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Council unanimously adopts ordinance to vacate part of Executive Drive; resident raises traffic‑signal concern
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Summary
The council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 4501‑26 to vacate public rights on part of Executive Drive, allowing the roadway to revert to adjacent property owners and become a private driveway for a single warehouse use; resident Alex Strauss asked who will maintain/replace the traffic signal and urged developers to pay; staff said the original developer installed the signal and the zoning board previously approved the warehouse application.
At its April 14 meeting, the Franklin Township Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 4501‑26, which vacates certain public rights in the roadway known as Executive Drive so that the former public right of way can become private property and a private driveway serving a single business.
During the public hearing, resident Alex Strauss questioned whether the town was effectively giving away a traffic signal to warehouse developers and asked whether developers will be required to pay for signal maintenance or replacement. Strauss warned that vacating the right of way could transfer long‑term maintenance costs to taxpayers if not handled carefully.
Township staff explained the legal mechanics: when a public right of way is vacated, ownership reverts to adjoining property owners from the center line outward. The manager and staff noted that the traffic signal at the intersection was originally installed and paid for by the developer when the road was dedicated; it was not paid for by the municipality. They said the zoning board previously approved conversion of office buildings along Executive Drive to a warehouse and that the proposed private driveway will serve that single business.
After township staff answered questions and the council discussed, a motion to adopt the ordinance passed on unanimous roll call. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from the present council members.
What it means: If the ordinance remains in effect, the former public roadway will no longer be maintained as a municipal street and will instead serve as a private driveway for the approved development. Staff said that arrangement is common where private driveways and developer‑installed signals serve a single facility, but residents at the hearing asked the township to ensure developers are responsible for long‑term maintenance.
Next steps: The ordinance was adopted at final reading; any related zoning or private‑driveway maintenance agreements would proceed according to zoning approvals and review processes.
