Franklin College PUD concept for 250-acre Innovation Park wins Planning Commission approval

The City of Franklin Planning Commission on Oct. 21 approved a concept plan for a 250-acre planned unit development called Innovation Park, a mixed-use project proposed by Franklin College and development partner Patch Development.

The commission voted to approve case PC-25-27 by roll call; the recorded vote was unanimous among members present (Michelle Stringer, Norm Gabor, Mike Spongberg, Irene Nalley, John Kemski and Bill Carson). The approval is for the concept plan only; the petitioner must file a detailed PUD plan within one year for further review and public hearings.

The concept plan lays out detached single-family lots, attached housing, multifamily, office/innovation space and areas reserved for potential college uses. Tim Oakes, an attorney with Ice Miller representing Franklin College, said the college returned to the commission after an earlier concept approval expired. "This project had been before plan commission last year...that detailed plan had not been submitted within that year time. Therefore, the original approval has expired," Oakes said. He described the current submission as…