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Zoning board approves second‑floor conversion to studio at 6 Hawthorne Drive
Summary
The Franklin Township Zoning Board unanimously approved a use variance allowing Art Hinrich to convert second‑floor storage into a studio apartment at 6 Hawthorne Drive after finding parking and safety concerns addressed and construction subject to code inspections.
Art Hinrich was granted a use variance Thursday allowing him to convert the second‑floor storage area of a one‑story commercial building at 6 Hawthorne Drive into a studio apartment.
Hinrich told the board he seeks the D1 variance to install a bathroom and kitchen and to make the upstairs habitable. He said the building will retain its existing footprint, that the second‑floor change will not appreciably increase vehicular traffic and that there is sufficient parking on site; he noted the blacktop yields eight spaces although the original approval listed seven. “There will be no appreciable increase in the vehicular traffic,” Hinrich said during his testimony.
Board members confirmed that converting storage to a residence will require filing construction plans and compliance inspections for electrical and plumbing work. The board heard a brief recollection from staff about the original approval and a condition that restricted the second floor to storage due to parking considerations. Hinrich said stored items can be relocated to the basement or removed to make room for the apartment.
After public questioning yielded no comments, a board member moved to approve ZBA‑26‑00004. The motion passed on a roll call with each present member recorded as voting yes.
The approval is subject to the normal building‑permit and inspection requirements for converting storage to a dwelling unit; construction must meet applicable electrical, plumbing and life‑safety codes.
