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Redevelopment panel approves $151,148 to finish Izzo’s fire-suppression hookup at 351 E. Jefferson
Summary
The Franklin Redevelopment Commission approved Resolution 2025-07 to appropriate $151,148 to complete fire-suppression hookup and related exterior work at 351 East Jefferson (Izzo’s). Contractors found the original lead-in water line had not been tied to the main, prompting a new connection and additional excavating and paving.
The Franklin Redevelopment Commission on a voice vote approved Resolution 2025-07 to appropriate $151,148 for work at 351 East Jefferson Street to complete a restaurant fire-suppression system and related exterior repairs.
Krista, a city staff member, told the commission the appropriation combines a previously approved $75,000 grant for a fire suppression system with an additional $76,148 needed after contractor review revealed the original "lead in" water pipe was never connected to the American Water main. Krista said the invoice for the original $75,000 was not paid before year-end, creating a timing issue that required a new resolution this year and the extra funds are not new program money but a completion item.
Matt Westerfield, identified as the construction manager for the project, described the safety concern discovered during the installation: "the line actually runs under the building, which according to Ryan Fire is a big no no." He said the old lead-in ends at the north sidewalk and had not been tested or hooked up; because it runs beneath structural elements there is a risk to the foundation if the line were to leak. Westerfield said the team opted to install a new line routed to accessible ceiling space inside the building rather than continue to use the untested lead-in.
Katie Harris, identified as the owner of Izzo’s, attended the meeting with Westerfield and the commission thanked them for their work completing interior upgrades. Krista said the additional work will include excavation through the sidewalk and right-of-way, some asphalt patching, and coordination with Indiana American Water on the connection and permits.
Krista also noted the practical point that the city is processing the amount to the Franklin Theatre Company (FTC) as a grant and that Ryan Fire Suppression Systems has already been paid by FTC since the work is complete.
Commissioners asked about scheduling; Westerfield said interior work will take a day or two but exterior work timing will depend on permit signoffs and coordination. The commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.
The commission’s action leaves Izzo’s closer to opening; staff said they expect the restaurant to seek final occupancy and health-department signoffs in the coming weeks.
