1. Review the services for which you currently pay and see if you can switch to a plan with fewer channels.  
2. Review which equipment option and leasing program you have selected.
3. Check to see if there are any promotions available.
   
   
   

The Cable Committee does not negotiate directly with service providers or the BPU on behalf of individual residents.

Comcast Customer Service Guarantee

The franchise renewal agreement is available at: http://www.state.nj.us/bpu/pdf/boardorders/2014/20140129/1-29-14-3A.pdf

A copy of Ordinance No. 4118-15, effective October 19, 2015, is on the Township website at: http://ecode360.com/documents/FR0703/public/206844024.pdf#search=4118-15.

The ordinance included the following:

• Free internet service to schools, fire departments, libraries and Franklin Township offices.
• Fiber communication services between Township public buildings.
• One-time payment of $125,000.
• Annual franchise agreement fee, currently two (2%) percent of the gross revenues from all recurring charges in the nature of subscription fees paid by subscribers for cable television reception service.

The Township can contact the providers to address the issue.

Franklin has no control over or service offerings, as these are regulated by a combination of the NJBPU and the FCC.  However, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 14:18-3.4, upon request by the customer at no charge they must provide a complete copy of its current schedule of prices, rates, charges and services.  They are also required by that regulation to provide customers, upon request with an explanation in non-technical terms of its service packages, rates and prices to enable customers to obtain the most affordable service. 

Regarding poor customer service - Franklin has designated the Office of Cable Television at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities as the complaint officer for hearing customer complaints.  The Report prepared by the Cable Television Advisory Committee (CTAC) provides a record of complaints made, type of complaint and how long it took to handle the complaint.  It is an efficient system that residents should be routinely encouraged to use to address customer service complaints

Franklin cannot dictate that companies provide more channels or certain types of channels. Residents should send their requests directly to the providers. 

Franklin has no control over competition, its franchise agreement with Comcast is non-exclusive – which means other providers can offer services in Franklin if they so choose.

Cable and FIOS are two different technologies. Cable TV utilizes coax cable, whereas FIOS utilizes fiber optic cable.

Additionally, cable service is provided through contracts with individual municipalities, whereas FIOS service is chartered by the state and operates across municipal boundaries.

Verizon is in the process of establishing FIOS service in Franklin, but the mechanical aspects of the service (such as laying wire) vary by area. Thus a time frame for full service in Franklin cannot be determined at this point.  To check availability and request FIOS service follow link:

https://www.verizon.com/foryourhome/ordering/checkavailability.aspx?type=pheonix&fromPersonalisation=y

Under their agreement with the State of New Jersey, Verizon is required to provide service to 70 selected public entities in the State; New Brunswick and Princeton are two that must have 100% service. This service “bleeds” into some areas of Franklin. As Verizon continues the work in these neighboring communities, service will become available to some additional areas in Franklin. According to the Verizon representative, there are no current plans to expand into all areas in the Township. 

You should contact your service provider.

The Township Council negotiated a contract with RCN in 1999. Patriot took over from RCN in 2003, operating under the same contract. Patriot was sold to Comcast in 2007. Comcast now operates in Franklin by the same 1999 contract with RCN, which terminated in 2014. It was renewed by the Township in 2015.

TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN, SOMERSET COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 4118-15

The franchise renewal agreement is available at: http://www.state.nj.us/bpu/pdf/boardorders/2014/20140129/1-29-14-3A.pdf

There are no sign up, cancellation fees, or credit requirements associated with the projects Franklin Township supports. The subscriber only pays for the discounted solar credits allocated to their electric account.

No! That's the beauty of Community Solar: you get all the benefits of clean energy without installing anything at your home. The energy produced by a project is sent to PSE&G and distributed across the energy grid, with the lower cost energy being attributed to the Community Solar subscriber.

Franklin Township is excited to support New Jersey’s Community Solar Program. The Township of Franklin has passed a resolution to provide outreach support to community solar projects that provide the following benefits to the community: 

• At least 51% of the overall solar generation of the project is reserved for low-and moderate-income residents

   

• At discount of at least 20% on the electricity from the community solar project for our residents that qualify as low-to-moderate income

   

• A discount of at least 15% on the electricity from the community solar project for [Municipality] residents that don’t qualify as low-to-moderate income

   

• No fee escalators or cancellation fees

   

• Provide additional benefits to the community through free job training opportunities

Energy aggregation and community solar are completely different and unrelated. You can participate in community solar and the Township’s energy aggregation program at the same time by following the procedures with the community solar companies to sign up.

NO.

According to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Energy Aggregation “allows municipalities, working along or together in a group, to aggregate the energy requirements of residential, commercial, and municipal accounts so that the energy can be purchased from third-party suppliers at prices lower than average utility prices, with the possibility of added benefits such as higher renewable energy content”. Customers currently receive energy at a fixed rate from their default energy supplies (i.e., PSE&G). Through an Energy Aggregation Program, municipalities create larger buying groups and can obtain a cheaper rate for customers. These savings are passed down to residents and commercial businesses, saving approximately 12% on monthly energy bills.

A question is on the November 8, 2022 ballot to seek permission to create a Government Energy Aggregation Program. If approved, Franklin will formally pass an ordinance to establish the program and begin seeking bids from third-party suppliers to find the best prices for energy available. There is no cost to the customer, and there is an option to “opt-out” if an individual does not wish to participate.

For more information about Energy Aggregation, please visit the following sites for information:
How Does Energy Aggregation Work?: http://njgea.com/how-does-government-aggregation-work

Program Summary: https://www.state.nj.us/bpu/pdf/energy/NJ_Gov_Energy_Aggregation_Summary.pdf

Government Energy Aggregation: https://nj.gov/njpowerswitch/gea/#:~:text=A%20GEA%20program%20allows%20municipalities,lower%20than%20the%20average%20utility

Even if you participate in a Community Solar project, PSE&G will still provide electric delivery service, and will still be responsible for service reliability and restoration. If the lights go out, you should call PSE&G.

No problem, contact your community solar project if you’d like to consider moving your community solar subscription to a new location. You can also leave the project at any time, with no penalties or fees.

Community Solar is a New Jersey Clean Energy Program overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The program’s goals are to reduce the traditional barriers to renewable energy access and lower energy costs for any New Jersey resident including renters and homeowners. 

A Community Solar project is a solar array whose energy generation is divided among multiple participating subscribers. Community solar subscribers sign up to power their home from electricity delivered through the utility and generated by a solar installation that is located near, but not on, the subscriber’s own property. As a subscriber, you will receive a dollar credit on your utility bill for the portion of power generated by the array on your behalf. Subscribers pay for the solar energy at a discounted cost (refer to the projects and their discount levels). Community solar projects must be approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. 

As part of this state program, each project must reserve at least 51% of its project capacity to Low to moderate income households (LMI). This rule ensures a just clean energy transition for all communities giving LMI communities time and space to participate in a project. 

LMI refers to households with a combined income that qualifies as low-to-moderate; Residents of affordable housing who pay their own energy bill including recipients of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program; OR Recipients of government assistance programs such as SNAP, LIHEAP, USF, LIFELINE, etc. 

The chart below will help give you an impression to see if you qualify as an LMI subscriber: 

LMI Data Source HUD Income Limits Documentation Center

The benefits of subscribing to a Community Solar project are two-fold: you’ll save money and will be supporting New Jersey’s transition to cleaner energy.

This is an ideal opportunity for renters, homeowners with shaded roofs, people who live in high rises, or anyone else that is unable to install their own solar array to participate and benefit from the generation of renewable energy. If you pay an energy bill and live in a community solar powered community like Franklin Township, you can enroll.

Depending on the project, if prior approvals (Zoning, Engineering, Health etc.) are not required, a minimum of twenty (20) business days should be planned for processing applications.  If such prior approval is required, your application review may take longer.  The twenty (20) business day period begins on the date the complete construction permit application arrives at the CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.  Also if, during the review of your application, it is determined that additional information is required, this may result in a longer review time.

A Certificate Continued Occupancy inspection is not required in Franklin Township when selling a residential home; what is required is an inspection from the Fire Prevention Department

732-873-2500 extension 6303.  A CCBC (Certificate Of Continued Building Compliance) is required if you are selling commercial building or if a new tenant is acquiring the space.

If you are the owner of a single family and you reside in the home, in most cases, may perform your own work and draw your own plans. Please call the Construction Department and speak to the appropriate inspector who will steer you in the correct direction.

732-873-7283 Extension: 6224

Recent changes to what is considered normal maintenance pursuant to the Uniform Construction Code no longer mandate construction permits for the installation of siding for one and two family detached dwellings (except for polypropylene) and the replacement of roofs for one and two family detached dwellings. 

It is very important to note that all siding and roof replacements for all structures located in a Historic District still require Historic Commission review and approval before the work can commence.  Below is map  showing the various districts.   To determine if you property is within an Historic District or for further information please contact via email Vincent Dominach at  or 732-873-2500 (ext. 6274)

Historic District Map

Requirements vary by project.  Please contact the Construction Office at 732-873-7283 for specific information.

A construction permit is required for everything that is not considered an ordinary repair or maintenance. Permits are required for Finishing Basements, Decks, Raised Patios, Swimming Pools, Renovating Bathrooms & Kitchens, Water Heaters, Sheds, Gazebos, new Electrical wiring and new Plumbing installations. Click here to view additional guidelines. Please keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive and is meant to provide general information only. For more specific information please contact the Construction Office at 732-873-7283.

No. No one associated with this program will be calling or knocking on your door.  All official information is sent via USPS and posted on the program’s web page.

Besides a lower energy price, Franklin Township customers in the program will also receive at least 10% more renewable energy than the state requires helping to reduce the township’s carbon footprint.

No. A resident’s information, including their account number, is confidential and can only be used to set up the municipality’s CEA program.

Yes, there is an option to receive 100% of your electricity from clean renewable sources.  To choose this option, you will need to opt in, or what is referred to as “Opting Up,” because you are upping the percentage of renewable energy you want. The “Opting Up”  program of 100% renewable energy helps to reduce the carbon footprint.  The cost for this energy may be more than what you are currently paying, which is why you need to take action to enroll by Opting Up.

Energy aggregation and community solar are completely different and unrelated. You can participate in community solar and the Township’s energy aggregation program at the same time by following the procedures with the community solar companies to sign up.

At this time, suppliers are not able to process the net metering portion of solar credits, and we recommend that residents with solar panels opt-out of the program to avoid losing their credits.

NO.

According to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Energy Aggregation “allows municipalities, working along or together in a group, to aggregate the energy requirements of residential, commercial, and municipal accounts so that the energy can be purchased from third-party suppliers at prices lower than average utility prices, with the possibility of added benefits such as higher renewable energy content”. Customers currently receive energy at a fixed rate from their default energy supplies (i.e., PSE&G). Through an Energy Aggregation Program, municipalities create larger buying groups and can obtain a cheaper rate for customers. These savings are passed down to residents and commercial businesses, saving approximately 12% on monthly energy bills.

