts such development.

All development in the B-I zone would be subject to other applicable zoning requirements including but not limited to building and parking lot setback requirements, lot and impervious surface coverages, building height, buffer requirements, and design standards for business and industry uses. This ordinance proposes a number of modifications to these requirements which would apply after the effective date of the ordinance.

Located in the B-I zone and NOT located within 500-feet of a residential zone: 

• Figures 7 and 8 identify the B-I zoned properties located within 500-feet of a residential zone (and conversely those properties NOT located within 500-feet of a residential zone).
• The proposed warehouse restriction would not apply to your property.
• All development in the B-I zone would be subject to other applicable zoning requirements including but not limited to building and parking lot setback requirements, lot and impervious surface coverages, building height, buffer requirements, and design standards for business and industry uses. This ordinance proposes a number of modifications to these requirements which would apply after the effective date of the ordinance.

Located within one of the areas proposed to be re-zoned:

• Figures 1 through 6 identify the areas and properties involved.
• After the effective date of the ordinance, the use and bulk requirements of the new zoning designation (i.e., A, RR-3 or R-40, as applicable) would apply. Uses permitted in the prior zoning (warehouses, light industrial uses, office buildings, laboratories, as permitted in ROL and/or B-I) would no longer be permitted.
• If the property is already developed with a warehouse, light industrial use or other non-residential use not permitted in the proposed zoning designation (i.e., A, RR-3 or R-40 zone, as applicable):

The use would become a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use. The existing use could remain in perpetuity at its existing size. However, any expansion of the existing use would be prohibited.

If you still chose to seek expansion of the existing use, you would have the right to apply to the ZBA for a D(2) variance for an expansion of a non-conforming use. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and applicable case law.

If the property is already approved for development of a warehouse (or other previously-permitted non-residential use):

• Your approval would remain in place provided you satisfied all conditions of your site plan approval (including but not limited to obtaining all required outside approvals) and applied for building permits within 2 years of the date your approval was memorialized by resolution of the Planning Board. Failure to do so will render your previous site plan approval invalid.
• If the above is satisfied (and the warehouse constructed), then the warehouse (or other previously-permitted non-residential use) would be considered a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use (see above).

Not located in the B-I zone and not located within one of the areas proposed to re-zoned:

• This ordinance does not apply to your property and will not affect how you can develop or use your property.
• If you received a notice of the ordinance, it was because your property is located within 200 feet of a B-I zone or one of the areas proposed to be rezoned.

Figure 1: Mettlers Rd_Weston Rd 

Figure 2: Re-Zone from ROL to A zone

Figure 3: Re-Zone from ROL to RR-3 zone 

Figure 4: Elizabeth Avenue, South of New Brunswick Road/ School House Road

Figure 5: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 6: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 7: B-I zoned Properties within 500-feet of a Residential Zone (i.e., warehouses not permitted)

Figure 8: B-I zoned Properties within 500-feet of a Residential Zone (i.e., warehouses not permitted)

Ordinance 4371-22

The project scheduled for your neighborhood is part of the Town's program to upgrade the water system. Many of the Town’s pipes are older and have been scheduled for replacement because of their age, a history of leaks, breaks or other problems. The larger water pipes that serve streets are called mains. Smaller water pipes that extend from the main to each house are called services.

You need to disable your pop-up blockers in order to download files.  Here are the instructions to do that:

• Open Chrome
• Click the Chrome menu in the top right corner (three small dots)
• Click "Settings"
• Click "Advanced" at the bottom of the screen
• Under "Privacy and security", click "Content settings"
• Next to "Blocked" click the slider to the right which will change the setting to "Allowed"

• Open Chrome
• Click the Chrome menu in the top right corner
• Click "Settings"
• Click "Show advanced settings"
• Under "Privacy" click the "Content settings" button
• Under "Pop-ups", click "Manage exceptions"

• Open Internet Explorer
• Click "Tools" (gear widget at top right)
• Click "Internet options"
• On the Privacy tab under "Pop-up Blocker", select or clear the "Turn on Pop-up Blocker" check box
• Click "OK"

• Open Firefox
• Click "tools"
• Click "options"
• Click Content
• Uncheck box in front of "Block pop-up windows"

• Click "Safari"
• Click "block pop-up windows" OR
• Click "Preferences"
• Click "Security"
• Uncheck box in front of "Block pop-up windows"

Solar Landscape:

• Solar Landscape is a New Jersey based community solar developer that’s received several recognitions:
  • 2022 Inclusive Solar Outreach Award from the U.S. Department of Energy
  • Sustainable Jersey 2022 Sustainable Business Leadership Award
  • 2021 New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Climate Change & Clean Air
  • 2021 and 2022 Top National Community Solar Project in Solar Builder’s 2021 Project of the Year
    • Solar Landscape offers free solar energy job training.

