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Planning board approves 37,461‑sq‑ft Davidson Avenue warehouse with setback variances
Summary
The Franklin Township Planning Board approved Davidson Properties LLC’s preliminary and final major site plan to add a 37,461‑square‑foot warehouse at 230 Davidson Ave, granting limited side‑yard and drive‑aisle variances and conditioning approval on staff report items, tree‑replacement compliance and a WB‑50 truck limitation.
The Franklin Township Planning Board voted unanimously Thursday to approve Davidson Properties LLC’s preliminary and final major site plan for a 37,461‑square‑foot warehouse addition at 230 Davidson Ave.
The applicant’s attorney, Matt Flynn of Savo Schock, told the board the project is a permitted conditional use in the BI zone and that the site will be served by public water and sewer. He asked for relief under C‑2 criteria for a combined side‑yard setback and a 24‑foot internal drive aisle where the ordinance calls for 26 feet. Engineer Joe Holzapfel said the project reduces inefficient circulation, adds landscaping and complies with lot coverage and floor‑area‑ratio limits.
"We would request an extension of time through 01/03/2027" was said earlier in the meeting for a different item; for Davidson Flynn testified the new building will be 35,511 square feet of warehouse and 1,950 square feet of office, set behind an existing 13,000‑square‑foot light‑manufacturing building.
Architect John Mannino described a 36‑foot clear interior height and a facade treatment with stone accents. Traffic engineer Elizabeth (Betsy) Dolan testified the development is a modest trip generator—about 14 AM peak and 17 PM peak trips—and supported 24‑foot internal aisles, saying the design will safely accommodate truck turning templates for a WB‑50 truck.
Planner Paul Ricci told the board the variances are supportable and that the overall project improves stormwater handling, landscaping and site appearance. Wooded rear areas will be preserved where feasible and 277 new plantings (including 177 trees) were proposed. The applicant agreed as a condition of approval to comply with the fire department review, staff recommendations and tree‑replacement obligations.
Chair Michael Orsini moved approval of the preliminary and final site plan, limited to WB‑50 truck access and subject to compliance with staff and outside reports; the motion was seconded and carried in a roll‑call vote with all present members voting yes.
The board required the applicant to add a state‑specified no‑idling sign at the loading area, reconcile inconsistent tree counts in the plan and comply with the conditions in the township engineer’s and planner’s review letters. The approval eliminated the need for a loading‑width variance because the applicant committed to the WB‑50 limitation.
The board’s action resolves the site‑plan application pending the applicant’s submission of revised plans meeting the listed conditions.
