The council introduced Ordinance 2025-1 on Jan. 22, a rezoning petition for the Franklin Community School Corporation property at 500 Earlywood Drive. Staff said the Earlywood educational facility has operated there for more than 50 years and that the School Corporation plans to demolish the existing structure and build a new preschool. Because the site is currently zoned Industrial General, demolition would void the legal nonconforming use status and the property needs rezoning to Institutional to allow the new school facility.

Planner/staff noted that the Plan Commission reviewed the request on Dec. 17 and unanimously recommended approval. A school representative, John Young, was present; staff and council said the school will present at the council public hearing scheduled for Feb. 3, 2025.

No action was taken on the rezoning tonight beyond introduction; the matter will return for public hearing and potential vote on the announced date.