Franklin council rezones 35.7 acres to clear way for Camping World site

The Franklin City Council on April 17 unanimously adopted Ordinance 2017‑03 to rezone Lot 5 of the Franklin Interstate Park from O‑S (Office‑Service) to C‑1 (General Commercial), clearing the path for a potential Camping World store.

City Manager Sonny Lewis told the council the owner, Lawrence Schumacher (Schumacher Dugan), requested rezoning of approximately 35.7415 acres and plans to sell roughly 18 acres to Camping World, which would later apply for any conditional use permits. Lewis said staff recommended approval and noted the Planning Commission had recommended rezoning by a 5–0 vote with one abstention.

Chris Wunnenberg, director of development for Schumacher Dugan, described Camping World’s recent projects as high quality and said the company is the region’s largest seller of campers, trailers and related equipment. “This is one of the nicest ones that they have done to date,” Wunnenberg said, referring to the model planned for the site.

Councilmember Paul Ruppert moved adoption of the ordinance; Councilmember Carl Bray seconded. The ordinance passed on a unanimous vote.

Why it matters: rezoning the parcel shifts how the land may be used and is the necessary first step before any sale or site plan review. A sale to a national retailer could increase local retail options and property tax revenue, but will also shift the parcel away from office/service uses the city had previously planned.

The council record shows the public hearing was opened and closed the same evening; no opposing public comments were recorded in the minutes. The ordinance takes effect as provided under local procedure.