Neighborhood House coming to Franklin

FRANKLIN — Within 5 minutes of the start of Tuesday's Franklin Borough Council meeting, Mayor Nick Giordano was once again sharing his excitement about the restaurant specializing in empanadas coming to Franklin.
Council Member Joseph Limon shared that other new businesses to the area include one liquor store in the ShopRite Plaza, one liquor store in the Sterling Hill Plaza, and possibly a medical supply business coming to the ‘Easter seals’ Building on Main Street.
Franklin Borough Council and residents were eager to talk about the Neighborhood House.
Council Member John Postas would like to see the Neighborhood House be “Everything we have in the Littell Center plus more!” A rendering of what the building may look like was given to the Council Meeting attendees.
Giordano explained that the building would be comprised of “a gymnasium, the church building section which could be a heritage museum, and rooms on Junction Street that could be meeting rooms, or possible a Police Department satellite space.”
He also thought that the building might serve nicely as “a place for senior lunches as this could generate more people and business to Main Street.”
Giordano was quick to point out that was just his opinion and Council is still discussing options and gathering ideas from residents. One resident asked about the possibility of moving the Police Dept. from their current building to the Neighborhood House and instead using that current space as a recreational area.
Council Member Phillip Crabb is expected to meet with a representative from U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s office to talk about a USDA Grant Program for the funding of the Neighborhood House. Crabb is also planning to meet with delegates from the Mineral Museum to discuss synergistic opportunities.
Postas said, “There will be a town hall type meeting at the Elementary School sometime in January to show pictures, share budget information.”
A resolution pertaining to the development known as Estell Manor was approved. This resolution was to accept the improvements and release the performance guarantee and the obligation for a two-year maintenance guarantee. Previously tabled pending the open question of who would be responsible for road plowing. ] Giordano explained that Hardyston Township will be taking care of the plowing. Other resolutions of the night included approving to accept the project as complete for proposed improvements to Wildcat Road and 2 other resolutions to revise, then approve, the wording used to describe the make-up of the Police Department organization.
Council gave special thanks to Judy Williams for her help in decorating at Franklin Pond. The Tree Lighting ceremony will be on December 1st at 5pm. Mayor Giordano said, “Although difficult to top last year’s ugly sweater, there will be an ugly sweater contest, plus an ugly hat contest, hot chocolate, games and a very special visit from Santa!”