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Franklin council adopts zoning change to allow institutional "campus" development
Summary
City staff presented and the council adopted an amendment to Articles 19 and 29 of the zoning ordinance to define "institutional uses" and allow campus-style development and limited flexibility between institutional uses; Bon Secours explained the amendment's relevance to a pending long-term care divestiture.
The Franklin City Council adopted a zoning code amendment that defines "institutional uses" (for example, schools, churches and hospitals) and allows a "campus" development pattern so institutional properties can be subdivided and develop more flexibly.
City staff (Mister Carter) told the council the amendment would not change existing setback requirements between institutional and residential uses nor alter yard requirements between an institution and a street right-of-way. Instead, the change creates a path for institutional or similar associated uses to locate closer together where building-code requirements are met, a structure intended to preserve the financial viability of community facilities and to allow campus-style subdivision in future development.
John Haines, market CFO for Bon Secours, told the council that Bon Secours is divesting its long-term care operation at Southampton and has entered an asset purchase agreement with YAD Healthcare. Haines said the zoning change would allow the hospital campus and related property to be subdivided, facilitating a transition of ownership while preserving community health services.
Council members asked whether the language tracked other localities and whether existing properties would be affected; staff said the definition was modeled on other local ordinances and emphasized it applies to future development, requiring property owners to request changes when appropriate.
After the public hearing and questions, the council moved to adopt the ordinance as presented; the chair declared the motion carried and the ordinance adopted.
Council did not provide an itemized fiscal analysis tied specifically to the amendment at the meeting; staff said the goal is to maintain community facilities' viability and enable local providers to adapt.
The ordinance will be entered into the official minutes and is effective per standard municipal adoption procedures.
