Good evening everyone. This is the uh Township of Franklin planning board meeting on August the 21st, 7 p.m. Please rise for the flag salute. April to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. meetings act in the annual notice of meetings. A copy was posted on the township website. Notice of this meeting was sent to South Jersey Times and the Sentinel and a copy was posted at the Franklin Township Municipal Building.
>> Okay. Thank you, Christine. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Brandt >> here. M >> Mr. Clark. Mr. Fiorella >> here. >> Mr. Keane. Mr. Kelly >> here. Mr. Mady >> here.
>> Mr. Suede >> here. >> Mr. Travalleon >> here. >> Chairman Pesh >> here. >> Mr. Ransen, Mr. Cahoot. >> Okay, we do have a quorum this evening. Um, let's move on to um
appointment of the um conflict engineer uh for the remainder of 2026. Um, let's see. Why don't we have um bring it bring it in? Why don't you go over the uh need for this appointment and a little background on what's going
on? >> Yeah, absolutely. So, there there is a subdivision uh that is coming in an application uh basically Wayne's company or Wayne himself have uh done the survey on the lots. So thereby he can't be the
one presiding over the actual application as the engineer as it would create a conflict. So because of that we're going to need the conflict engineer to come in on that application. Uh it's nice to have one appointed as you can see with with rain. Uh this does
come up every once in a while. So it's nice to have one that that we're comfortable with that uh can come in and uh review applications so that there's no speed on applicants coming in. >> Okay. Thank you. Um there was two responses to the RFP. The uh in the
dropbox each board member was provided it. I hope you had the opportunity to review it. Is there any discussion on the uh two applicants? If not, is there a motion to appoint one of the two as a conflict engineer? >> Yeah, I have some comments. Um
I'm I'm curious now. This is the second time uh after reorganization that we've been asked to um to name professionals. So, um I'm curious as to know when when when do or who is responsible for
putting the RFPs out uh in our township? Christine, I don't think it's you. Is it? >> No, I think it's the township solicitor. >> The solicitor or the administration office? >> No, I believe it's the solicitor. The township solicitor. >> Okay. Um, well, given that's the if
that's the answer, then uh, you know, realizing that our township solicitor was in the middle of being changed and we didn't have one at the end of the year, I'm I'm I'm okay, um, with the timing of this. I just think it's uh, a little unfair to the board to be asked to make dec, you know, a decision at the
last minute and it's unfair to applicants that may be in a conflict situation. We should have this in place at reorganization. >> Agreed. >> Um, so those are my comments. Okay. Thanks, J. Anyone else? >> Um, at this time, I'd like to make a
motion that this board adopts Arthon, formerly CME, as our conflict engineer. >> I'll second. Can Can I make one more Can I make one more comment? Uh with the with that said, uh with Arthon being the the named conflict um engineering firm,
um can we make sure that uh Chris and Ed are the ones that work on any sort of cases that need to be done because they're familiar with you and they're familiar with the township codes? >> I'd just like to make that comment. Yeah, that that was mentioned in the RFP
that uh they were going to appoint uh Chris and Ed to represent and and that's one of the reasons I supported it as well. the even though CME is now Orthon uh that is the engineering firm that we
had used in the past and he's familiar with the operations so that dollars and cents wise they were a couple dollars apart uh but the fact that he had worked as the uh planning board engineer in previous years he has a history of the back history of the township and also
working with Christine's office on the flow paperwork flow so even though it's a conflict there may not even be another conflict uh this year. Uh, you know, it makes sense to go in that direction. So, with that, I have a motion and a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Brandt,
>> yes. >> Mr. Pierella, >> yes. >> Mr. Kelly, >> yes. >> Mr. Mady, >> yes. >> Mr. Suede, >> yes. >> Mr. Travalone, >> yes. >> Chairman Pesh, >> yes. All right. By the way, excuse my
voice. a uh a lot of history there, but uh there's there's nothing wrong other than the fact I can't the voice just sounds different. Uh resolutions. We have no resolutions this evening. We'll move on to uh
applications uh PB2503, which is the uh ANC >> Okay, thank you. Uh and this is an extension for a minor uh subdivision.
Are they here? >> No. >> No. Okay. In this particular case, uh Christine, why don't do you have the information on what the delay and the purpose of the extension? >> I I could take over from here, Mr. Chairman. So, we did receive
correspondence uh via email that uh the applicant was attempting to file the subdivision fees. The delay in filing them was due to I believe block numbers and lot numbers if I recall correctly. Um they did provide within your packets,
you'll see a letter indicating the need for the extension uh due to that delay in time. They did seek uh those lot and block numbers from the county office. Uh those emails in exhibit A do show that. Uh however, there was a 30-day delay in
obtaining that. Within that time frame, the uh the timing for filing these deeds did expire that being March 25th. So under the MLUL under MJSA4
55D 47F it does permit the board to extend the time frame uh to whatever the board deems appropriate. Uh they are asking um for a short extension. I believe there
was some discussion being that it would be a uh 120day extension I believe and that should give them before them enough time to file these deeds under exhibit B on the uh the letter that was provided.
