Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council introduces parking ordinance and moves forward on data‑center restrictions; clarifies cannabis and alcohol license rules
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance tightening parking on Pine Grove Avenue and reaffirmed that the pending land‑use ordinance will remove 'data centers' as a permitted or conditional use; staff clarified that the township does not issue cannabis licenses and the agenda item for sale was an alcohol consumption license to be auctioned by bid.
On first reading the council introduced Ordinance 458‑26 to amend parking restrictions on Pine Grove Avenue at the request of the local fire company to improve fire‑truck access. The ordinance was moved and seconded and scheduled for public hearing and final adoption on June 9, 2026.
Public commenters and council members also discussed an upcoming zoning ordinance intended to restrict certain uses. Jim Johnston and other residents urged a clear ban on data centers; council members said the draft ordinance will remove data centers from the list of permitted or conditional uses so that any future data‑center proposal would require a use variance before it could be built in Franklin. Council members noted water and sewer impacts of some intensive industrial users and said township authorities will review industrial classifications and metering practices with the sewer authority to address cost allocation concerns.
On licensing questions, staff clarified that the agenda item described as a sale for "retail consumption" was an alcohol consumption license, not a cannabis license. Council explained the Township of Franklin does not issue cannabis retail licenses — the state does — and that the local ordinance establishes a cap on retail facilities while grandfathering those approved before the ordinance effective date. The clerk said any available alcohol consumption license would be offered by sealed‑bid auction.
No ordinance was adopted on second reading at the meeting; the data‑center language and other zoning changes will proceed through the ordinance and planning‑board review process before final council action.
