Franklin council adopts 2025 master plan update after planning commission presentation

The Franklin Village Council voted April 13 to adopt the Village of Franklin 2025 master plan update, following a detailed presentation by planning consultant Chris Dusen and discussion about implementation and parking in the village center.

Dusen summarized the plan's vision and structure, noting chapters on village character, historic areas, community facilities and transportation. He told council the plan was prepared according to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (Public Act 33 of 2008) and described an existing-land-use analysis showing nearly 73% of land in the village is residential and about 16% is transportation right-of-way. The consultant also noted an inventory of nonresidential uses in the village center and recommended actions to strengthen retail and coordinated parking.

Why it matters: The master plan serves as the village's long-range guide for land use and development decisions. Council members discussed how to translate plan goals into implementable actions and how commissions and village staff can coordinate on work plans, workshops and special studies to carry recommendations forward.

After questions about parking, implementation responsibilities and public engagement, a council member moved to accept the planning commission's annual report and adopt the 2025 master plan update. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: Council and the planning commission will use the plan and the accompanying future land use map to evaluate future site plans and grant applications, and staff indicated follow-up implementation tasks will be added to commission work plans.