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200 Hamilton Avenue owner plans to level lot by March 19; city warns gravel not allowed for new driveway expansion
Summary
Owner Mark Bennett told a Franklin City unsafe-building hearing he has funds and equipment lined up to level and seed the lot at 200 Hamilton Avenue; the city agreed to a March 19, 2025 follow-up but noted Franklin zoning does not permit expanding driveways with gravel.
Judge Mark Lloyd continued the compliance hearing for 200 Hamilton Avenue to March 19, 2025 at 2 p.m., after the property owner reported progress bringing fill dirt to the site and the city cautioned that gravel cannot be used to expand or install a new driveway under the Franklin zoning ordinance.
Senior Planner Alex Schedchel said city staff visited the site and, despite snow cover, observed that most debris had been removed and some fill dirt had been brought in to help level the lot. "As far as the city is concerned, they have been progressing and doing as they have said they were going to," Schedchel said.
Property owner Mark Bennett told the hearing he had brought in a tri-axle load of dirt and had funds for a second load and a backhoe to spread it, but needed a break in the weather to finish. "I should have it done by March," Bennett said, noting he would likely sow grass once the leveling is complete.
City staff informed Bennett that while existing gravel driveways may be maintained, Franklin zoning does not permit new driveway expansions using gravel; new or expanded driveways must be hard-surfaced. The planning staff said they are agreeable to the March deadline for leveling and grass sowing.
Judge Lloyd set the next review for March 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. to check progress and close the matter if the work is completed.