A question is on the November 8, 2022 ballot to seek permission to create a Government Energy Aggregation Program. If approved, Franklin will formally pass an ordinance to establish the program and begin seeking bids from third-party suppliers to find the best prices for energy available. There is no cost to the customer, and there is an option to “opt-out” if an individual does not wish to participate.

For more information about Energy Aggregation, please visit the following sites for information:
How Does Energy Aggregation Work?: http://njgea.com/how-does-government-aggregation-work

Program Summary: https://www.state.nj.us/bpu/pdf/energy/NJ_Gov_Energy_Aggregation_Summary.pdf

Government Energy Aggregation: https://nj.gov/njpowerswitch/gea/#:~:text=A%20GEA%20program%20allows%20municipalities,lower%20than%20the%20average%20utility

No.  The program rate is non-variable and will remain the same from month to month for the length of the negotiated contract term.

A new reduced rate and term may be offered of which you will be notified. If the 5% and 10% more renewable criteria savings can’t be met in a new contract, you will automatically be returned to the default service rate through PSEG.

Municipalities in New Jersey can establish a Government Energy Aggregation program to aggregate the energy requirements of customer accounts so that the participating customers can purchase electric supply from Third Party Suppliers at prices lower than the average utility price, with the possibility of added benefits such as higher renewable energy content. [Adapted from https://nj.gov/njpowerswitch/gea/]

Shall the ordinance submitted by the Township Council providing for the establishment of a Community Energy Aggregation program by the Township of Franklin that requires the Township to go out to bid for electric energy for all Township residents and allows residents who do not want to participate in the program to opt out and stay with their current electric

• The bulk purchase agreement will only be permitted if the savings to residents is 5% or more.
• The energy purchase shall be comprised of renewable electricity in an amount at least 10% higher than the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which is the percentage of renewable energy required by the State of New Jersey.
• As required by State law, the bulk purchase of renewable energy by the Township for residents is on an opt out basis, meaning all residents will be enrolled unless they choose to opt out, which can be done at any time.
• Residents will also have the ability to select a 100% clean renewable electricity program.

A yes vote on this question would cause the Township to establish a Community Energy Aggregation program that would allow the Township to leverage the many residential households in town to contract with an energy supplier to save at least 5% on electricity that is produced with a minimum of 10% more renewable energy than required by the State. Once adopted, State law requires all residential customers to automatically be enrolled in this less expensive and cleaner electricity, but residents will have the option to "opt out" if they choose before the program begins, or at any time with 30 days notice. Separate and apart, if approved, residents could choose a 100% clean renewable electricity product by opting "in and up" which may or may not have any comparative savings.

The NJ Board of Utilities has enforcement authority over CEA programs in NJ.

Yes.  PSEG will continue to deliver your electricity and you will be billed at the regulated delivery rate.  PSEG will continue to provide all emergency and safety services, as well as meter reading, billing, and service restoration.  You will continue to receive only one bill each month from PSEG, and you will continue sending your payments only to PSEG.

No.  If a resident does not want to be a part of the CEA program, they can stay with their utility’s default energy providers or choose their own Third-Party Supplier (TPS).   There will never be a fee or penalty associated with participation or non-participation in the program.

Yes, the program offers budget billing.  You may experience a “true-up” prior to enrollment. 

Yes, you can still participate in community solar if you have budget billing set up with PSE&G. It would, however, change your monthly charges. You would be paying your set monthly amount to PSE&G, as well as your discounted statement from Eversolar for the monthly credits accrued. Then, during your true-up period with PSE&G, those solar credits would be applied— reducing any balance due. You would still receive your 21% savings on the solar credits, but you would not see the benefits of those credits until the utility’s balancing month. If you have any questions about your Equal Payment Plan, please contact PSE&G.

No, Eversolar is a community solar developer, which is not the same as a third-party retail energy supplier. Instead, Eversolar provides solar electricity to your utility company and you get a credit for the value of the electricity generated on your behalf. Your discount is also guaranteed for up to 20 years, unlike retail energy suppliers who offer short-term savings and can change rates often.

You’ll save 21% on your electricity costs for up to 20 years or until you cancel. If you move out of the PSE&G territory or want to cancel for any reason, just contact us. There are no cancellation fees.

Your PSE&G bill will show a reduction from the solar credits allocated to your account. Then you’ll receive a monthly statement from Eversolar listing your discounted cost for the credits and how much money you’ve saved.

You can call us at (551) 278-9727. They are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

No, Eversolar does not require a minimum credit score or run a credit check in the state of NJ.

Nothing. PSE&G remains your utility provider. It’s that easy!

You’ll continue to receive a bill from PSE&G, which will show a credit for the solar energy allocated to you. There is no change to your PSE&G service. You’ll receive a monthly statement from Eversolar listing your discounted cost of electricity and how much money you’ve saved each month.

No, however, non-U.S. citizens must provide a copy of their Permanent Resident Alien Card.

If you have never been fingerprinted before for firearms purposes, you will need to go for fingerprinting. Upon completion of your FARS application submitted on https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars , Follow the instructions / link in your confirmation email to schedule your fingerprint appointment. However, if you have been fingerprinted before for firearm purposes, upon completion of this form and payment, you will have completed both the Firearms Application and 212A requirements.

If you need to be fingerprinted for a Carry Permit, please review our “Concealed Carry” section for further instructions.

To apply, please visit Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS) | New Jersey State Police (nj.gov) and follow the instructions.

Applications for Permits to Carry a Handgun are made through the Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County). Please review our “Concealed Carry” section for more information.

Yes. You are required to possess a valid Permit to Purchase a Handgun in order to purchase a handgun from a friend and /or acquaintance. The only circumstance not requiring a Permit to Purchase a Handgun is when the firearm(s) is inherited from a deceased individual.

Permits to Purchase a Handgun expire 90 days after being issued. Permits that have not been used and will expire can only be extended ONCE for an additional 90 days from the original date of expiration.

The State of New Jersey does not require you to possess or obtain a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and / or Permit to Purchase a Handgun to take possession of inherited firearms; however, you can not take possession if you would be disqualified from owning or possessing firearms subject to N.J.S.A. 2C-58-3. We highly recommend that you voluntarily register all the firearms with the State of New Jersey utilizing the Voluntary Form for Firearms Registration. This can be located at Firearms Forms to Download | New Jersey State Police (nj.gov) (Form S.P 650).

The Franklin Township Police Department charges $50.00 for a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and $25.00 for every Permit to Purchase a Handgun. Please be advised that all Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards and Permits to Purchase Handguns are now electronic.

Upon completion of your FARS Application in https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars., you will receive access to your Firearms Purchaser Identification card in your approval email. You will also receive confirmation of your E-Permits in your approval email, and you should provide that email to a NJ retail firearms dealer who will have access to execute your E-Permit.

You need to disable your pop-up blockers in order to download files.  Here are the instructions to do that:

• Open Chrome
• Click the Chrome menu in the top right corner (three small dots)
• Click "Settings"
• Click "Advanced" at the bottom of the screen
• Under "Privacy and security", click "Content settings"
• Next to "Blocked" click the slider to the right which will change the setting to "Allowed"

• Open Chrome
• Click the Chrome menu in the top right corner
• Click "Settings"
• Click "Show advanced settings"
• Under "Privacy" click the "Content settings" button
• Under "Pop-ups", click "Manage exceptions"

• Open Internet Explorer
• Click "Tools" (gear widget at top right)
• Click "Internet options"
• On the Privacy tab under "Pop-up Blocker", select or clear the "Turn on Pop-up Blocker" check box
• Click "OK"

• Open Firefox
• Click "tools"
• Click "options"
• Click Content
• Uncheck box in front of "Block pop-up windows"

• Click "Safari"
• Click "block pop-up windows" OR
• Click "Preferences"
• Click "Security"
• Uncheck box in front of "Block pop-up windows"

A property currently may receive local historic designation by recommendation of the Franklin Township Planning Board to the Franklin Township Council. To be placed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places as a site or district, an application must be submitted to the New Jersey Office of Historic Preservation for review. Once it has been entered on the State Register, the Office of Historic Preservation will forward the application to United States Department of the Interior for National Register consideration.

State listing provides protection similar to Section 106 review under New Jersey Register Encroachment Review (NJAC 7:4) for all state, county, or municipally funded or licensed projects. The State has made Historic Preservation Bond Fund matching grants and low interest loans for rehabilitation and restoration available to state, county, and local agencies and non-profit organizations with properties listed on the Register.

Local designation offers the strongest protection of historic sites and districts. It requires the owner of a property designated a historic site or within a local historic district to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Franklin Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission before undertaking any exterior addition,  alteration, removal or demolition.

To apply to the Franklin Township Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program is one of the following:

Online application available at https://franklintwp.seamlessdocs.com/f/HousingRehabApplication

Download, print, fill out and mail or drop off application to:

Housing Rehabilitation Administrator
Planning/Zoning Department
475 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873

A deferred payment loan of up to $25,000 is offered through this program.

In addition, program staff will prepare a detailed work write-up, review the contractor bids, perform in-progress inspections to assure quality work and a final inspection at the completion of work

The Franklin Township, Somerset County Home Improvement Program  is funded by Franklin Township with Community Development Block Grant Funds. The purpose of the program is to help you rehabilitate your home.

Housing Rehabilitation Program

 This program is available to owner-occupants whose gross income does not exceed the limits of:

If you own property that is:

Located in the B-I zone and located within 500-feet of a residential zone:

• Figures 7 and 8 identify the B-I zoned properties located within 500-feet of a residential zone.
• Future development of a warehouse or expansion of an existing warehouse would not be permitted.
• While future warehouse development would be prohibited these properties would remain within the B-I zone and could be developed with one or more of the various other uses permitted in the B-I zone.

If the property is already developed with a warehouse:

• The use would become a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use. The existing warehouse use could remain in perpetuity at its existing size. However, any expansion of the warehouse use would be prohibited.
• If you still chose to seek expansion of the existing warehouse, you would have the right to apply to the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for a use variance. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and applicable case law.

If the property is already approved for development of a warehouse:

• Your approval would remain in place provided you satisfied all conditions of your site plan approval (including but not limited to obtaining all required outside approvals) and applied for building permits within 2 years of the date your approval was memorialized by resolution of the Planning Board. Failure to do so will render your previous site plan approval invalid.
• If the above is satisfied (and the warehouse constructed), then the warehouse would be considered a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use (see above).

If the property is not developed with a warehouse then the proposed warehouse restriction would not affect the existing development of your site. Further, the warehouse restriction would not apply if you chose to redevelop or expand with another use permitted in the zone.

If you still chose to seek development of a warehouse, you would have the right to apply to the ZBA for a use variance. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the MLUL and applicable case law including demonstrating that the site was suitable for development with a warehouse despite the deviation from the ordinance which restricts such development.

All development in the B-I zone would be subject to other applicable zoning requirements including but not limited to building and parking lot setback requirements, lot and impervious surface coverages, building height, buffer requirements, and design standards for business and industry uses. This ordinance proposes a number of modifications to these requirements which would apply after the effective date of the ordinance.

