Franklin Sewerage Authority Faces Delays with American Rescue Plan Funding

Overview: The Franklin Sewerage Authority Committee’s recent meeting spotlighted several issues, most notably the delays in disbursing funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The authority has been granted $2,158,240.87 through the ARP, yet reimbursement requests totaling $62,856.61 remain unpaid by Franklin Township. Committee members expressed significant frustration over the township’s repeated requests for additional documentation, which has prolonged the funding process. This delay highlights broader challenges in financial management and governmental efficiency, as the township’s current CFO was singled out as a contributing factor to these bureaucratic hurdles, impacting not only the sewerage authority but also other grant-funded projects within the township.

Franklin Township Expungement Clinic Draws Hundreds, Offers Free Legal Aid

Overview: The Franklin Township Human Relations Commission meeting spotlighted a successful expungement clinic that had attracted over 200 attendees, providing crucial free legal assistance to the community. This clinic, the second of its kind, was a collaboration with the public defenders’ office aimed at helping individuals expunge their criminal records without the usual financial burden, which can range from $500 to several thousand dollars. The event was lauded as a community service, and it was noted that a similar law night was organized with the state bar association, offering free one-on-one legal consultations.

Franklin Township Council Faces Challenges on Energy Bids, Affordable Housing, and Transparency

Overview: At the Franklin Township Council meeting on June 24, 2025, issues discussed included the failure to award an energy aggregation bid, affordable housing initiatives, and resident concerns about transparency and accountability. Despite efforts to secure favorable energy rates, none of the bids met the township’s established criteria, prompting a decision to keep the bid open for further submissions. Additionally, discussions on affordable housing highlighted a significant commitment to exceed state requirements, while public comments reflected ongoing concerns about council transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

Franklin Zoning Board Considers New Rules for Adjournments and Approves Variance for Home Addition

Overview: During a recent Franklin (Somerset County) Zoning Board meeting, members discussed implementing new procedures for handling last-minute adjournments of applications. This potential policy change aims to address the issue of applications being repeatedly postponed without adequate notice. Additionally, the board approved a variance for a residential property on Sunflower Road, allowing for a minor increase in the impervious surface limit to accommodate a home addition.

Franklin Library Board Accepts $40,000 Gift to Honor Twin Educators

Overview: At the recent Franklin Township Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, the board accepted a $40,000 gift from Jennifer Kellogg, a relative of the Diamonte sisters, in recognition of their long-standing educational service in the township. The donation will be used to name the children’s section of the library after the sisters, who were twin educators with a combined 100 years of teaching service. A plaque with biographical details will also be installed to commemorate their contributions.