Town Council to Consider New Override, Controversial King St. Rezone

Above, a Cumberland Farm's gas station in Connecticut. According to emails obtained by opponents of the parcel rezoning on King Street, developer Joe Evans told Town Manager Jamie Hellen, the goal is to build a combination fuel service establishment and convenience store, similar to a Cumberland Farms, adjacent to the fire station if new zoning could be approved.

The decks are being cleared for another lively Town Council session on Wednesday night at 7 pm (with Zoom participation also being an option).

Two items on the agenda seem likely to get the most attention from Councilors and the public, namely:

8.  PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Override Discussion & FY25 Budget Adjustment #2

i. Legislation for Action # 9a

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-50: Budget Stabilization Account Transfer to the Franklin Public School’s FY25

Operating Budget

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-50 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

Override Perspectives

Although an override pegged at nearly $7 million failed to pass in a June 11th special election, many supporters of One Franklin, the pro-override group, are anxious to try again on November 5.  If there is support for override , a final vote of the Town Council will be needed  by August 7th due to the requirements associated with a federal election.  Although One Franklin has reportedly dissolved, many are still pushing for this outcome.

The Vote No Franklin group, is still functioning on the assumption that an override question is still likely to be brought to the voters.

King Street

The website of those opposed to the zoning measure has links to resource, videos, and a variety of notes. It can be viewed here.