Franklin council approves purchase of 360 Franklin Boulevard for open space, funds $765,000 from trust

The Franklin Township Council voted Tuesday to acquire a parcel known on the tax map as Block 286, Lot 14.02 (commonly 360 Franklin Boulevard) for open-space preservation.

The council adopted a purchase ordinance and a matching capital appropriation to fund the acquisition from the township’s Open Space Trust Fund. The adopted capital ordinance appropriates $765,000 from the Open Space Trust Fund to pay for the property acquisition.

Council members opened and closed a public hearing on the item; no members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing on the acquisition ordinance. Bill Connell, a member of the township’s Open Space Committee, asked for brief clarification of how the trust funds would be used; the manager listed typical categories of open-space spending including trail and site amenities, ADA access work and preservation-related costs.

Mayor Phil Kramer noted the title language used when authorizing the acquisition references condemnation language as a statutory formality in the title but the council did not use condemnation to buy the parcel. The ordinances were adopted by roll call vote.

Council and staff said the purchase is part of the township’s continuing open-space program and will be reflected in future open-space maps and maintenance plans. Staff indicated details of the transaction and any restrictions on the property will be included in the final deed and recorded public documents following closing.

The ordinances and funding appropriation passed during the May 13 meeting; staff will post acquisition paperwork and maps with the municipal clerk’s office and update the Open Space Committee.