They do have all the deeds completed. I've reviewed them. They are acceptable. So as soon as this extension is approved, if the board does approve it, they'll have the opportunity to file those with the county office as soon as possible. Okay. >> Can Can I ask I'm sorry. Can
>> Can I ask why would they need 120 days if everything's in line now? >> Uh, that's a great question. So, right now the expiration was for March 25th. >> So, the resolution will be backdated to March 25th.
>> So, if we were to do a 30-day extension, that would probably, if I did my math correctly and I remember that would expire on Friday. >> And historically, some historically the board has done a 120day extension. keep it. >> Typically, we do 20. >> Well, the one experience that I've had
with um the county as far as recording recording is sometimes over the the slightest thing, they'll throw that feedback to you and and ask for it to be amended or changed. And that that's it could be a lengthy process. So this 120
days does afford them the opportunity of course enough time to receive confirmation that the extension was granted if the board grants it as well as if any other issues pop up they can address them and still get this done with one extension they don't have to come back. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Any other questions? Hearing none. Is there a motion? I would like to make a motion to extend Anasia's um application for 120 days to for PB25-03. >> Second.
>> Who is the second? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Brandt, >> yes. >> Mr. Fiorella, >> yes. >> Mr. Kelly, >> yes. >> Mr. Mady, >> yes. >> Mr. Suede. >> Yes. >> Mr. Travalone? >> Yes. >> Chairman Pesh?
>> Yes. Okay. Uh, second one is a ordinance township of Franklin ordinance 5-2 2026 which is the uh amending the U master
plan to u exclude data centers anywhere within the uh any zone within Franklin Township. Brandon again you want to take the lead a little explanation and >> before they do that Mr. Chairman, I'm going to recuse myself because this is going to come to a vote before the township committee. So, I don't want to
be involved in this process. Okay. >> Thank you. So, Mr. Chairman, just very briefly, this is an ordinance being introduced to the planning board uh referred by the township committee to ensure that the proposed order ordinance is consistent with our master plan and
their goals. That's solely what we're here to review this ordinance which is to define data centers and to distinguish them of course uh to confirm that they are prohibited uses of structures in all the zoning districts here. Basically what that means is
they're we're going to make it harder for data centers to come in because it's not going to be a permitted use. Any data center that is proposed as defined in this ordinance will have to come before the zoning board for a use variance as it wouldn't be permitted throughout the township of Frank.
>> Got it. Okay. Understood. >> All right. With >> of course I'll just add to that there is a lengthy um write up here that does define data centers. It it attempts to try to encapsulate what exactly a data
center is so that there's no wiggle room in regards to whether or not you would use variance for this specific type of project. >> Got it. Okay. And you had the opportunity to review all that and uh that uh aligns with the master plan. the
verbiage in the township ordinance al aligns with the master plan and the uh our board. >> I was in court on day. I called you your honor. Mr. Chairman, yes, I did have an opportunity to review the ordinance, review uh the consistency with the master plan and everything checks out.
It it that is my recommendation to the board is that it is consistent. >> Okay, >> I have a question for our solicitor. So, you've read through the language and I'm always fearful that we use words
incorrectly like may or shall. >> Of course. >> And and they tend to leave the door open for litigation. >> Of course. >> After reading our ordinance, has it been well prepared that we believe we're
locking the door shut with this language? >> That is the expectation. I never want to say that it locks the door shut because anybody can file suit for anything and you end up in court. That's just how it is. But this is pretty strong and concrete language that is in the
ordinance to make it very difficult uh to overcome. >> Okay. >> But like I said before, this this is prohibiting the use. That doesn't stop the data center from coming in and coming to the zoning. It needs an application, but the newspaper is very tough and
requires special reasons and a lot of consideration by the board. Anybody that comes in proposing a data center will have a very tolerance. Okay. So, for the public, the township
committee has taxed the planning board to review this ordinance. And this board has three choices. We can recommend to the township committee to pass it. We could recommend to the township committee to deny it. Or we
could say no comment. >> That That's correct. That's correct. >> Basically, the planning board is tasked with reviewing the the master plan as you all know. Believe it's every 10 years, let's say, >> uh to make sure that the goals are all
aligned with uh our planning throughout Franklin Township. And our position here is to review this ordinance and ensure that it is consistent with the master plan that the board reviews every 10 years. So, as you just stated, those are
your three options. Of course, uh I'm recommending that this ordinance is is well written and it's ready and it's consistent. >> Thank you, Brandon. >> Okay. >> I believe they're going in the right direction. We're in the middle of a COA
build a remedy and one of the biggest pieces of that is the lack of water and sewer. So if you don't have water and sewer for lowincome housing, how would you have the amount of water that a data center would need? It's, you know, I'm pro
business. I make no secret of it. Uh uh but at the same time, you know, this is not a business for Franklin Township that we could support from our infrastructure standpoint. The water piece of it, the noise piece of it,
everybody wants a quiet community. I I I hear what the people want. A uh to me it's doesn't make sense at all. uh you love to have the ratable, but then again, what a data center, how many jobs are you really going to be producing?
