Franklin Open Space Advisory Committee Tackles Chicken Ordinance Amidst Broader Open Space Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Franklin Open Space Advisory Committee, the pressing topic of a proposed ordinance to regulate the keeping of chickens in residential zones dominated the agenda. The ordinance seeks to address the current ambiguous regulations by allowing residents to keep a specified number of chickens based on lot size. This comes amidst ongoing discussions about maintaining local open spaces and addressing financial challenges related to historic property utilities.

Franklin Open Space Committee Considers Observatory Collaboration with Princeton University

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Franklin Open Space Advisory Committee, the prospect of developing an observatory at John Clyde Open Space took center stage, driven by Zach Lickman’s proposal. Lickman emphasized the observatory’s potential for public engagement and educational outreach, revealing discussions with Princeton University and the United States Air Force Academy about possible collaborations.

Franklin Open Space Advisory Committee Approves Eagle Scout Project to Combat Flooding at Nenn Williams Park

Overview: The Franklin Open Space Advisory Committee held a meeting to discuss various community projects and issues, with a portion devoted to a green infrastructure initiative proposed by a prospective Eagle Scout, as well as updates on the local deer management program, and concerns about environmental practices in public parks.

Franklin Committee Tackles Deer Hunting and Open Space Issues

Overview: The Franklin (Somerset County) Open Space Advisory Committee recently engaged in a multifaceted discussion addressing the town’s deer hunting program, the use of electric mowers for environmental conservation, and concerns regarding the financial health of The Meadows Foundation. The committee sought to reconcile discrepancies in financial reports and debated the practicality of lawn maintenance practices under trees, as well as deliberated on the management of open spaces and historic properties.

Franklin Committee Tackles Open Space Budget and Maintenance Concerns

Overview: The Franklin Open Space Advisory Committee recently held a meeting where the primary focus was the financial management and maintenance of the town’s open spaces. An in-depth analysis of the open space trust fund budget was conducted, revealing a discrepancy between the revenue collected and the costs associated with maintaining open space properties. Members examined tax revenue collected from 2016 to 2024, which totaled $50,823,000, with salary charges accounting for 6.94% of this revenue. The maintenance costs were noted to far exceed the funds allocated to the open space trust.