Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Site Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission presses for clearer plans: more buffering, EV signage, and basin‑appropriate trees in multiple site reviews
Summary
During the Dec. 15 meeting the commission reviewed resubmissions for Davidson properties and 665 Howard Ave., recommending greater buffering where feasible, clearer depiction of EV charging and no‑idling signage, and reconsideration of proposed tree species in detention basins to ensure they tolerate periodic wet conditions.
Franklin Township Environmental Commission members reviewed two resubmitted site plans and used the opportunity to press applicants for clearer drawings and more climate‑resilient landscaping.
Paul briefed the commission on the Davidson resubmission, noting the applicant added anti‑islanding signs and a bike rack and shifted the building two feet to create a narrow planting strip. He said those changes allow for some shrubs but that the lot is too narrow for a meaningful buffer; the commission reiterated its recommendation for buffering where practical.
Ted led the review of 665 Howard Ave., which proposes a warehouse addition with bio‑retention and new tree plantings. Members flagged several plan ambiguities: the engineer’s submission claimed EV charging stations and no‑idling signage but those elements were not clearly shown on the drawings, and the tail area’s impervious surface was not clearly included in calculations. "They're saying they have charging stations and no‑idling signs, but I could not find them on the plans," Ted said, urging staff to request clearer depictions.
Commissioners also questioned tree choices for a proposed detention basin. They noted species such as red maple and tupelo may not withstand extended saturated root conditions and recommended planting fewer trees in the basin while moving appropriate trees to drier areas. One member suggested using species better adapted to wet basins (for example, willows) and checking that proposed species tolerate 48‑hour or longer inundation.
The commission asked staff to record these recommendations in its memos to the planner and to request revised plans that accurately show EV charging, no‑idling signage, tree counts and which impervious areas were included in surface‑area calculations.