You're not producing hundreds of jobs. Uh you you you have a a bunch of IT guys uh playing u video games while they're watching computers in a gigantic warehouse. So, uh you know, I I see nothing wrong with this ordinance. I
want to open up the rest of the board. It's not required to open it to the public because it's an ordinance review, but I will open it to the public and I'll have comments about that right before I do that. Uh, but at this point in time, is there any other comments from the board? >> I have some. >> Go ahead, Jimmy.
>> Um, while I'm happy to see this ordinance come before us for uh review and recommendation, I have to question the timing. Um, I I know for a fact that several residents in Franklin Township have sent communication privately and
publicly to the township committee asking the committee to consider banning AI centers. And that goes back probably at least a year. Um, all falling on deaf ears. And so, um, wondering, you know, I'm just curious about the timing. you
know, we sit here and we're now recommending this action to take place. Um, after a year's worth of, as I said, communication from several residents asking for this to be looked at, uh, our neighboring towns in Gloucester County,
neighboring uh, counties have all done this ahead of us. And here we are, 42 days from a primary, and we're being asked now to uh, to consider this. So I I really have to question that the timing of all this. Uh I also want have
a question about how this fits in the master plan. Um because there are several um recommendations that this board has made to the township committee to consider implementing that aren't
done. So how does this fit in with what's being asked tonight uh or with what's in place now? And how would that affect how would what's being done tonight affect the ch the changes that if they're ever adopted? I mean, I think I think the things that need to be to
fall in place are these recommendations that we made a long time ago. Probably it's well over a year ago. Um they're still hanging and some have been adopted. They were adopted all throughout 2025, but there are still some that are hanging out there.
How can we if we make this recommendation, how can we be sure that that's going to get adopted because there's these other pieces that are hanging out there? Uh so again, uh you know, I wonder if we weren't again 6 weeks away from a primary whether or not whether or not we'd even be asked to be
looking at this. Um so those are my comments. >> All right, let's uh let's pull it back to the ordinance itself. the the one take away the warehousing piece that the township is still working on. Uh
how does this tie into this? Does this stand on its own two feet or does it need to be tied together with the uh ordinance uh that the other ordinance that deals with warehousing? Is this considered would this be a subsection to the warehouse or does it stand on its
own two feet? I I'm pretty confident it's on its own two feet that this is related to data centers itself, but data center has any doors because I'm looking at for the size both of them are those size of
buildings and that's why >> the building with stuff inside it kind of sounds similar. >> Well, yeah, but and and also some of these ch some of the change have are you familiar with the changes to the master plant that are still hanging out there? uh just in brief discussions with with board members after uh I
>> okay I think I I think you should get up to speed on that um because you know again there there are several changes to where wware to the warehouse topic itself >> and so you need you know this all needs to fit together and can't conflict or contradict each other
>> of course and and this is specifically the data center that's the only thing that's dealing with okay >> um >> you know the warehouse issue the warehouse issue itself But an AI center can be looked at as a warehouse. >> I mean would fall in the definition of a
warehouse >> that they added in here. Uh regarding data centers and computer centers, I think it falls outside of the warehouse definition that that would come in, but I get what you're saying. Yeah, I understand. >> Okay. Why why don't uh so we don't so we
don't go and uh we keep the ordinance itself clean. Uh why why don't you have that conversation with the township solicitor to make sure the concerns is that it stay stands on its own two feet uh type of thing and that uh it doesn't
get tied into the uh the warehouse piece of it. You can have a a conversation with the soliciter making sure everybody's comfortable with it. And any other questions or comments for the board >> to to Mr. Kelly's point? I mean, when we send this recommendation over, maybe I
know Mark's here, so he'll I'm sure he'll carry the message for us back to the uh the township committee that uh that possibly they could um you know, put those uh those additional ordinances back on your radar um to implement some of those uh recommendations uh that were
made by the uh the master plan committee along with um this clarification on the uh the data centers. Okay, with that said, at this time we call for a motion for public comment. Public comment is is it going to is
going to be uh about the ordinance itself. Uh we're not here to discuss uh affordable housing. It's not part of the conversation. We're not here uh I recognize that there's primaries and general elections coming and that
there's debate. We're not here to debate that. We're here to talk about the ordinance itself and whether it fits into the master plan and send sending our comments back to the uh township committee. So, let's keep it about the
ordinance and let's keep other subjects uh out of here because I'm going to stop you if we go in that direction. I'll entertain a motion to open public portion. >> I'll make a motion. >> I got a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. We're open for public portion. Anyone wish to come up and
speak about the ordinance of 5-206? Dave Marshall 67 New Thank you for Mr. Brand, Mr. Kelly to bring up about the other side of those ordinances. You know, again, the new master plan, how long you get every appreciate that most of you probably have done your homework on data centers,
but just a couple points. Two of the biggest ones in our area. One is the Vinland data one center. That's the one that has got the most headlines with the news coverage uh and the most concerns because of the way it was brought forward to the public. The other one a lot of people don't realize is the Earth Station 76 on Logan Township. That one
was going to be a lot smaller scale. >> What what township? >> Yeah, it's called Earth Station 76. It was instead of being the 2.6 million square foot like the Violent is, it's going to be a 500,000t. >> It had also been put through very quietly similar to what Violent was.