Located in the B-I zone and NOT located within 500-feet of a residential zone: 

• Figures 7 and 8 identify the B-I zoned properties located within 500-feet of a residential zone (and conversely those properties NOT located within 500-feet of a residential zone).
• The proposed warehouse restriction would not apply to your property.
• All development in the B-I zone would be subject to other applicable zoning requirements including but not limited to building and parking lot setback requirements, lot and impervious surface coverages, building height, buffer requirements, and design standards for business and industry uses. This ordinance proposes a number of modifications to these requirements which would apply after the effective date of the ordinance.

Located within one of the areas proposed to be re-zoned:

• Figures 1 through 6 identify the areas and properties involved.
• After the effective date of the ordinance, the use and bulk requirements of the new zoning designation (i.e., A, RR-3 or R-40, as applicable) would apply. Uses permitted in the prior zoning (warehouses, light industrial uses, office buildings, laboratories, as permitted in ROL and/or B-I) would no longer be permitted.
• If the property is already developed with a warehouse, light industrial use or other non-residential use not permitted in the proposed zoning designation (i.e., A, RR-3 or R-40 zone, as applicable):

The use would become a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use. The existing use could remain in perpetuity at its existing size. However, any expansion of the existing use would be prohibited.

If you still chose to seek expansion of the existing use, you would have the right to apply to the ZBA for a D(2) variance for an expansion of a non-conforming use. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and applicable case law.

If the property is already approved for development of a warehouse (or other previously-permitted non-residential use):

• Your approval would remain in place provided you satisfied all conditions of your site plan approval (including but not limited to obtaining all required outside approvals) and applied for building permits within 2 years of the date your approval was memorialized by resolution of the Planning Board. Failure to do so will render your previous site plan approval invalid.
• If the above is satisfied (and the warehouse constructed), then the warehouse (or other previously-permitted non-residential use) would be considered a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use (see above).

Not located in the B-I zone and not located within one of the areas proposed to re-zoned:

• This ordinance does not apply to your property and will not affect how you can develop or use your property.
• If you received a notice of the ordinance, it was because your property is located within 200 feet of a B-I zone or one of the areas proposed to be rezoned.

Figure 1: Mettlers Rd_Weston Rd 

Figure 2: Re-Zone from ROL to A zone

Figure 3: Re-Zone from ROL to RR-3 zone 

Figure 4: Elizabeth Avenue, South of New Brunswick Road/ School House Road

Figure 5: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 6: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 7: B-I zoned Properties within 500-feet of a Residential Zone (i.e., warehouses not permitted)

Figure 8: B-I zoned Properties within 500-feet of a Residential Zone (i.e., warehouses not permitted)

Ordinance 4371-22

The ordinance:

Makes warehouses a conditionally-permitted use in the B-I (Business and Industry) zone. The ordinance would prohibit warehouses on lands located within 500 feet of a residential zone. This requirement is consistent with a recommendation in the State Planning report in its “Municipal Mitigation Best Practices” and is consistent with the Goal and Objectives of the Township Master Plan cited above.

• Section VI – amends Schedule I, Permitted Uses, to make “warehouse and distribution uses” a conditional use in the Business and Industry (B-I) zone
• Section XII – provides the conditional use standards for “warehouse and distribution uses” in the B-I zone. In addition to the 500-foot separation requirement, warehouses would be specifically required to be served by public water and sewer.
• Figures 7 and 8 show the properties that would be affected. Sites shown in red are those in the B-I zone that are within 500 feet of a residential zone and thus warehouses would no longer be permitted, whereas the sites in green are not located within 500 of a residential zone and thus warehouses would continue to be permitted.

Rezones property along Mettlers Road (north of Weston Road) from the ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) zone to the RR-3 (Rural Residential) zone. Access to this large undeveloped property, located at the northeast corner of Metters Road/ Weston Road, is limited to two roads (Weston Road and Mettlers Road) that are particularly unsuitable due to their width and geometry for large-scale traffic-inducing developments. Further, while located in the sewer service area, the property is not served by public sewer (closest sewer line is located a significant distance in School House Road). Lastly, sensitive land uses in the form of residential development and Franklin High School are located to the west and east of the site respectively. The property would be rezoned to the RR-3 consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties.

• Section III – rezones this property to the RR-3 zone.
• Sections I, IV, VI, VII, X, XIII – with the rezoning of this property the ordinance would no longer need to reference or contain standards for development in the ROL zone. Such requirements would be eliminated from the ordinance
• Figures 1 and 3, below, show the area and property involved.

Rezones certain properties along Mettlers Road (south of Weston Road) from the ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) zone to the A (Agricultural) zone. While portions of these lands have been previously developed (a laboratory use and an office building recently converted to a school), there remains a sizeable area of undeveloped land at the southwest corner of Weston Road/ Mettlers Road. For the reasons stated above with respect the property at the northeast corner of Metters Road/ Weston Road, these properties are proposed to be rezoned consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties - in this case the A (Agricultural) zone.

• Section II – rezones these properties to the A zone.
• Figures 1 and 2, below, show the area and properties involved.

Rezones certain properties along the Elizabeth Avenue (south of New Brunswick Road) from the B-I (Business and Industry) zone to the R-40 (Residential) zone. While some of these properties have been previously developed or approved for warehouse or light industrial use, there remains a sizeable area of undeveloped land. This area is proposed to be rezoned to the R-40 zone: it is not served by public sewer; a large portion of the area is environmentally-sensitive including large areas of NJDEP-regulated wetlands; and is located in close proximity to sensitive lands uses including Franklin High School and residences. These properties would be rezoned to the R-40 zone consistent with the zoning of the Elizabeth Avenue corridor to the immediate south.

• Section IV – rezones these properties to the R-40 zone.
• Figures 4, 5 and 6, below, show the area and properties involved.

Makes associated amendments to the land development ordinance primarily intended to provide further protection from the impacts of development in the B-I zone including from warehouse development.

• Section VII – Clarifies the applicability of existing larger setback requirements where the B-I zone adjoins a residential zone
• Section VIII – Decreases the permitted maximum building height in the B-I zone
• Section IX – Expands the applicability of existing buffering requirements in the B-I zone
• Section XI – Amends the design standards of the B-I zone to require developers to address compliance with anti-idling laws and laws addressing “solar ready” warehouses
• Section XIII – Clarifies that no pavement (other than necessary to provide access to the site) may be located in the required 50-foot front yard setback.

 Figure 1: Mettlers Road/ Weston Road Area

Figure 2: Re-Zone from ROL to A zone

Figure 3: Re-Zone from ROL to RR-3 zone 

Figure 4: Elizabeth Avenue, South of New Brunswick Road/ School House Road

Figure 5: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 6: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Ordinance 4371-22

If you have any questions on the proposed ordinance please feel to contact the following Township staff members: 

Mark Healey,
Director of Planning/ Senior Zoning Officer 732-873-2500 x6271
Mark.Healey@franklinnj.gov 

Vincent Dominach
Director of Economic Development/
Business Advocate 732-873-2500 x6274
Vincent.Dominach@franklinnj.gov

The public will also be provided an opportunity to ask questions and to provide comments at the hearing which has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm and will be held in the Council Chambers in the Franklin Township Municipal Building at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ

Ordinance 4371-22

With the growth of e-commerce and rising consumer expectations for same-day delivery services, the demand for large-scale warehousing for goods storage and distribution to businesses and retail customers has increased exponentially.

Due to New jersey’s strategic geographic position, skilled workforce, major consumer markets, and robust transportation infrastructure that serve the entire Northeast, New Jersey is an ideal location for the warehousing and goods movement industries. While, these industries contribute economic activity, jobs, and ratables to the state, warehousing can also generate substantial noise, traffic, and air pollution, especially from medium to heavy-duty diesel trucks.

Franklin Township has certainly been experiencing the exponential growth of warehouse development. Since 2018 the Township has received more than two dozen applications for the development of new or expanded warehouses. In total, these developments total several million square feet. A number of these applications are expected to result in lesser impact due to their nature (e.g., redevelopment or expansion of previously-developed warehouses or large-scale office buildings) and/or due to their location (e.g., in the middle of light industrial areas with no nearby sensitive land uses such as residentially-zoned areas and/or located in close proximity to the I-287 without the need for associated truck traffic to traverse residential areas of the Township). However, many of these applications are located in either close proximity to sensitive land uses (including residential zones) and/or are located a significant distance from I-287 (which would require associated truck traffic to traverse through residential areas of the Township). Particularly due to their location, such developments would be far more likely to produce negative impacts to sensitive land uses including noise, traffic, and air pollution.
As indicated above, the rapid growth of warehouse development is not unique to Franklin Township. Communities throughout New Jersey have experienced this phenomenon and its associated impacts. As a result, earlier this month the New Jersey State Planning Commission issued a report (https://www.nj.gov/state/planning/) (the “State Planning report”) which provides guidance to local governments to control warehouse development.

This ordinance is intended to reduce potential impacts of warehouse development. It incorporates a number of the considerations raised in the State Planning report and is supported by the Township Master Plan most notably the following goal and objectives related to such development:

Goal: Encourage commercial and industrial development in areas with access to major regional highways (I-287) and in established areas.

• Locate major employment and traffic-drawing uses in areas where they will least impact residential neighborhoods.
• Maintain size of industrial districts to ensure adequate space for light industry and warehousing.

You received a notice regarding the public hearing on this ordinance because you are the owner of record of property:
• Within the Business and Industry (B-I) zone or within one of the areas proposed to be rezoned
• Within two hundred feet (200 feet) of the Business and Industry (B-I) zone or within one of the areas proposed to be rezoned

One of the first challenges an organization can face when implementing multi-factor authentication is getting people to use it in the first place. 68% of people do not use MFA everywhere that it is available. Unfortunately, many users see the added security step as an inconvenience that they will avoid if possible.

Implementing an effective MFA system helps your business maintain compliance with data protection regulations and reduce your legal liability if a user’s account is compromised.

Multi-factor authentication, like any other security system, is not infallible. It does make life significantly harder for a potential attacker, making your organization and your users a less attractive target for fraud and data theft. It is vital to implement multi-factor authentication in a convenient way for your users, however, as it cannot protect their accounts if they do not want to use it.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) refers to an additional layer of security that is added to the login process.

MFA relies on two forms of authentication: something you know, and something you have with you. The something you know is your password. The something you have with you can be a mobile device or hardware token. This means that even if your password is hacked, your account will remain secure. 

• Single-factor authentication requires users to authenticate with only one type of evidence for authentication, which, most of the time, is a password.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA), requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence, or factors, for authentication. A key goal for MFA is to add additional authentication factors to increase security. MFA offers numerous benefits for businesses opting for it on their authentication approach.