     

    Capacity for any given community solar project is limited and available on a first come first served basis

Contact our representatives from each community solar project listed:

• Gina Viasus, Solar Landscape, gina@solarlandscape.com, 848-217-0207

Yes, you can still participate in community solar if you have budget billing set up with PSE&G. It would, however, change your monthly charges. You would be paying your set monthly amount to PSE&G, as well as your discounted statement from Eversolar for the monthly credits accrued. Then, during your true-up period with PSE&G, those solar credits would be applied— reducing any balance due. You would still receive your 21% savings on the solar credits, but you would not see the benefits of those credits until the utility’s balancing month. If you have any questions about your Equal Payment Plan, please contact PSE&G.

No. No one associated with this program will be calling or knocking on your door.  All official information is sent via USPS and posted on the program’s web page.

Are the Police encroaching on our privacy?

No. The program is one hundred percent voluntary. You may be visited regardless by officers conducting an investigative canvass if a crime occurs in the neighborhood. In addition to being asked about the specific event, you may be asked if you have cameras. You are free to decline to assist the police.

There are no sign up, cancellation fees, or credit requirements associated with the projects Franklin Township supports. The subscriber only pays for the discounted solar credits allocated to their electric account.

Besides a lower energy price, Franklin Township customers in the program will also receive at least 10% more renewable energy than the state requires helping to reduce the township’s carbon footprint.

No, Eversolar is a community solar developer, which is not the same as a third-party retail energy supplier. Instead, Eversolar provides solar electricity to your utility company and you get a credit for the value of the electricity generated on your behalf. Your discount is also guaranteed for up to 20 years, unlike retail energy suppliers who offer short-term savings and can change rates often.

Are you asking us to do the job of the police?

No. We are asking you to take an active part in helping make your community safer. Neighborhood Watch is a recognized crime prevention initiative that started many years ago; police asked neighbors to look out for neighbors. This is the technological extension of that program.

No. A resident’s information, including their account number, is confidential and can only be used to set up the municipality’s CEA program.

Yes, there is an option to receive 100% of your electricity from clean renewable sources.  To choose this option, you will need to opt in, or what is referred to as “Opting Up,” because you are upping the percentage of renewable energy you want. The “Opting Up”  program of 100% renewable energy helps to reduce the carbon footprint.  The cost for this energy may be more than what you are currently paying, which is why you need to take action to enroll by Opting Up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

What is this ordinance intended to accomplish and why is the Township Council considering adoption of the ordinance?

The ordinance (consolidates the Township’s existing C-B (Corporate Business), M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and M-2 (Light Manufacturing) zoning districts into a new zoning district called the B-I (Business and Industry) zone and makes associated ordinance amendments.

 

The ordinance is intended to simplify the Township’s corporate business and industrial zones by providing one set of use and bulk (e.g., building and parking lot setbacks, building and impervious coverages, building height, etc.) standards rather than having three separate zones that largely permit a similar mix of permitted uses with varying bulk standards. This streamlining of the Township’s corporate business and industry zones is intended to encourage economic development by permitting corporate and industrial development in a consistent manner in the areas of the Township currently zoned for such uses.

 

The ordinance is also intended to encourage economic development by expanding the range of permitted uses in the business areas of the Township currently within the Corporate Business (C-B) zone located primarily along all or a portion of Davidson Avenue, Pierce Street, Atrium Drive, and Campus Drive. Specifically, in addition to the uses currently permitted in that area (e.g., professional office, laboratory, data processing and communications, hotel, conference center), certain uses currently permitted in the M-1 and M-2 zones (e.g., warehousing and light manufacturing) would also be permitted in this area.

 

A brief description of each substantive section of the ordinance is provided below:

 

• Section I: Provides definitions of key terms (e.g., uses permitted in the zone).

   

• Section II: Addresses the creation of the B-I zone and the elimination of the C-B, M-1 and M-2 zones.

   

• Sections III, IV and V: Identifies the properties being rezoned from the C-B, M-1 or M-2 zones to the new B-I zone.

 

 

 

 

¹ http://franklintownnj.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1681&MediaPosition=&ID=8410&CssClass=

MAPS

 

Figure 1: “Route 287” Existing Zoning

 

Figure 2: “Somerset Area” Existing Zoning

 

Figure 3: “Route 287 Area” Zoning Changes

 

Figure 4: “Somerset Area” Zoning Changes

 

Figure 5: “Route 287” Proposed Zoning

 

Figure 6: “Somerset Area” Proposed Zoning