Planning board approves one-year extension to secure county purchase of nearly 24 acres for permanent open space

The Franklin Township Planning Board voted to grant a one-year extension of final approval on a subdivision that will allow Somerset County to acquire and permanently preserve roughly 23.9 acres of land.

The request came from attorney Paul Conchittori, who said the project is under construction but that supply‑chain uncertainty and other factors could cause pauses that would leave the applicant vulnerable without secured approvals. “We really would like the one‑year extension so that way, in any event of any need to pause construction… the protection is granted for the additional year,” Conchittori told the board.

Professional planner Samantha DeAndrea testified on behalf of the county, saying the county is under contract to purchase approximately 23.9 acres of a 32.9‑acre property and that the proposed preserved parcel (Lot 2.08) is contiguous to existing county open space and will add to the Millstone Valley Preservation Area. DeAndrea said no new development is proposed and that the plan is strictly preservation‑oriented.

The application included requests for three bulk variances: reduced lot frontage (proposed frontage about 297 feet where 400 feet is required), creation of a through‑lot because of frontage on both Canal Road and Old Georgetown Road, and a reduced rear-yard setback for an existing accessory structure (129 feet rather than the required 150 feet). DeAndrea said the variances are driven by existing site conditions and that the benefits of preserving nearly 24 acres outweigh detriments.

Chairman Orsini moved to grant the one‑year extension to 05/06/2027; the motion carried on roll call with affirmative votes recorded from Councilman Embarson, Theodore Chase, Jennifer Ragnell, Mahir Rafiq, Robert Thomas and Chairman Orsini. The board recorded the action as an extension to allow the county to complete acquisition and continue construction without risking approval lapse.

The board opened a public comment period for general planning matters but heard no remarks related to the subdivision. No further formal action was required at the meeting.

What happens next: The county will continue its acquisition and preservation work under the extended approval; the subdivision and its variances will remain on the record. The board indicated construction was underway and the preservation parcel will be deed‑restricted for permanent open‑space use.