There are three common types of authentication factors used to authenticate users:

Type 1: Knowledge - Something you know, such as a password, or answer to a question

Type 2: Possession - Something you have, such as a security key or token

Type 3: Inherence - Something you are, such as a unique biometric or behavioral characteristic

• Two-factor authentication (2FA), also sometimes referred to as 2-step verification, is a security approach requiring users to present two factors for authentication for accessing an account.

a.    An appointed local government officer or employee found guilty by the Local Finance Board or a county or municipal ethics board of the violation of any provision of the Local Government Ethics Law or of any code of ethics in effect pursuant to this act, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.). The board shall report its findings to the office or agency having the power of removal or discipline of the appointed local government officer or employee and may recommend that further disciplinary action be taken.

b.    An elected local government officer or employee found guilty by the Local Finance Board of the violation of any provision of the Local Government Ethics Law or of any code of ethics in effect pursuant to this act, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to “the penalty enforcement law” (N.J.S.2A:58-1et seq.).

a.    To initiate, receive, hear and review complaints and hold hearings with regard to possible violations of the Local Government Ethics Law;

b.    To issue subpoenas for the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses with respect to its investigation of any complaint or to the holding of a hearing;

c.     To hear and determine any appeal of a decision made by a county or municipal ethics board;

d.    To forward to the county prosecutor or the Attorney General or other governmental body any information concerning violations of the Local Government Ethics Law which may become the subject of criminal prosecution or which may warrant the institution of other legal proceedings by the Attorney General;

e.    To render advisory opinions as to whether a given set of facts and circumstances would constitute a violation of the Local Government Ethics Law;

f.     To enforce the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law and to impose penalties for the violation thereof as are authorized by the Local Government Ethics Law; and 

g.    To adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) and to do other things as are necessary to implement the purposes of the Local Government Ethics Law.

• The Local Finance Board, upon receipt of a signed written complaint by any person alleging that the conduct of any local government officer or employee, not regulated by a county or municipal code of ethics, is in conflict with the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law, shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 30 days of receipt and initiate an investigation concerning the facts and circumstances set forth in the complaint.

   

• The board shall make a determination as to whether the complaint is within its jurisdiction or frivolous or without any reasonable factual basis.

   

• If the board shall conclude that the complaint is outside its jurisdiction, frivolous or without factual basis, it shall reduce that conclusion to writing and shall transmit a copy thereof to the complainant and to the local government officer or employee against whom the complaint was filed.

   

• Otherwise the board shall notify the local government officer or employee against whom the complaint was filed of the nature of the complaint and the facts and circumstances set forth therein. The officer or employee shall have the opportunity to present the board with any statement or information concerning the complaint which he wishes.

   

• Thereafter, if the board determines that a reasonable doubt exists as to whether the local government officer or employee is in conflict with the provisions of this act, the board shall conduct a hearing in the manner prescribed by the Local Government Ethics Law, concerning the possible violation and any other facts and circumstances which may have come to the attention of the board with respect to the conduct of the local government officer or employee.

   

• The board shall render a decision as to whether the conduct of the officer or employee is in conflict with the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law. This decision shall be made by no less than two-thirds of all members of the board.

   

• If the board determines that the officer or employee is in conflict with the provisions of the Local Government Ethics Law, it may impose any penalties which it believes appropriate within the limitations of the Local Government Ethics Law.

   

• A final decision of the board may be appealed in the same manner as any other final State agency decision.

It is a violation of the Local Government Ethics Law if a local government officer or employee under the jurisdiction of the Local Finance Board does not comply with the following:

a.    No local government officer or employee or member of his immediate family shall have an interest in a business organization or engage in any business, transaction, or professional activity, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest; 

b.    No independent local authority shall, for a period of one year next subsequent to the termination of office of a member of that authority: 

(1)  award any contract which is not publicly bid to a former member of that authority;

(2)  allow a former member of that authority to represent, appear for or negotiate on behalf of any other party before that authority; or

(3) employ for compensation, except pursuant to open competitive examination in accordance with Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, any former member of that authority.  The restrictions contained in this subsection shall also apply to any business organization in which the former authority member holds an interest. 

c.     No local government officer or employee shall use or attempt to use his official position to secure unwarranted privileges or advantages for himself or others; 

d.    No local government officer or employee shall act in his official capacity in any matter where he, a member of his immediate family, or a business organization in which he has an interest, has a direct or indirect financial or personal involvement that might reasonably be expected to impair his objectivity or independence of judgment; 

e.    No local government officer or employee shall undertake any employment or service, whether compensated or not, which might reasonably be expected to prejudice his independence of judgment in the exercise of his official duties; 

f.     No local government officer or employee, member of his immediate family, or business organization in which he has an interest, shall solicit or accept any gift, favor, loan, political contribution, service, promise of future employment, or other thing of value based upon an understanding that the gift, favor, loan, contribution, service, promise, or other thing of value was given or offered for the purpose of influencing him, directly or indirectly, in the discharge of his official duties. This provision shall not apply to the solicitation or acceptance of contributions to the campaign of an announced candidate for elective public office, if the local government officer has no knowledge or reason to believe that the campaign contribution, if accepted, was given with the intent to influence the local government officer in the discharge of his official duties;

g.    No local government officer or employee shall use, or allow to be used, his public office or employment, or any information, not generally available to the members of the public, which he receives or acquires in the course of and by reason of his office or employment, for the purpose of securing financial gain for himself, any member of his immediate family, or any business organization with which he is associated;

h.    No local government officer or employee or business organization in which he has an interest shall represent any person or party other than the local government in connection with any cause, proceeding, application or other matter pending before any agency in the local government in which he serves. This provision shall not be deemed to prohibit one local government employee from representing another local government employee where the local government agency is the employer and the representation is within the context of official labor union or similar representational responsibilities;

i.      No local government officer shall be deemed in conflict with these provisions if, by reason of his participation in the enactment of any ordinance, resolution or other matter required to be voted upon or which is subject to executive approval or veto, no material or monetary gain accrues to him as a member of any business, profession, occupation or group, to any greater extent than any gain could reasonably be expected to accrue to any other member of such business, profession, occupation or group;

j.     No elected local government officer shall be prohibited from making an inquiry for information on behalf of a constituent, if no fee, reward or other thing of value is promised to, given to or accepted by the officer or a member of his immediate family, whether directly or indirectly, in return therefor; and

k.    Nothing shall prohibit any local government officer or employee, or members of his immediate family, from representing himself, or themselves, in negotiations or proceedings concerning his, or their, own interests. 

Written complaints shall:

1. State the point of the Local Government Ethics Law alleged to be violated;

    

2. State the name(s) and title(s) of the parties involved in the action and against whom the complaint is filed; 

3. Set forth in great detail the pertinent facts surrounding the alleged violative action;
    

4. Indicate whether the complaint concerns the complainant in any way and what, if any, relationship the complainant has to the subject of the complaint; and

5. Indicate any other action previously taken in an attempt to resolve the issue and indicate whether the issue is the subject of pending litigation elsewhere.

Any "Local government employee" which means any person, whether compensated or not, whether part-time or full-time, employed by or serving on a local government agency who is not a local government officer, but shall not mean any employee of a school district; and any  "Local government officer" which means any person whether compensated or not, whether part-time or full-time: (1) elected to any office of a local government agency; (2) serving on a local government agency which has the authority to enact ordinances, approve development applications or grant zoning variances; (3) who is a member of an independent municipal, county or regional authority; or (4) who is a managerial executive or confidential employee of a local government agency, as defined in section 3 of the "New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act," P.L.1941, c.100 (C.34:13A-3), but shall not mean any employee of a school district or member of a school board.

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To get more information contact the Government Records Council:

Mail: Government Records Council

PO Box 819, Trenton, NJ 08625-0819

Phone: 866-850-0511

Email: grc@dca.state.nj.us

Website: www.nj.gov/grc 

Definitions from the law: 

"Government record" or "record" means any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data-processed or image-processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file in the course of his or its official business by any officer, commission, agency, or authority of the state or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof, or that has been received in the course of his or its official business by any such officer, commission, agency, or authority of the state or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof. The terms shall not include inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative, or deliberative material. 

"Public agency" or "agency" means any of the principal departments in the executive branch of state government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission, or other instrumentality within or created by such department; the Legislature of the state and any office, board, bureau, or commission within or created by the legislative branch; and "any independent state authority, commission, instrumentality, or agency. The term also means any political subdivision of the state or combination of political subdivisions, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission, or other instrumentality within or created by a political subdivision of the state or combination of political subdivisions, and any independent authority, commission, instrumentality, or agency created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions. 

The GRC will first ensure that the complaint is a valid one. If it is, the Council will direct the public agency to produce the relevant documents and the reasoning behind the denial. In both mediation and a formal investigation, the GRC will try to handle the complaint as expeditiously as possible and, to that end, will use teleconferencing, faxing of documents, and e-mail. If in-person meetings are necessary, the Council will send representatives to meet the parties at mutually convenient locations.

If the Council cannot make a decision based on the written submissions of the parties, both parties will be notified and a formal hearing will be held. Following that hearing, the Council will reach a determination by a majority vote on whether the record should be made available to the requester. If the Council decides in favor of the requester, and it finds that the custodian “willfully and knowingly” denied access unreasonably under the full circumstances, the custodian can be fined $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second, and $5,000 for a third if it occurs within 10 years of the first. If the requester wins, he or she may be entitled to a reasonable attorney’s fee.

The Council's decision may be appealed to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court

Going to Superior Court

If a requester is denied access to public records, he or she has the option of seeking relief from the Superior Court in the appropriate jurisdiction. Information on this process can be obtained by contacting the Superior Court in the county where the denial took place. If the court determines that access was improperly denied, the court shall order that access be allowed. If the requester wins, he or she may be entitled to a reasonable attorney’s fee. 

Yes. Each agency has a records request form to be used to request records under OPRA. The records request form includes the name, address, and phone number of the requester and space for a brief description of the record sought. A written request provides a paper trail; in the event of a denial, this written record can be very important when making an appeal to the Government Records Council or Superior Court. While anonymous requests may be permitted, the custodian will require a 100% advance payment for any copies that are requested anonymously.

In addition, agencies may release some routinely requested records “informally” by phone, fax, or in person. Such an informal request would not bind the public agency to the time frames provided by OPRA and would not extend certain other rights to the requester, such as the right of appeal to the Government Records Council.  