Fortunately, the public got wind of it and they had a pretty big outcry and they've actually put them up in the mail. So, they are actually developing ordinances similar to this. Uh, which you can see happening all over the state. Uh, you know, so I'm glad this is happening. I appreciate that. Right now, as far as I can tell, we've got about 80
facilities, 80 facilities in the state that are already operating on township that didn't put this in folks. So, it's very careful the way that we're talking about the wording. We need to make sure we're very good on that. make sure it's is as rock solid as possible to protect us. As
you said, anybody can sue, but if we have that in place to protect us, we need we need as little mailers as possible in this town. We enough of them as it is now. They all do. They do all in fighting it does too. But this is something the public wants. We need to stand up for and giving that back to them and put our feet in and say it's
coming. Uh so that's appreciated. But again, you guys have been doing your homework. The strains on the electrical grid are a big concern and the biggest area for here is the water. uh the amount of water they control and you see some of the towns where these are completed that the wells have run dry some couple miles away uh you know new data centers ever completed. We're in
the highest water recharge area in the state that runs through Malaga in this part of Franklin Township. The last thing we need to do is sacrifice that contaminated or compromised in many ways. So again that's I'm going to keep it brief because like I said I'm sure you hold on to your homework for this. I hope so. So but thank you for this and I
hope it gets pushed through to you know for a yes vote to to ban it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Dave. Well, well, well. Mr. K, you know what? You don't have to give me your address. I've heard it so many times that I'll wave the necessary >> time, Mr.
and this is not the federal government. You ain't getting your time back. I'm keeping it. >> I don't need much time. Hey, uh, first of all, I want to say to this board personally, it's funny how the same names show up in
lowcost housing developments, in data centers, and in warehouses. The names Gersburg, >> Harry, >> Kater, and I'm going where I'm going, Joe, and I won't deviate from your dictim. I certainly follow the chair's advice. Ker
>> I'm sure Kainer Gersburg and Chris Wall again this board singlehandedly by tableabling way back when a proposal kept Franklin
Township from shall we say early onset development. All right. Because these same people, the exact same people that came in that beginning are the same people that are involved to the same degree in the
lowcost housing. And it's in every township, Wall Township, the townships around the state. And I'm amazed at data centers because it's such a lustful desire to get tax dollars and townships and schools are in dire straits for
money right now. And you look at Vinland and they have the well capacity to provide the water. We know in this town and my god all of you have your own well. We know what the aquifer is. We know what would happen to little beautiful lakes. We know what would
happen to marsh area. We know what would happen to the fishing. We know what would happen to the individuals. It's not suited for a rural area. Unless, of course, you have a development that mandates water and sewer, much like Elk Township. And it's amazing how when
developers come, they suddenly discover a polluted well or something that needs to be done. And so, suddenly water capacity is there. And again, Mr. P is absolutely right. One thing leads to another and it eventually leads to what
could be an ownorous data center. But I am truly amazed. I've been the chairman of the planning board, as you know. I don't envy your job. And I wasn't the least bit surprised that we got two new rookies from the township committee to sit up there this year. Those poor guys.
But you people have stopped things, but you have to be the ones to say what has to be said. Why did this come up when it was recommended by the master plan committee to do the same thing with
warehouses? Let's be proactive. Let's be smart. Let's deal with the problems before they occur. And thank you to all of you because those of you still sitting here, and there aren't many of you that had to guts the table at that night, are the unsung heroes of Franklin
Township. God bless you all, and may we all live in peace and in a beautiful rural community for a long time. Thank you. >> One one second, Harry. Harry, you what you you're pointing to us saying we tabled something
>> way back way back when >> when you tabled you tabled the ordinance being talked about to proceed on their own property that particular night and
that night involved some people that are still here in development specifically Mr. wall. I know we don't want to mention his name, but it's nasty, but if you had not done that, these developers
play the same game in every town. They don't care whether it's lowcost housing or warehouses. The profit margins are the same. And this planning board also, I have to give you credit for one more very smart move. And your chairman, Mr.
