Planning Board Allows Phased Tree-Removal Fee Payment for Wilf Campus Subdivision

The Franklin Township Planning Board voted to modify a previously approved condition tied to the Wilf Campus subdivision (PLN22-00016), allowing the applicant to pay the tree-replacement fee attributable to the residential subdivision now and defer payment of the solar-array portion until the applicant seeks building permits.

Howard Decone, representing the Wilf Campus Foundation, told the board the original approval (memorialized in 2023) covered a major subdivision creating 11 lots and a site plan for a solar array. He said the applicant is not installing the solar array at present but wants to "perfect" the major subdivision now and defer the solar-related tree fee until a later phase when permits are requested.

Decone gave the board the fee breakdown: the solar component represents 47% of the site and aggregates to $44,133 for tree replacement; the residential subdivision component is 53% and totals $49,767. Counsel for the applicant proposed the modification be memorialized in a developer's agreement and argued it was a nonmaterial change that did not require additional notice or publication.

A board member moved to modify the condition to allow the phased payment; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call with affirmative votes recorded from multiple members, including Chairman Orsini. Board counsel clarified the change does not alter applicability of the township's tree ordinance and that payment for the solar portion would be due if and when that lot is cleared for the solar array.

Outcome: motion carried; applicant must enter a developer's agreement satisfactory to the board and pay the solar-related tree-replacement fee prior to receiving building permits for the solar array.