The City of Franklin Plan Commission voted Nov. 20 to recommend that the Common Council approve a land-combination for two parcels on South 27th Street, forwarding staff’s recommendation after a public commenter said the owners plan to develop the combined lot.

Staff presenter Marion told the commission the existing structure on the property had been removed and that “everything about the lots conforms to the BMU zoning district,” and recommended approval so the applicants could pursue subsequent approvals. Marion read parcel information into the record during staff remarks.

During the citizen-comment period, Matthew Corey — who said he does business in Franklin and lives at 9329 South 48th Street — told the commission he and partners own the two parcels and are seeking a lot combination so they can “build another bar.” Corey said the Buckhorn structure had been taken down, that they have met with an architect and have drawings, and that they will address setbacks after the land-combination approval: “What we're proposing here ... We're combining the 2 parcels that we own ... and we as everyone knows ... we are looking to build another bar.”

Mayor Nelson, who identified himself as a lifelong Franklin resident, praised the removal of the former Buckhorn structure, calling it an “eyesore” and saying he had received calls about future uses for the property.

Commission members asked about adjacent properties and the location of municipal welcome signage near the cemetery. The record shows a discrepancy in how the property addresses were read: staff presentation said the parcels were 9461 and 9477 South 27th Street, while the motion read at the meeting cited 9447 and 9461 South 27th Street. The motion included tax key numbers 8799997000 and 8799999000.

A motion by Marion to recommend approval of a resolution approving the land-combination (mover: Marion; second: Alderman Hassan) was adopted by voice vote. The transcript records the motion carrying but does not include a roll-call tally.

The commission adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

What’s next: The Commission’s action was a recommendation to the Common Council; the Council will consider the formal resolution and any further zoning or permit requirements in a subsequent meeting.