P, said it best that night. Joe and I don't always agree. We've fought like cats and dogs and like hell over the years. But I respect his acumen. That night when you were discussing that solar field, Mr. P said, "This is the
least ownorous thing for Franklin Township, and I don't want to be in court again." And what a smart man. He kept you out of court. The zoning board made some terrible, terrible, terrible decisions. And the court cases that were
filed, nobody seems to know where they came from or whose fingerprints are on them. But I'll tell you what, your fingerprints aren't on them. You did the right thing. Thank you to all of you. And some of you I even served with on the planning board and are still here.
And I have a feeling those of you will still be there next year. And I am absolutely sure, Mr. Kelly, that you will be there next year. There will be some new faces on our township committee, but not necessarily on the planning board. I I stray. I stop. Thank
you very much for your time, >> Harry. When you when you got back on the pling board, you said you were comfortable because it's just like buy riding a bicycle. >> You never forget. >> I never forget. >> Yeah. Thank you, Jeff. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> I just wanted to clarify that what was
tabled because, you know, >> Yeah. the uh we slowed it down because there was just too many questions. >> No, I I I know. But I I again there's also some other things that this board has recommended that needs to get approved and somebody said that they needed to review something over 6 months
ago and we're still waiting for that review to get done. >> All right, Cindy, good evening. >> You don't have to have my address. >> I don't need your address either. >> I didn't think so. >> You you you're you're the one you you're right there on Oak Avenue where they're going to have that gigantic project. >> Yeah, the one that you approved so Mr.
Brandt could get it at a real good deal. >> Yeah, we memor. I wasn't going to bring that up. Um I really was going to um I really wanted to say about the water sewer that you mentioned regarding how it would you know we didn't have this. However, today
on our township website, apparently we're going out for bids to a we need an engineering firm to do our water sewer. Sydney, this is
>> it was just it was just posted today and I thought you got a call. >> I I didn't see it, but it has nothing to do with 5-26. It has to do with this ordinance and even though you're press to do with affordable I know it has to do with affordable housing which we all just
discuss but it has nothing to do it has nothing to do with our discussion. you know, maybe for a data center that 200 acres looks pretty, you know, it could be >> in a couple weeks. That's a question for the township committee. That's not a question for discussion. >> I listen, I'm happy that we're not that we're doing what we're doing. We're
being proactive on on the data centers and things like that. >> Okay. So, I am happy that you're you're moving forward. >> I I don't mean to cut you short, but I I don't want to, you know, >> I want to stay consistent. We're trying to >> You know, it's funny. We just got over that and all of a sudden water sewer is
mentioned tonight and then again it's right there you know I had to post it and uh not that we're looking forward to that but when you have to go out for an engineer to bring in water sewer when you just said we don't want it that you know speculation is what's going on >> subject for a different day on a
different board. Anyone else? Hi Paul. >> You're not going to be as tough as the last couple. Are you? >> I'm going to try not to be. >> Okay. >> Uh Paula Mccertie, 1019 Washington Avenue. Um I am new to this process and
just from what I see, I want to make sure that have you all reviewed the proposal or has only the solicitor reviewed the wording of the proposal? >> I'm going to let each board member answer for themselves. I I have read it.
Yes. uh be because that's that's the job of this plan. We just the town committee creates an ordinance and when it has to do with land use and the master plan, it comes back for a review of the planning board for comments on the ordinance and then it goes back to the township
committee to pass the ordinance. So they have an ordinance to forbid uh data centers in any zone. they developed that and that now we're getting it to say okay does the and that's one of the reasons I want to stay talking about the data centers and not other things that
are going on. Uh it comes back to us and does this here play into the master plan uh of the township uh and does it is it the best use uh is it is the best use uh within
the master plan. So now we'll have comments and they they said we can accept it, we can reject it and we have com or we have comments on it and send it back to the township committee. They look at that and quite honestly once they look at that it's their decision
even though if we had com negative comments they could say no we're okay with that and we're going to pass it anyway. Um typically they don't but you know the uh that's the way that's the way the system works. So, yes, I've read it. Would you
guys Everybody look at that ordinance. >> Yes. Yep. >> Yeah. To to jump on that point. Um, and I don't want to get the timing or the date wrong. So, I'm going to look at Chrissy, but I believe >> Wednesday or Thursday of last week. The ordinance was provided to all of us
through the Dropbox by Chrissy. Was that was it Thursday? >> Wednesday or Thursday? >> Wednesday or Thursday. So, it was provided to all of us, you know, obviously as prudent board members. Uh I I'm hoping that we all uh have read it, which I'm assuming we all have. So yes, it was provided to us and we've all had
the opportunity. I don't want to speak for the rest of the board members, but I think we've all had the opportunity to uh to review it in detail. So at least I have. Yeah, I mean my only comments were that I wanted again the comments I made to the solicitor was that you know there are these other parts of the master plan
that that the master plan review board recommended to the ma to the planning board which then recommended to the township committee. Not all of those recommendations have been adopted yet. And so I want to make sure that this new ordinance to ban AI centers, and look,
I'm all for the banning of it, but but it's got to be consistent with the master plan and the uh comment or the uh the the changes that are still hanging out there and need to get adopted. So um so so to answer your question, yes.
