Franklin Municipal Planning Commission - 2026-02-26
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Franklin Municipal Planning Commission deferred action on a 202.6-acre Hillside Hillcrest Overlay rezoning at 354 Franklin Road after failing to approve an amended version (3-5 vote) that would have included an additional 1.4-acre conservation area. The commission unanimously approved the 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan with an amendment adding turf fields at Jim Warren Park. The West Haven PUD final plat was deferred one month due to water line easement issues.
Key Decisions (4)
Hillside Hillcrest Overlay Rezoning at 354 Franklin Road
Ordinance 2025-54 to rezone 202.6 acres to revise the Hillside Hillcrest Overlay (HHO) district boundaries for property located south of Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway and east of Franklin Road at 354 Franklin Road. Applicant Cumberland and Western Resources proposed HHO modifications aligned with revised conservation design concept, but omitted approximately 1.4 acres near Ash Drive that planning commission had previously added to conservation area. Initial motion to approve with condition to include the 1.4-acre area failed 3-5. Applicant requested deferral to revise proposal.
2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
Resolution 2025-108 adopting update to parks and recreation master plan. Plan serves as long-range planning guide for parks, greenways, trails and recreational facilities over next decade. Last comprehensive update was 2015. Amended to add turf fields at Jim Warren Park as line item on page 30 for improved functional operation delivery.
West Haven PUD Subdivision Final Plat Section Jewel 2 Revision 2
Final plat deferred due to issue with water line easement that needs revision. Applicant Wilson Associates requested deferral so plat easements can match revised site plan.
Consent Agenda Items
Approved items 3, 4, 6-8, and 10-11 on consent agenda. Item 9 (West Haven plat) was pulled at applicant's request.
Zoning Changes (1)
354 Franklin Road, south of Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway and east of Franklin Road
Cumberland and Western Resources
Development Activity (2)
354 Franklin Road Development
202.6 acres zoned estate residential. Proposed modifications to Hillside Hillcrest Overlay to align with revised conservation design concept. Property includes hillsides, steep slopes, tree rows, and forested areas. Historic Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions regarding visibility from Franklin Road and nearby historic resources including Roper's Knob, Whitehall, and Creekside.
West Haven PUD Section Jewel 2
Final plat revision 2 for subdivision section. Water line easement issue requires revision before approval.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Long-time Ash Drive residents expressed concerns about development encroaching on historically undevelopable land, indicating tension between preservation and growth pressure in established Franklin neighborhoods.
Infrastructure
Franklin Baseball Club serves approximately 3,000 kids annually with 100+ on wait list, indicating strong youth sports demand exceeding current facility capacity at Jim Warren Park and Liberty Park.
Sentiment
Parks and Recreation Master Plan public input showed residents consistently value parks and open space as central to Franklin's quality of life, with desire for expanded trail connections and increased walkability.