1. All government records are subject to public access under the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”), unless specifically exempt.
2. A request for access to a government record under OPRA must be in writing, hand-delivered, mailed, transmitted electronically, or otherwise conveyed to the appropriate custodian. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.g. The seven (7) business day response time does not commence until the records custodian receives the request form. If you submit the request form to any other officer or employee of Franklin Township, that officer or employee must either forward the request to the appropriate custodian, or direct you to the appropriate custodian. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.h.
3. Requestors may submit requests anonymously. If you elect not to provide a name, address, or telephone number, or other means of contact, the custodian is not required to respond until you reappear before the custodian seeking a response to the original request.
4. The fees for duplication of a government record in printed form are listed when submitting a request in the portal. We will notify you of any special service charges or other additional charges authorized by State law or regulation before processing your request. Payment shall be made by cash, check or money order payable to the Franklin Township.
5. You may be charged a 50% or other deposit when a request for copies exceeds $25. The Franklin Township custodian will contact you and advise you of any deposit requirements. You agree to pay the balance due upon delivery of the records. Anonymous requests in excess of $5.00 require a deposit of 100% of estimated fees.
6. Under OPRA, a custodian must deny access to a person who has been convicted of an indictable offense in New Jersey, any other state, or the United States, and who is seeking government records containing personal information pertaining to the person’s victim or the victim’s family. This includes anonymous requests for said information.
7. By law, Franklin Township must notify you that it grants or denies a request for access to government records within seven (7) business days after the agency custodian of records receives the request. If the record requested is not currently available or is in storage, the custodian will advise you within seven (7) business days after receipt of the request when the record can be made available and the estimated cost for reproduction.
8. You may be denied access to a government record if your request would substantially disrupt agency operations and the custodian is unable to reach a reasonable solution with you.
9. If Franklin Township is unable to comply with your request for access to a government record, the custodian will indicate the reasons for denial on the request form or other written correspondence and send you a signed and dated copy.
10. Except as otherwise provided by law or by agreement with the requester, if the agency custodian of records fails to respond to you within seven (7) business days of receiving a request, the failure to respond is a deemed denial of your request.
11. If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the seven (7) business days required by law, you have a right to challenge the decision by Franklin Township to deny access. At your option, you may either institute a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey or file a complaint with the Government Records Council (“GRC”) by completing the Denial of Access Complaint Form. You may contact the GRC by toll-free telephone at 866-850-0511, by mail at PO Box 819, Trenton, NJ, 08625, by e-mail at grc@dca.state.nj.us, or at their web site at www.state.nj.us/grc. The Council can also answer other questions about the law. All questions regarding complaints filed in Superior Court should be directed to the Court Clerk in your County.
12. Information provided when requesting records may be subject to disclosure under the Open Public Records Act.

Some exceptions to disclosure include:

• Inter- or intra-agency “advisory, consultative, or deliberative material”
• Trade secrets or proprietary commercial or financial information
• Any record within the attorney-client privilege
• Administrative or technical information about computers which, if disclosed, would jeopardize their security; Emergency or security information regarding any building or facility which, if disclosed, would compromise security
• Security or surveillance information which, if disclosed, could risk the general safety of the public
• Information which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders
• Information about sexual harassment complaints or grievances, and information between an agency and an insurer
• Files maintained by the public defender in any case considered confidential
• Personal information such as social security, drivers license, credit card, and unlisted phone numbers (additional protections are granted to victims of crimes), and
• Information kept confidential under court order

For more specific information about exceptions, contact the “records custodian” in the public agency that has the records you want to access, or contact the Government Records Council. 

Special Circumstances

Under OPRA, criminal investigative records in general are not available to the public. Further, if the person making the request has been convicted of an indictable offense in New Jersey or elsewhere, he or she may not have access to personal information about his or her victim or the victim’s family. To comply with this provision, some agencies have developed records request forms that require the requester to certify that he or she has not been convicted of an indictable offense. (A government record containing such information may only be released subsequently if it is needed in the defense of the requester.)  

You need to know what records you want and what government agency has them. The records request should include an accurate description of each specific record sought. The more you know about the record you wish to see, the easier it will be for the custodian to retrieve it.

When you have that information, file a records request with the records custodian. Under OPRA, a records request must be in writing and must be hand-delivered, mailed, faxed, or “otherwise conveyed to the appropriate custodian.” The request cannot be made by telephone. Use of the Internet as a way to submit requests may be possible for an agency equipped to process such requests and is an option left open to the agency.

The requester is allowed to ask for a record to be copied in a particular format. It may not be possible to honor that request, but if it is feasible, an additional charge may be levied for that service if it is a format not normally used by the agency. This is most often applied to making copies or obtaining data from computer databases. 

• Letter size pages - $0.05 per page, 
• Legal size pages - $0.07 per page, 
• Other materials (CD, DVD, etc) – actual cost of material; 
• Police Accident Reports not requested in person and not part of Municipal Court Discovery shall have an Administrative Fee up to $5.00 charged. 

If a request for a record is denied, there are two avenues of redress. The requester may file a suit in Superior Court or apply to the Government Records Council for relief. For appeals to the Government Records Council, the complaint must be in writing, and it should set forth the facts regarding the circumstances of the request, the specific records asked for, and the denial of access by the records custodian. Appeals in the Superior Court require a $200 filing fee and must follow established court rules. If the denial is found to be unreasonable, either the court or the council can reverse the decision.

However, prior to taking formal action the requester may want to contact the Government Records Council for advice. Depending on the circumstances, the Council’s staff may be able to intervene and resolve the matter without a formal complaint being filed. 

OPRA specifically defines a government record as:  "... any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file ... or that has been received in the course of his or its official business ..." N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1.

Under OPRA, citizens who want to obtain public records should contact the “custodian of records” of the public agency that holds the records they want. At the municipal level, that person will be the municipal clerk; at other public agencies, that person will be an official designated by the particular agency or governmental unit. 

Online Records Request

The law is intended to:

• Expand the public’s right of access to government records
• Set up an administrative process if access is denied
• Define what records are and are not “government records” and determine whether they should be accessible to the public. 

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Officers are trained and expected to make sound judgment and exercise appropriate use of force. When an officer has to use force, they are trained to utilize reasonable force when necessary to protect citizens and themselves. Officers are instructed and trained to always utilize the minimal use of force, ranging from verbal commands, gestures, warnings, chemical or natural agent spraying and hand-to-hand methods. All use of force incidents are reviewed by supervisors and Internal Affairs.

Verbal warnings are always an officer's first option prior to drawing a weapon or using force. However, each case may be handled on a case by case basis; and rely upon the officer's or citizen's level immediate danger of serious bodily injury or death.

In all instances when physical, mechanical or deadly force is used, each officer who has employed such force must complete a report and required forms.

In regards to background checks, thorough background checks are completed. Professional, personal and independent references are sought. Applicants are psychologically evaluated for 5 plus hours by licensed independent psychologist for all the concerns noted in the above question.

Medical attention is always required when any type of injury or pain is reported or observed during any encounter or following a use of force incident.

All of our officers have completed training that includes De-escalation, Special Needs/Mental Health De-escalation and Cultural Diversity. De-escalation training involves officers utilizing words and less lethal force for the majority of situations.

NJ Attorney General Guidelines restrict law enforcement officers from shooting at moving vehicles, except in extenuating circumstances, i.e. a vehicle driving directly at an officer or citizen whose life is in immediate danger.

• Carotid restraint techniques or 'hog-tying' methods are not methods officers are trained or authorized to perform. 

• As per Attorney General Guidelines, New Jersey law enforcement officers are not permitted to perform chokeholds, carotid artery neck restraints, or similar tactics on any individual, except in the very limited situations when deadly force is necessary to address an imminent threat to life. Our state's police academies have long instructed recruits on the dangers of 'positional asphyxiation,' a form of asphyxia that prevents suspects from breathing adequately, including by kneeling or otherwise placing weight on a subject's neck. Police Training Commission Defensive Tactics Manual ' 5.3.2 (2009). Because these tactics create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm, officers who cause a subject's death or injury while performing them face potential criminal liability.

• We properly transport all subjects in compliance with the motor vehicle safety restraints.

In New Jersey, an officer failing to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force is considered a criminal violation, Official Misconduct, which has a mandatory five (5) year prison sentence.

If a police report has been made.

If no police report was made.

Our police officers train in use of force techniques, internal affairs reporting as required by the New Jersey Attorney General Directives and Guidelines; and is committed to the New Jersey Attorney General's Excellence in Policing Initiative.This initiative reinforces law enforcement Professionalism, Accountability and Transparency. Keep in mind that this training is mandated by the Attorney General's Office for law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.' For more information, please visit the following website: (www.nj.gov/oag/excellence).

• We utilize a trigger-based early warning system for types of incidents officers' are involved or encounter. This early warning system helps us monitor our officer's behavior and allows us to evaluate each officer for any potential issues.This system tracks the type of incidents officers are involved; and requires supervisors to monitor and re-assess each officer. If necessary, officers receive the necessary re-training, assistance and/or required discipline. We work with our Human Resources Director to make final determinations on discipline and/or terminations.

• There are no minimum requirements for the number of complaints before an officer is reprimanded, disciplined or terminated. Depending upon the violation, the officer may be disciplined after one (1) sustained violation of any of the department's policies and/or procedures.

Franklin Police Department is in the process of coordinating various community policing activities and programs. It is important to stay connected to the community, either by attending meetings, viewing the updates on our website and/or social media sources. Please get involved!

There are several reasons why we may not have made the repair you requested:

Weather conditions have created a backlog: There are seasonal variations in the amount of new potholes that are created. When there is a significant backlog, the Township will put extra crews on the job of filling potholes until the backlog is gone.

Can’t find the pothole: Sometimes we are given insufficient information or there may be a car parked over the pothole when we arrive, hiding it from view. If we have the name and telephone number of the person who reported the pothole, we call for a better description of the location.

Utility cuts: Some of the potholes reported are the responsibilities of other parties to fill. The agencies or private contractors who dig into the street to work on underground utilities must either repair the street pavement or pay the Township to make the final, permanent repair. If the "utility cut" is not properly repaired, the area of the excavation can sink, leaving what can appear to be a pothole. When these are reported, we may require the utility to return and correct the paving.

Utility covers: When entrances to underground utilities become worn, the owners of the utility must repair cracked or damaged pavement around the rim.

Railroad Tracks: The Township is not allowed to work within three feet of railroad tracks. This area must be repaired by the railroad. Repairs in the area we are responsible for within 25 feet of railroad tracks may take longer because we have to coordinate with the railroad.

Off to the side of the road: Sometimes a pothole forms off to the side of the roadway, especially when drainage is inadequate and the area is used for parking. These areas are usually the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain. When a street is fully improved, these areas include a planting strip, sidewalk, and curb. A DPW inspector can verify if the pothole is in the part of the right of way that is the responsibility of the property owner.

Potholes occur when street pavement cracks and breaks because of water or traffic.

Water can get under the pavement through cracks or from the side of the road. Over time, the water can cause the material under the pavement to erode, causing the pavement to sink down and break. During the winter, the water under the pavement can freeze and expand, and then thaw and contract. This freeze/thaw cycle can cause the pavement to crack so that it deteriorates quickly under the weight of traffic, and then streets can seem to break out in potholes overnight.

Depends on its location:

609-588-6212 for State roads:  Rt. 27 and Route 287

908-541-5021 for Somerset County roads: Easton Avenue, Elizabeth Avenue, Manville Causeway, Kingston-Rocky Hill Road, Andover Road, Franklin Boulevard, Amwell Road, Bunker Hill Road, Blackwells Mills Road (Canal to River Road), Canal Road (Griggstown Causeway to Bunker Hill Road), Griggstown Causeway, South Middlebush Road, Weston Canal Road, Laurel Avenue, Old Road, Cedar Grove Lane, Land Lane, Hamilton Street, Route 518, Claremont Road

732-249-7800 (Public Works Department) for the remaining local roads, or use the following on-line LINK, so we can repair them quickly. 

