Franklin Township Zoning Board Meeting - 5/21/2026

The Franklin Township Zoning Board held a meeting on May 21, 2026, addressing multiple zoning and variance applications. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a conditional use variance request by a church to convert an existing vacant medical office building into a house of worship. The board discussed parking variances, building setbacks, landscaping buffers, and operational plans, with concerns raised about parking capacity and neighborhood impact. The application was carried to a later date for further information and resolution of outstanding issues. Additionally, the board reviewed a sign variance application for Dream on Me Industries, a baby furniture retailer operating from a large warehouse. The applicant sought variances for multiple oversized and numerous directional and identification signs installed without prior permits. Testimony from engineers and planners justified the size and number of signs based on the property's large scale and safety considerations. The board discussed conditions for future sign re-evaluation and agreed to grant variances with the understanding that the applicant would comply with municipal standards and participate in future reviews as needed.