The Franklin Municipal Planning Commission on Oct. 23 recommended approval to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of a revised development plan for the West Franklin Park PUD that includes a requested modification to reduce on-site parking minimums.

Staff said the proposal covers a 32.43-acre site north of McEwen Drive and east of Interstate 65 at 6167 Hundred Tower Circle and involves no changes to the project's building program. The plan continues to show 555 multifamily dwelling units and roughly 320,116 square feet of commercial space, staff said, and the parking reduction applies only to parking garages at the lowest level and does not change on‑street parking, the site layout or exterior architecture.

Staff described the change as a modification of standards to apply current Franklin zoning ordinance parking minimums (effective Jan. 1, 2025) while maintaining vesting of other development standards under the site's vested zoning ordinance dated Dec. 8, 2020. Under the vested ordinance staff recited parking minimums of 1.5 stalls for studio/one‑bedroom units, 2.5 stalls for two‑bedroom units, 3 stalls for three‑bedroom units and 4 stalls per 1,000 square feet of office. The 2025 ordinance rates staff recommended applying require about 1.125 stalls for studio/one‑bedroom units, 2.25 stalls for two‑ and three‑bedroom units and 3 stalls per 1,000 square feet of office (staff cited chapter references for the ordinances).

The applicant, Gary Vogren of KVD, told the commission the applicant agreed with staff's report and conditions. "We're in agreement with Chelsea and staff report and conditions of approval. Just request your approval," Vogren said.

Commissioners first voted to approve the modification-of-standards request (which staff said would reduce parking by 384 stalls) and then voted to recommend the revised development plan, including the approved modification, to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Both votes passed by roll call with all present members voting in favor.

The commission's recommendation now goes to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final action; staff recommended approval to that body with conditions. The commission record shows no public speakers opposed to the request at the meeting.

Details recorded in the planning presentation indicate the parking change is intended to align required parking with the city's current zoning ordinance while keeping other vested development standards in effect. The commission's action was recorded as a recommendation only; final approval and any condition refinements remain with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.