The Township’s priority is arterial streets--larger streets that carry the heaviest volumes of traffic. A repair on an arterial street that carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily will take priority over a residential street that carries far fewer vehicles. However, all potholes are important to us, and every pothole reported will be fixed.

The material used to patch potholes doesn’t stick as well to the surrounding pavement when it is cold or wet, so repairs made in the winter may not last as long as on dry, warm pavement. We can’t wait for dry weather to fill potholes, however, because we must maintain safety. In late December and the beginning of January, asphalt plants are closed, and hot asphalt is not available. Instead, during these weeks, we use a “cold mix.” Pothole repairs made under adverse conditions may not last as long, but the potholes still need to be filled for reasons of safety.

Our random lottery selection process ensures that all registration requests received with postmarks of the specified mail-in date have an equal chance of enrollment. Registration forms received with postmarks other than the specified mail-in date will be processed following the lottery process on a first-come, first-serve basis (this includes any registrations received before or after the specified mail-in postmark date). MAIL-IN REGISTRATIONS ONLY will be accepted and included in our random lottery selection process only when they are received through the mail at Franklin Township Recreation, 505 DeMott Lane, PO Box 6704, Somerset, NJ 08873, with a postmark OF the specified mail-in date. Walk-in registrations will be accepted on a specified date AFTER the lottery, space permitting.

In most cases park permits are $10.00 per 4-hour block of time.

Fee waivers/reductions are available to low/moderate-income families. Fees may be waived/reduced pending proper documentation. Please call the Recreation office to obtain a form at (732) 873-1991 

Non-Township residents have full use of the park (permits notwithstanding), but only Township residents can hold park permits. 

If you do not get into a class, you are placed on a waiting list in order of registration. If an opening becomes available in a closed program, the space will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. If that person declines or is unreachable after three attempts, the staff will then contact the next person on the list. You are simply required to forward a payment to the Recreation office. There is no need to fill out another registration form. All your information is already on file.

NO confirmations will be made if you get into a program. If you DO NOT get into a class, you will be notified, placed on a waiting list, and your payment will be returned.

A Special Event Permit or other Township approval may be needed if you can answer yes to any of the following questions. Residents should check with the Township Clerk for details. 

• Is the event open to the public?
• Is there an admission fee? 
• Will the event take place on public property or roadways? (Including but not limited to Township property, buildings, and Parks.) 
• Will alcoholic beverages be served? 
• Does the premise possess a liquor license? 
• Are tents or canopies proposed? 
• Will food be served? 
• Will food be prepared on site? 
• Will food be warmed on site?
• Are any open flames, fireworks, or pyrotechnics proposed?
• Will portable lighting, power or sound Amplification devices be used? 
• Are raffles or games of chance proposed? 
• Are restroom facilities available? Permanent or Portable? How many?
• Are amusements, rides, animals, show mobiles, Etc.proposed? 
• Will signs be utilized for Advertising, Directions, Other? 

Simply access the Rutgers University Youth Sports Research Council Web site at http://www.youthsports.rutgers.edu. On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation, which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the “Little League Law” (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a “safety orientation and training skills program.” Please check site frequently for clinic availability updates. Site is updated as classes fill.

The following Sports Organizations run independently of the Recreation Department and administer their own program including registration, schedules, fees and organizational structure 

• FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP BASEBALL LEAGUE (732) 828-1233 www.ftllbaseball.com
• FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP/SOUTH BOUND BROOK LITTLE LEAGUE (732) 469-7761 www.sbbsll.com 
• FRANKLIN TWP. SOCCER LEAGUE (732) 699-0002 www.ftsconline.org
• POP WARNER FOOTBALL (732) 422-3879 www.ftpw.org

The following Sports Organizations are co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and can be reached as follows:

• FRANKLIN TWP. WRESTLING (732) 873-1275 (732) 296-1009 www.franklinwrestlingclub.com
  
• Hershey Track & Field (609) 409-6327
• Franklin Adult Slo-Pitch Softball (609) 395-9167

Three different seniors citizens clubs currently meet at the Community/Senior Center. You are encouraged to visit all three and then join one or all of them. Nominal dues vary per club. Each club has weekly meetings, trip calendars, social events, and guest speakers.

The club’s schedules are as follows:

You may pick up a monthly Calendar for days and times at the Center or click here for more information.

Township residents 55 and older may participate in the following activities.

FINE ARTS:Welcomes artists of all levels. We provide supplies or you may bring your own. This course runs in eight-week sessions, and there is a small fee to take this course. 

HEALTHY BONES: This course is sponsored by the Somerset County Office on Aging and requires a physician’s release and registration prior to starting the class. This class is an exercise program that uses weights to deter 
osteoporosis. There is a small cost to take this course. 

SIT AND KEEP FIT EXERCISE: This free program is offered twice a week and 

YOGA: This very popular 13-week course is taught by certified instructor, Tom Allardice. All levels are welcome, and there is a small fee to attend this class.

LOW IMPACT AEROBICS: Another very popular 13-week course that is taught by certified instructor, Mary Ann Carroll. All levels are welcome and there is a small fee to attend this class. 

WALKING CLUB: Offered most months throughout the year. Walkers either meet at the local parks, or are transported to malls and other sites. Registration is required on any walking trips. Stop by the center for a monthly schedule.
Please note that there is no walking from Mid June until the beginning of September, and then a few weeks in the winter. Annual membership fee.

ARTS & CRAFTS: This weekly activity helps participants make small crafts that may be good for holiday gifts or decorative pieces for your home. Small fee.

SWINGIN SINGIN SENIORS: A group of dedicated seniors who practice weekly and sing at different outside engagements throughout the year. New participants are always welcome, and no prior experience is necessary.

THE FRANKLIN HI-STEPPERS: A group of dedicated volunteers who practice twice a week and perform all over the state of NJ.

LINE DANCING: This group meets every week and there is no registration or fee to join. 

BRIDGE GROUP: Meets for informal instruction and then plays using the techniques just learned. No fee or registration required. 

BINGO: Organized by the Franklin Township Senior Citizens Club and Franklin Park Senior Citizens Club. Club members may play following the weekly club meeting. 

TAI CHI: Under the instruction of Brian Coffey, this program is offered weekly for 8 weeks, and there is a fee due at the time of registration. 

We do not serve lunch at the center, but feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch if you are spending the day. However, lunch is served daily at the Quail Brook Senior Center at 625 New Brunswick Rd. You may call Margie O’Conner at 732-563-4213 for more information.

Unless the tree is on township property, neither the Shade Tree Commission nor the Department of Public works (DPW) has the authority or obligation to remove or replace these trees. Instead, it is the homeowner's responsibility.

If you cannot determine whether a specific tree is within the Township's property or right of way, you may call the Engineering Department at 732-873-2500 x6230 to obtain street right-of-way widths to assist in determining if the tree is on Township property. Your inquiry will be easier to handle if you provide your specific block and lot numbers.

Solar Landscape:

• Solar Landscape is a New Jersey based community solar developer that’s received several recognitions:
  • 2022 Inclusive Solar Outreach Award from the U.S. Department of Energy
  • Sustainable Jersey 2022 Sustainable Business Leadership Award
  • 2021 New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Climate Change & Clean Air
  • 2021 and 2022 Top National Community Solar Project in Solar Builder’s 2021 Project of the Year
    • Solar Landscape offers free solar energy job training.

     

    Capacity for any given community solar project is limited and available on a first come first served basis

Contact our representatives from each community solar project listed:

• Gina Viasus, Solar Landscape, gina@solarlandscape.com, 848-217-0207

You can use the enrollment link listed in the table above to enroll into a project. You will need to provide your utility information (online username/password for your electric account or an account number depending on the project), a form of payment, and basic account information to enroll.

Two Bills: In New Jersey, community solar subscribers receive two bills—one from the community solar developer for their portion of solar energy, and the other from the utility for standard utility charges and any electricity they’ve consumed in excess of their portion of the solar project’s production.

As a subscriber you save money by receiving solar bill credits to offset your payment to the utility and then you pay the community solar developer for those credits at a discount (i.e. in projects where you have a 25% discount, for every $1.00 solar credit applied to your bill, you only pay the developer $0.75)

1. A community solar project delivers energy from the panels located remotely in the community, like on a commercial rooftop, landfill, or parking lot canopy, to the local power grid.
2. Your household can subscribe to a project within your utility area for the amount of electricity your home uses.
3. You will receive a credit on your bill to reflect discounted solar energy from the array’s generated energy

The Township Engineering Department administrates and enforces the program. All stormwater maintenance permittees shall, at a minimum, quarterly submit to the Township of Franklin a maintenance report and control measure check off list demonstrating compliance with the approved stormwater maintenance plan. The maintenance report shall verify that the operating condition of the stormwater control measures are in good working order and that the stormwater maintenance plan has been executed to ensure that stormwater quality treatment devices continue to perform adequately. The Township will conduct inspections of the stormwater quality treatment devices to confirm the information filed in the self certification report. It shall be unlawful to make any false statement or representation in a self certification report submitted to the Township Engineering Department. Self-certification documents can be found in the property’s stormwater management report or obtained from the Township Engineering Department’s website.

Are the Police encroaching on our privacy?

No. The program is one hundred percent voluntary. You may be visited regardless by officers conducting an investigative canvass if a crime occurs in the neighborhood. In addition to being asked about the specific event, you may be asked if you have cameras. You are free to decline to assist the police.

Are you asking us to do the job of the police?

No. We are asking you to take an active part in helping make your community safer. Neighborhood Watch is a recognized crime prevention initiative that started many years ago; police asked neighbors to look out for neighbors. This is the technological extension of that program.

Do the Police "Take Over" or have access to the monitoring?

No. The cameras and the footage recorded remain your property and the police do not have access to it unless you voluntarily hand it over if it is requested. Registration with Franklin Stronger Together Program and continual involvement with it is purely voluntary. You can withdraw your registration at any time.

Is it easy to enroll?

Yes. The form to register is very user friendly, and can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Just visit, https://franklintwp.seamlessdocs.com/f/strongertogether. A writable form will appear. Complete the entire form, and hit the submit button. It's that simple.

What can I expect after I register?

Upon registration, you will receive a personal visit from a Franklin Township Police Officer to verify the enrollment information. Additionally, the officer will discuss important details about the program, make suggestions on camera placement, and can also conduct a site security survey. Upon completion of this process, you will receive a program decal that should be placed in a visible area on your home.

Why do I need a decal?

The decal alerts people to the presence of security cameras, and helps to serve as a deterrent to criminals. The benefits extend beyond the home to include the community. Criminals are less likely to strike if they know they are on video, which increases the chance of being identified.

Why do the police want the Stronger Together Program?

The objective of the program is primarily to build a database of camera locations in our community. Adding a security camera to your property is an excellent crime prevention tool. Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility. The presence of cameras is a deterrent to crime. Allowing the police quick access to potential recordings of crimes in progress is a way for citizens to help make our communities safer for everyone.

Will anyone be able to see the database?

