Council postpones land ordinance hearing

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Borough Council postponed a public hearing on the land development ordinance regarding the proposed Mixed Active Adult Housing District on Munsonhurst Road until July 10 at its most recent meeting.
As the motion to begin adoption of Ordinance 08-2018 began , Borough Attorney John Ursin interrupted with a suggestion to table that conversation. Ursin said the Planning Board needed to read, respond to and discuss the ordinance, which will amend Chapter 161 of the borough's land development ordinances.
Therefore, the council didn't seek out public comment on the ordinance Tuesday, but will have the opportunity to do so on July 10.
At the council's previous meeting, many borough residents whispered displeasure for the 300 apartments being proposed under the ordinance. During that council meeting, however, the primary discussion revolved around disagreement of slope percentages between what the Borough Council agreed to and what appeared on various paperwork.
School safety routesThe council also spoke about the ordinance pertaining to School Safety Routes.
Specifically, the council is recommending cancellation of the Safe Routes to School $330,000 grant that was previously awarded.
A public hearing will be held on July 10 for this, as well. The grant money was to be used for sidewalk replacements along the Franklin Borough Elementary School and the Immaculate Conception Regional School. With the Immaculate Conception School no longer functioning as a school and the true cost to construction estimated above $800,000, council members explained the borough would have had to cover the difference between the grant money and the true cost. Therefore, Council believes best to cancel.
A public hearing also will be held on July 10t regarding the bond ordinance providing for road improvements totally over $400,000.