>> Okay. So So basically, and you had made mention of the terms may, you know, that the wording is so important. So, so basically what you do is do you go back and forth and say these we're unhappy with this paragraph or this sentence
looks a little bit vague or and it gets reworked until someone >> so you don't actually decide that it's it's the way it's going to be. It's the committee that decides >> it goes back to the town committee with our comments
>> and that's why you know I asked that's why you know and we had conversations earlier in the week. Uh this one I I had no comment. It is a rock solid um I I didn't find any loopholes. I have in the
past or had questions in the past and we go back and forth about it and try to get an understanding of, you know, what what the attorneys are writing here. Um, you know, this one, like I said, is is rock solid. And, uh, you know, it's basically saying no data centers,
period. And uh if you want to have it, then they can certainly make an application to the zoning board and present their case why they think they should have it. But we're we're starting with a a use
that is not acceptable. Okay? >> And they need to come in and now prove why uh it is acceptable ver versus you can build this type of building in this zone that that doesn't exist. Excuse me.
That doesn't exist. So, uh I I think it's a a very good ordinance the way it's written. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. >> Anyone else? Hi, I'm Lori Boltzman. I'm a 206 Charter 24. I just want to let you know that I'm here because I don't want the daddy
centers in our town. And just to let you know, that's my thing. I'm not going to question y'all. And I hope Mr. Fellow, you had mentioned that it's the timing and everything. I hope this has nothing to do with timing of a an election and that you guys just did what's right for our town. Either way, you and the other
board. So that's it. >> Okay. And you know you you it reminds me of something. Uh if I was out in the public, I would ask why didn't you do this uh whatever a year whenever we did the tenure review and we sent the we sent warehousing in there. We never sent
data centers in there. Nobody knew of a d what a data center was at that time. Uh you know solar wasn't in the original uh 10 years ago. Solar wasn't in there. when we did the uh the last review, we didn't send we sent warehousing back uh
but we didn't send data center back and you know from a public standpoint why didn't you do data centers back then uh you know a year ago well because they didn't exist violin wasn't there you didn't hear the screeching noise we we didn't know you know Monroe is fighting
uh like crazy over there on the pike where they you know they're trying to put one and so you know We're we're dealing it's a it's a live it's a live document and we're dealing with uh what what's what's being presented and a couple years from now there'll be
another widget that we don't even know exists and we'll be trying to put that into the master plan at that point in time. So, just reminded me a question. If I was out in the public, you know, why didn't you do it a year ago? Why are you doing it now? >> And if you want to add something else, you can put wind turbines cuz they're
really bad for people if they try to put them in with their green energy. They're horrible on land and in the ocean for people. So, you can throw that in, too. >> There you go. >> Okay. Anybody else? Yes, sir.
>> Peter warm 600 drive. I'm new to town. >> Welcome here. >> Quiet town. You could not put a public hearing onto the agenda unless you had notified the public. >> I'm sorry. Can you say that again? I I
missed what you said. >> I think it's after. Is it even appropriate to have this open discussion when an open discussion was not on the agenda and there was nothing published that I know of that said what the language is that you're talking
about but yet you're having the public hearing. >> Okay. >> So I think this is a question for the lawyer. >> It's it's on the agenda who ordinance with you. >> Is the text on the text should be available there?
Yeah. >> The ordinance itself. >> The ordinance was provided. >> Yes. >> Yeah. The ordinance is is online >> is online >> from the township committee. The township committee. >> Okay. And is it appropriate to add to the agenda after it's been published?