No. The list of registered properties is kept confidential and only the police will have access to it. When a crime occurs, officers can locate the scene on a crime map, and instantly see which residences have security video that may be of use.

Will I be contacted a lot because of this?

Initially, you will be contacted by a police officer to verify the accuracy of the information on your application. At that time, you will receive a program decal, and the officer will answer any additional questions that you may have about the program. After that, you will only be contacted if an incident occurs in your neighborhood and police think your security cameras may have recorded
something relevant.

Duplicate copies can be printed by going on https://www.franklintwpnj.org/TaxWaterPayments and entering your address. You have the option to pay through the website or you can simply write on a separate paper or the memo area on your check when mailing or dropping off payment.

The PTR1A or PTR2A worksheet can only be dropped off of mailed with the Homeowner Information completed (Part 1). They must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.

Mail to:  

Township of Franklin
Attn: Tax Office
475 Demott Ln
Somerset, NJ 08873

Drop off at:        

Public Safety Building/Police Station
495 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873

Submit an inquiry stating mortgage was paid off. Continue to use the bill to make payments and CROSS OUT advice copy. You will NOT receive another statement. Your next bill will be an original.

If your bill reads “THIS IS NOT A BILL – FOR ADVICE ONLY” please note this means your bank received the original and you received a duplicate copy for informational purposes.

If your bill does not read “THIS IS NOT A BILL” and you have a mortgage company, notify your mortgage company immediately the amount of your taxes and that our office needs the Bank Code Authorization Form. We need their information from them. They must fax to 732-342-8439 Attn: Bank Code.

Officers are trained and expected to make sound judgment and exercise appropriate use of force. When an officer has to use force, they are trained to utilize reasonable force when necessary to protect citizens and themselves. Officers are instructed and trained to always utilize the minimal use of force, ranging from verbal commands, gestures, warnings, chemical or natural agent spraying and hand-to-hand methods. All use of force incidents are reviewed by supervisors and Internal Affairs.

Verbal warnings are always an officer's first option prior to drawing a weapon or using force. However, each case may be handled on a case by case basis; and rely upon the officer's or citizen's level immediate danger of serious bodily injury or death.

In all instances when physical, mechanical or deadly force is used, each officer who has employed such force must complete a report and required forms.

In regards to background checks, thorough background checks are completed. Professional, personal and independent references are sought. Applicants are psychologically evaluated for 5 plus hours by licensed independent psychologist for all the concerns noted in the above question.

Medical attention is always required when any type of injury or pain is reported or observed during any encounter or following a use of force incident.

All of our officers have completed training that includes De-escalation, Special Needs/Mental Health De-escalation and Cultural Diversity. De-escalation training involves officers utilizing words and less lethal force for the majority of situations.

NJ Attorney General Guidelines restrict law enforcement officers from shooting at moving vehicles, except in extenuating circumstances, i.e. a vehicle driving directly at an officer or citizen whose life is in immediate danger.

• Carotid restraint techniques or 'hog-tying' methods are not methods officers are trained or authorized to perform. 

• As per Attorney General Guidelines, New Jersey law enforcement officers are not permitted to perform chokeholds, carotid artery neck restraints, or similar tactics on any individual, except in the very limited situations when deadly force is necessary to address an imminent threat to life. Our state's police academies have long instructed recruits on the dangers of 'positional asphyxiation,' a form of asphyxia that prevents suspects from breathing adequately, including by kneeling or otherwise placing weight on a subject's neck. Police Training Commission Defensive Tactics Manual ' 5.3.2 (2009). Because these tactics create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm, officers who cause a subject's death or injury while performing them face potential criminal liability.

• We properly transport all subjects in compliance with the motor vehicle safety restraints.

In New Jersey, an officer failing to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force is considered a criminal violation, Official Misconduct, which has a mandatory five (5) year prison sentence.

Our police officers train in use of force techniques, internal affairs reporting as required by the New Jersey Attorney General Directives and Guidelines; and is committed to the New Jersey Attorney General's Excellence in Policing Initiative.This initiative reinforces law enforcement Professionalism, Accountability and Transparency. Keep in mind that this training is mandated by the Attorney General's Office for law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.' For more information, please visit the following website: (www.nj.gov/oag/excellence).

• We utilize a trigger-based early warning system for types of incidents officers' are involved or encounter. This early warning system helps us monitor our officer's behavior and allows us to evaluate each officer for any potential issues.This system tracks the type of incidents officers are involved; and requires supervisors to monitor and re-assess each officer. If necessary, officers receive the necessary re-training, assistance and/or required discipline. We work with our Human Resources Director to make final determinations on discipline and/or terminations.

• There are no minimum requirements for the number of complaints before an officer is reprimanded, disciplined or terminated. Depending upon the violation, the officer may be disciplined after one (1) sustained violation of any of the department's policies and/or procedures.

Franklin Police Department is in the process of coordinating various community policing activities and programs. It is important to stay connected to the community, either by attending meetings, viewing the updates on our website and/or social media sources. Please get involved!

The application can be downloaded here. If you do not have printer capabilities to download the form from, you can email your address to the Board of Elections and request an application be sent to your home.

If you own property that is:

Located in the B-I zone and located within 500-feet of a residential zone:

• Figures 7 and 8 identify the B-I zoned properties located within 500-feet of a residential zone.
• Future development of a warehouse or expansion of an existing warehouse would not be permitted.
• While future warehouse development would be prohibited these properties would remain within the B-I zone and could be developed with one or more of the various other uses permitted in the B-I zone.

If the property is already developed with a warehouse:

• The use would become a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use. The existing warehouse use could remain in perpetuity at its existing size. However, any expansion of the warehouse use would be prohibited.
• If you still chose to seek expansion of the existing warehouse, you would have the right to apply to the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for a use variance. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and applicable case law.

If the property is already approved for development of a warehouse:

• Your approval would remain in place provided you satisfied all conditions of your site plan approval (including but not limited to obtaining all required outside approvals) and applied for building permits within 2 years of the date your approval was memorialized by resolution of the Planning Board. Failure to do so will render your previous site plan approval invalid.
• If the above is satisfied (and the warehouse constructed), then the warehouse would be considered a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use (see above).

If the property is not developed with a warehouse then the proposed warehouse restriction would not affect the existing development of your site. Further, the warehouse restriction would not apply if you chose to redevelop or expand with another use permitted in the zone.

If you still chose to seek development of a warehouse, you would have the right to apply to the ZBA for a use variance. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the MLUL and applicable case law including demonstrating that the site was suitable for development with a warehouse despite the deviation from the ordinance which restricts such development.

All development in the B-I zone would be subject to other applicable zoning requirements including but not limited to building and parking lot setback requirements, lot and impervious surface coverages, building height, buffer requirements, and design standards for business and industry uses. This ordinance proposes a number of modifications to these requirements which would apply after the effective date of the ordinance.

Located in the B-I zone and NOT located within 500-feet of a residential zone: 

• Figures 7 and 8 identify the B-I zoned properties located within 500-feet of a residential zone (and conversely those properties NOT located within 500-feet of a residential zone).
• The proposed warehouse restriction would not apply to your property.
• All development in the B-I zone would be subject to other applicable zoning requirements including but not limited to building and parking lot setback requirements, lot and impervious surface coverages, building height, buffer requirements, and design standards for business and industry uses. This ordinance proposes a number of modifications to these requirements which would apply after the effective date of the ordinance.

Located within one of the areas proposed to be re-zoned:

• Figures 1 through 6 identify the areas and properties involved.
• After the effective date of the ordinance, the use and bulk requirements of the new zoning designation (i.e., A, RR-3 or R-40, as applicable) would apply. Uses permitted in the prior zoning (warehouses, light industrial uses, office buildings, laboratories, as permitted in ROL and/or B-I) would no longer be permitted.
• If the property is already developed with a warehouse, light industrial use or other non-residential use not permitted in the proposed zoning designation (i.e., A, RR-3 or R-40 zone, as applicable):

The use would become a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use. The existing use could remain in perpetuity at its existing size. However, any expansion of the existing use would be prohibited.

If you still chose to seek expansion of the existing use, you would have the right to apply to the ZBA for a D(2) variance for an expansion of a non-conforming use. You would need to provide proofs/ justification per the requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and applicable case law.

If the property is already approved for development of a warehouse (or other previously-permitted non-residential use):

• Your approval would remain in place provided you satisfied all conditions of your site plan approval (including but not limited to obtaining all required outside approvals) and applied for building permits within 2 years of the date your approval was memorialized by resolution of the Planning Board. Failure to do so will render your previous site plan approval invalid.
• If the above is satisfied (and the warehouse constructed), then the warehouse (or other previously-permitted non-residential use) would be considered a legal, pre-existing non-conforming use (see above).

Not located in the B-I zone and not located within one of the areas proposed to re-zoned:

• This ordinance does not apply to your property and will not affect how you can develop or use your property.
• If you received a notice of the ordinance, it was because your property is located within 200 feet of a B-I zone or one of the areas proposed to be rezoned.

Figure 1: Mettlers Rd_Weston Rd 

Figure 2: Re-Zone from ROL to A zone

Figure 3: Re-Zone from ROL to RR-3 zone 

Figure 4: Elizabeth Avenue, South of New Brunswick Road/ School House Road

Figure 5: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 6: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 7: B-I zoned Properties within 500-feet of a Residential Zone (i.e., warehouses not permitted)

Figure 8: B-I zoned Properties within 500-feet of a Residential Zone (i.e., warehouses not permitted)

Ordinance 4371-22

The ordinance:

Makes warehouses a conditionally-permitted use in the B-I (Business and Industry) zone. The ordinance would prohibit warehouses on lands located within 500 feet of a residential zone. This requirement is consistent with a recommendation in the State Planning report in its “Municipal Mitigation Best Practices” and is consistent with the Goal and Objectives of the Township Master Plan cited above.

• Section VI – amends Schedule I, Permitted Uses, to make “warehouse and distribution uses” a conditional use in the Business and Industry (B-I) zone
• Section XII – provides the conditional use standards for “warehouse and distribution uses” in the B-I zone. In addition to the 500-foot separation requirement, warehouses would be specifically required to be served by public water and sewer.
• Figures 7 and 8 show the properties that would be affected. Sites shown in red are those in the B-I zone that are within 500 feet of a residential zone and thus warehouses would no longer be permitted, whereas the sites in green are not located within 500 of a residential zone and thus warehouses would continue to be permitted.

Rezones property along Mettlers Road (north of Weston Road) from the ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) zone to the RR-3 (Rural Residential) zone. Access to this large undeveloped property, located at the northeast corner of Metters Road/ Weston Road, is limited to two roads (Weston Road and Mettlers Road) that are particularly unsuitable due to their width and geometry for large-scale traffic-inducing developments. Further, while located in the sewer service area, the property is not served by public sewer (closest sewer line is located a significant distance in School House Road). Lastly, sensitive land uses in the form of residential development and Franklin High School are located to the west and east of the site respectively. The property would be rezoned to the RR-3 consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties.

