Council advances Northwestern Mutual corner for mixed-use zoning; Costco proposal draws split public reaction

The Franklin Common Council approved an amendment to the future land-use map and a related certified survey map to allow a mixed-use designation on roughly 20.18 acres at the northwest corner of West Drexel Avenue and South 20th Street — a change proponent Northwestern Mutual said will make room for a retail tenant. The Plan Commission had recommended approval before the council vote.

At a public hearing, Linda Mathewig said she supports Costco as a retailer but opposed locating it on the Northwestern Mutual campus, arguing it would "diminish the character" and professional image of the existing campus and urged council to consider alternate sites that would create less residential impact. The mayor and several alderpersons said securing a major retailer such as Costco could spur redevelopment of a stretch of South 27th Street and Drexel to Ryan Road and help fill underused commercial parcels.

Planning staff said the application met requirements for the comprehensive plan amendment and noted the parcel will require subsequent site-plan and natural-resource reviews before final development approvals. The council took roll-call votes on the land-use amendment and an associated land-division item; those motions carried (land-use amendment recorded as 5 ayes, 0 no, 1 abstention; the related certified survey map approved by a separate roll call). The council directed that required reviews of natural resources and future site plans occur at subsequent Plan Commission hearings.