>> What do you mean add to the agenda? Well, this >> Well, Peter, actually, just the just the opposite side of that, uh, probably about a year, maybe a year and a half ago, we we had a public session
and um, a lot of times it got off subject and we eliminated it and I I read that statue in and out and you know the I believe I don't have the statue in front of me at any point in time I can
open the meeting to the public. So you know having this disc this discussion on this ordinance is not necessary but when I look at the statute of than I saw a year a year year and a half ago at any point in time the chair can open the
meeting to the public. So I look at it totally different than you is that I want to hear the public comment. I I want to be able to have a discussion with the being transparent having discussion with uh the residents
uh when it's required and when we eliminated a public session part that evening uh what we did was the ability to have an open session at any time in the future. So I I believe we're covered. >> And Mr. Chairman, if I might just add on
on the agenda itself under presentations and public comment pertaining to the The ordinance amendment here is listed. >> It's in there. Okay. >> So, I'm sorry. >> So, if you look at the agenda here, the section is called presentation of public
comments and the organized. >> So, you have on agendas. It's not necessary for you to list the public comment period. >> Well, I'm sorry. You're saying for the planning for the planning board itself,
it is listed that public comment is it's here pertaining to the application and then the two completely separate. >> Correct. Township committee is a completely different board. This is just the planning board committee to review the ordinance and it's not that I don't
think this was a >> I wonder how much of the public knew that they could come and comment. >> Not a lot of people did. Well, no, but if they're not if they're not going on the website, then they're not going to know. So, this all this information is available on the township website. >> I misunderstood it. Had to be a separate
agenda item. >> No. So, there's plenty of notice given out there. It's people's choice whether they see it and want to come or or whether they don't see it. So, >> Okay. Yeah. >> All right. Thank you, >> Peter. the piece that I remember when I again when I when I looked at that the state statute, you know, the board can
open a meeting to the public at any time for any reason. I don't have to advertise the fact that we're going to open it. It's it's in the state statute. Um, you know, >> I'm from a different state. Obviously, it's a different rule. >> Yeah. >> But that's the case. >> Well, welcome to New Jersey, the highest
taxed uh state in the entire country. >> Yeah. take a look at the public. >> I'll have to read it. Okay. All right. Thanks. >> And that's uh 052026. Peter 052026. >> That's the ordinance number. >> Oh, okay. So, I can find it on the
website that number. >> All right. Anyone else? >> Motion to close open public portion. >> Second. >> Move. Second. All in favor? I >> I was second. >> Okay, let's go down the line here. John,
comments on the uh ordinance? >> I feel the ordinance is solid and I feel that by delaying it in any way would do more harm than capacity. >> Thank you, Jimmy. >> No, I I'm I'm all for it. I just want to make sure that there's no, you know,
conflicts with what we got hanging out there. >> Okay. All right, Jason. >> Uh, it seems pretty thorough to me. We're we're just clarifying uh so there's no ambiguities for a uh for a developer what exactly a data center is. Um, and adding that and to our
prohibited uh use list uh which again just kind of cleans up the language and uh and makes it a little bit less ambiguous for uh for somebody who's looking to develop one of these things. Um I mean they're they're essentially already prohibited uh because they're not permitted uh within the township,
but uh I think this goes a long way to uh clarify the language um you know for all parties uh both on the governing side and the uh the private sector side to um to keep us above board. So I think it's a a good step to to clarify. So
>> Okay. >> I have one more question for Brandon. Um, so let's say let's say there's a um a warehouse is built somewhere in the township because it gets in before some of these changes to uh to the master plan.
>> Does this language I think it does, but I just want to hear you say it. Uh, does this language prohibit a warehouse owner or operator to convert from what he's current use to to a to an AI >> because it would be a change of use to
go before the board change which is exactly what I >> I thought so. I just wanted a confirmation. Ralphie, >> it appears that very few people within our township want data centers, even though they could bring large reg
revenue streams in, but when you weigh out the negative versus the positive, well, there's no reason to have them. I'm pleased that the township has introduced the ordinance. Maybe they should have done it a year ago. I don't know. But we didn't do it as a township
until we got pressure from our neighbor to the east, which is Monroe, and our neighbor from the west, which is Elk. So, we became a me too, which there's nothing wrong with that. Just get in, get in quick, lock the door, keep them
out. So, I'm making a recommendation to my fellow board members that we vote to um tell the township to agree with 0526. >> Okay. And I I want to get Brandon on the verbiage of the motion. So, because
accepting it and say and I'll get to that in a second. The the know the know of a data center and the accepting it. I want to get the ver verbiage of the uh motion correct. Joey, you have any comments? No, I agree with all my colleagues. As long as the professionals, right, and they're okay with it, let's I like to keep Franklin
Township the way it is. >> All right, Brandon, help me out with the verbiage of a motion because we're saying no to data centers. We're not saying no to the ordinance. So, uh, >> so it's it's a vote to um
a vote to say that this ordinance that's proposed is consistent with the master plan. >> Okay. and that it's approved back to the township committee. However you want to word that amalgamation of words, that that's perfect. Those are the buzzwords that just >> at the chance of Ralphie being long
long, I want to ask Ralph to make the motion on uh the data center. The short version, Ralph, >> short version. >> Hang on. Should shouldn't Brandon review those those those uh that language that's hanging out there because I asked him to make sure it doesn't >> so I just want to point to your
attention because I was taking a look again uh that first paragraph of the ordinance of 052026 I believe that does answer your question in regards to the standout 102 uh it's basically defining what exactly a data
center is and what they are um prohibiting within Franklin Township. And within it, it's explaining about uh data storage systems, backup components. It's I don't want to say it's AI because that's not what this is.