• Section III – rezones this property to the RR-3 zone.
• Sections I, IV, VI, VII, X, XIII – with the rezoning of this property the ordinance would no longer need to reference or contain standards for development in the ROL zone. Such requirements would be eliminated from the ordinance
• Figures 1 and 3, below, show the area and property involved.

Rezones certain properties along Mettlers Road (south of Weston Road) from the ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) zone to the A (Agricultural) zone. While portions of these lands have been previously developed (a laboratory use and an office building recently converted to a school), there remains a sizeable area of undeveloped land at the southwest corner of Weston Road/ Mettlers Road. For the reasons stated above with respect the property at the northeast corner of Metters Road/ Weston Road, these properties are proposed to be rezoned consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties - in this case the A (Agricultural) zone.

• Section II – rezones these properties to the A zone.
• Figures 1 and 2, below, show the area and properties involved.

Rezones certain properties along the Elizabeth Avenue (south of New Brunswick Road) from the B-I (Business and Industry) zone to the R-40 (Residential) zone. While some of these properties have been previously developed or approved for warehouse or light industrial use, there remains a sizeable area of undeveloped land. This area is proposed to be rezoned to the R-40 zone: it is not served by public sewer; a large portion of the area is environmentally-sensitive including large areas of NJDEP-regulated wetlands; and is located in close proximity to sensitive lands uses including Franklin High School and residences. These properties would be rezoned to the R-40 zone consistent with the zoning of the Elizabeth Avenue corridor to the immediate south.

• Section IV – rezones these properties to the R-40 zone.
• Figures 4, 5 and 6, below, show the area and properties involved.

Makes associated amendments to the land development ordinance primarily intended to provide further protection from the impacts of development in the B-I zone including from warehouse development.

• Section VII – Clarifies the applicability of existing larger setback requirements where the B-I zone adjoins a residential zone
• Section VIII – Decreases the permitted maximum building height in the B-I zone
• Section IX – Expands the applicability of existing buffering requirements in the B-I zone
• Section XI – Amends the design standards of the B-I zone to require developers to address compliance with anti-idling laws and laws addressing “solar ready” warehouses
• Section XIII – Clarifies that no pavement (other than necessary to provide access to the site) may be located in the required 50-foot front yard setback.

 Figure 1: Mettlers Road/ Weston Road Area

Figure 2: Re-Zone from ROL to A zone

Figure 3: Re-Zone from ROL to RR-3 zone 

Figure 4: Elizabeth Avenue, South of New Brunswick Road/ School House Road

Figure 5: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Figure 6: Re-Zone from B-1 to R-40

Ordinance 4371-22

If you have any questions on the proposed ordinance please feel to contact the following Township staff members: 

Mark Healey,
Director of Planning/ Senior Zoning Officer 732-873-2500 x6271
Mark.Healey@franklinnj.gov 

Vincent Dominach
Director of Economic Development/
Business Advocate 732-873-2500 x6274
Vincent.Dominach@franklinnj.gov

The public will also be provided an opportunity to ask questions and to provide comments at the hearing which has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm and will be held in the Council Chambers in the Franklin Township Municipal Building at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ

Ordinance 4371-22

With the growth of e-commerce and rising consumer expectations for same-day delivery services, the demand for large-scale warehousing for goods storage and distribution to businesses and retail customers has increased exponentially.

Due to New jersey’s strategic geographic position, skilled workforce, major consumer markets, and robust transportation infrastructure that serve the entire Northeast, New Jersey is an ideal location for the warehousing and goods movement industries. While, these industries contribute economic activity, jobs, and ratables to the state, warehousing can also generate substantial noise, traffic, and air pollution, especially from medium to heavy-duty diesel trucks.

Franklin Township has certainly been experiencing the exponential growth of warehouse development. Since 2018 the Township has received more than two dozen applications for the development of new or expanded warehouses. In total, these developments total several million square feet. A number of these applications are expected to result in lesser impact due to their nature (e.g., redevelopment or expansion of previously-developed warehouses or large-scale office buildings) and/or due to their location (e.g., in the middle of light industrial areas with no nearby sensitive land uses such as residentially-zoned areas and/or located in close proximity to the I-287 without the need for associated truck traffic to traverse residential areas of the Township). However, many of these applications are located in either close proximity to sensitive land uses (including residential zones) and/or are located a significant distance from I-287 (which would require associated truck traffic to traverse through residential areas of the Township). Particularly due to their location, such developments would be far more likely to produce negative impacts to sensitive land uses including noise, traffic, and air pollution.
As indicated above, the rapid growth of warehouse development is not unique to Franklin Township. Communities throughout New Jersey have experienced this phenomenon and its associated impacts. As a result, earlier this month the New Jersey State Planning Commission issued a report (https://www.nj.gov/state/planning/) (the “State Planning report”) which provides guidance to local governments to control warehouse development.

This ordinance is intended to reduce potential impacts of warehouse development. It incorporates a number of the considerations raised in the State Planning report and is supported by the Township Master Plan most notably the following goal and objectives related to such development:

Goal: Encourage commercial and industrial development in areas with access to major regional highways (I-287) and in established areas.

• Locate major employment and traffic-drawing uses in areas where they will least impact residential neighborhoods.
• Maintain size of industrial districts to ensure adequate space for light industry and warehousing.

You received a notice regarding the public hearing on this ordinance because you are the owner of record of property:
• Within the Business and Industry (B-I) zone or within one of the areas proposed to be rezoned
• Within two hundred feet (200 feet) of the Business and Industry (B-I) zone or within one of the areas proposed to be rezoned

Because the temporary by-pass is above-ground, it is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. You should be able to resolve temperature issues by running a faucet to flush the line.

The old water mains will be removed and new mains installed in their place. Due to the nature of the work, this will require shutting off the old water main and installing a temporary, above-ground system of pipes and hoses (called the by-pass) to continue to provide water and fire service to the neighborhood.

The project scheduled for your neighborhood is part of the Town's program to upgrade the water system. Many of the Town’s pipes are older and have been scheduled for replacement because of their age, a history of leaks, breaks or other problems. The larger water pipes that serve streets are called mains. Smaller water pipes that extend from the main to each house are called services.

Planned Events: The Contractor provides 48-hour advance notice and works to minimize the length of all planned water shut downs required to install new water mains. Water service may be disrupted for 4-6 hours or longer if unforeseen issues arise.

Emergency Events: Unexpected breaks can occur requiring the system to be shut down for repair. The length of time needed to repair the line and resume water service varies depending on the severity of the damage. As always, crews will do everything they can to make the needed repairs and return water service to you as soon as possible.

As part of the project, each water service is replaced from the water main to the shutoff in the Townships Right of Way. This section constitutes the Town’s portion of the water service. The section of water service from the shutoff box into the house is the responsibility of the owner. We recommend the owner review the condition of the water service to determine if replacement is desired. New water service lines are installed using copper pipe. We recommend that any private side water services that are a material other than copper (such as iron) be upgraded.

The Contractor will notify residents prior to the contractor mobilizing to begin work. They will provide notices at least 48-hours prior to work beginning and updates at important milestones. Any impacts to roadway or driveway access will be noted. Notices are provided using hang-tabs attached to front doors.

We will be glad to answer your questions related to your drinking water.  Please call us at 732-249-7800, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

When you receive an unusual high water bill, it is a high possibility that you have a toilet valve leak or leak from one of your faucets.  Check your toilet, to make sure there is no leak.  To help you identify the toilet leak, put a dye pill in the toilet tank and see if the dye color gets in the toilet bowl without any flush.  To help you identify the toilet leak, we have dye pills available for pick up from the DPW office located at 40 Churchill Avenue in Franklin Township. 

You can also determine leaks by reading your water meter when no one is in the home for a period of time.  Write down the meter reading before you leave the house and compare the meter reading after you come back.  If the meter readings are significantly different, you may have a leak.  Please consult with your plumber to repair the leak.

Call the Water Utility at 732-249-7800 as soon as possible to setup an appointment.

Curb stop is an underground valve which is located between water main and your water meter.  The curb stop can be operated by using a special key through the opening of a cast iron device called “curb box”.  The curb box is typically located between the sidewalk and curb or on your front lawn.  The curb box usually has a 4” round iron cap which prevents debris dropping into it. 

A working curb stop/curb box is important for reliable water service.  If you notice your curb box cap is missing, please contact Franklin Township Water at 732-249-7800 M-F 7am-3pm, so that we can have the curb box repaired before further damage occurs.

Please follow the boiling water guidelines to bring the water to “rolling boil” for 1 minute before drinking it.  Please contact Somerset County Health Department for more details 

Health Page

All Franklin Township Water Utility service staff wear uniforms which has a Franklin Township logo and they carry a Franklin Township employee photo ID.  You can ask them to put on shoe covers before entering your house.  As always, if you have any doubt or questions, simply call 732-249-7800 one of our representatives will confirm the appointment for you.

We leave a door tag when we attempt to get in touch with you.  So, please call us back when you notice a door tag at your door.  We typically leave a door tag when we need to get into your house to work on the water meter.  Please call us at 732-249-7800 as soon as possible to make an appointment with us whenever you receive a door tag from us.  When you have an appointment, make sure you are available at the appointment time.  If you cannot keep your appointment, please call us as soon as possible so that our service personnel can help other customers.

Turn on your tap slowly and run the cold water until the sputtering stops. Flush water pipe by running the water until it is clear.  Also, check the faucet screens for trapped particles. Remove the screens and clean out any particles. Put the screens back on the faucet.  Begin with the faucet that is highest up in your home or building and then open the other faucets one at a time moving from the highest floor to the lowest.

Water dispensers and ice makers are connected to your water line. You need to flush and clean them.  Follow the directions in the owner's manual or:

1. Throw out ice
2. Flush the water dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes
3. Run the ice maker for 1 hour
4. Throw out all the ice
5. Wash and sanitize bin areas
6. Change the filter cartridges. Some units need disinfecting. Follow the directions in the unit's owner's manual.

Franklin Township does not have any water treatment facilities.  We buy treated water from our bulk suppliers.  Currently, our bulk suppliers are City of New Brunswick Water Department, New Jersey American Water Company and South Brunswick Township Water Department.

When you establish the water service, you pay for the water meter.  Therefore, the water meter is your property. 

When you request to temporary shutoff your water service, Franklin Township Water Utility will shut off the water service and remove the meter.  The removed meter will be given to you to keep in a heated and safe location.  When you request to have the water service turned back on, you should provide us with the water meter.  If the meter is damaged or lost, you will need to pay for another meter before the water service can be turned on.  Please note that the shutoff service is free of charge and the charge for service turn-on is $75 each time.

Franklin Township Water Utility Department operates 24/7.  If you have any water emergency outside of our regular office hour (7:00 to 3:00 PM, M-F), please contact Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 and one of our stand-by crew will respond to your call promptly.

Water meters do get old and become slow and inaccurate overtime.  Franklin Township Water Department has a meter replacement program which replaces meters in our entire system every 10 to 15 years.  To help us complete our work efficiently, please call us at 732-249-7800 to make an appointment as soon as possible whenever you receive a water replacement notice.