>> Is data storage, right? >> Okay. It's places that are uh I don't want to use the word warehouse but these buildings that contain uh components to have data in it which to me uh identifies that it's different than a warehouse because a warehouse is is not
contain those type of components. This is specifically outlawing those data centers. Okay. Does that kind of answer your question? >> Um yeah it does but are there any guidelines as to never mind. No no that that's the wrong question. So never that answers my question. Go ahead. I'm done.
>> All right. >> Continue, Ralph. >> All right. So, I would like to make a motion that the Towns of Franklin Planning Board uh recommends to the Township Committee that they pass
PB I'm sorry, ' 05 2026. >> That is consistent >> and it's consistent with the master plan as written. >> I second that. I have a motion to second roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Brandt,
>> yes. >> Mr. Fiorella. >> Oh, I'm sorry. You refused. >> Mr. Kelly, >> yes. >> Mr. Mady, >> yes. >> Mr. Suede, >> yes. >> Mr. Travalleone. >> Yes. >> Chairman Pesh.
>> In the words of the mayor, absolutely. Yes. Okay, motion carries. Chris, move on to you. Uh, communications, please. >> Uh, we don't have any communications, but I just want to remind everyone that your financial disclosure statements are
due April 30th if you have not done them yet already. >> Right. And if anybody needs help, one of I think everybody's done in the past. Barb is uh Barb will be able to help you. Barb's not here. Barb's not here. >> I will help you. >> Chris Chris will help you. Okay.
All right. Uh, correspondence. >> Do you need confirmation of that for your files, Chrissy? Cuz I sent mine to this Deborah Pine. >> Do you want me to copy you or? >> Yeah. >> Okay, I'll get you that. >> Yeah. Thank you. I think you did yours early, didn't you? >> I did. >> I think I already see you done. >> Yeah,
>> I did it last week >> when I checked. I can check. >> Okay. Well, if you need that, I I have the confirmation from the state website forward to >> All right. I'll check and then follow up with you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Well, I'll be doing it till the last minute as always. Uh correspondence.
>> None. Uh entertain a motion to approve the minutes of March 17, 2026 which submit electronically. >> Motion to approve minutes of March 17th, 2026. >> Second. >> Second. I got a second down. All right. All in favor?
>> I >> I I wasn't here. I see. >> I got extension down there. Right. No need for close session. Good comments. comments from the board. Anyone have comments? >> Yeah, I'd like to make a few comments. Um because I was pretty much called out
a couple times here tonight. Um I've been approached by numerous people saying, "Why did you table ordinances on data centers?" As Mr. Pesh pointed out tonight, the planning board never recommended to us anything dealing with data centers.
>> I did table I was told 6 months ago. It may have been 6 months ago. I did recommend the table and the rest of the committee voted on um three ordinances that dealt with dealing on under building on undersized lots. So, everybody out here tonight is talking about, you know, developers coming in
and taking on our land. And um it was my view and obviously the rest of the committee's view that it it was not a good idea to allow people to build on undersized lots without going before the zoning board. Now, we are currently looking at what that means for people
who already own properties on those homes and want to make, you know, improvements to them. That's something we're looking at. But the planning board makes a recommendation. It's the township committee's job to vote on those recommendations. And to say things are hanging out there, of course there's
things hanging out there. It's a 10-year master review plan. Um, we don't want to rush into things. We don't want to rush to pass ordinances. um we want to look through and make sure that we agree with all them. Um so that's that's really all
I had to say. Um and as as far as being, you know, out from elections and things like that, I wasn't the one playing politics tonight. That's all I'll say. >> I I I can't sit here and listen to that and not not h have a follow-up comment.
Mr. Fiorelli, you did table a motion that affected warehouses, not AI centers. You said you needed more time to review it. That was 6 months ago. Those those ordinance or those recommendations did nothing but protect this township from warehouses. As far as their location and and in town and and
the size of them. You said you needed more time to review. I'm not sure what you're reviewing that. As I said, those those uh those motions or those actions would have only benefited Franklin Township. So, what are you waiting for? What do you need to review? >> Just just quickly, I don't want to make
this a debate between the order township committee. No, no. I But he made a statement that said was completely incorrect and needed to be corrected. >> Okay. I I appreciate that, but I >> I don't want to make this a call to debate between the two different boards. I I get it. Um
>> look, we're all on the record here. Let's keep the record straight. >> I made my comments. >> Yeah. Just just for clarity so there's no confusion. The um the master plan uh needs to be re-examined every 10 years. it it's not that uh the recommendations
for changes should take 10 years to be implemented. So >> okay with that said uh at this time I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> You want to say all in favor? >> I
thank you for coming out everyone. Oh, she hates it.