Planning Board Expected to Move Depot Plaza Hearing to Sept.

According to the posted Franklin Planning Board agenda, the Applicant/owner of 9, 13-15 Main Street has requested that the public hearing for the proposed Depot Plaza megaproject be continued to September 28, 2026. Monday night, the Planning Board is expected to open the public hearing, read or waive the reading of the Public Hearing notice and then vote to continue the Public Hearing at a later date.

The proposed demolition and redevelopment of the Depot Plaza area along Franklin’s Main Street,  has faced  considerable opposition from local merchants and others concerned about the future of the downtown, though some are happy to see any new development in that area.

The application is being withdrawn to facilitate a refiling to correct an administrative oversight and include a second Planning Board Special Permit request for unit density, according to the letter

According to the submittal for the project shared with the Design Review Commission in July, which ended up tabling the matter after objections were aired to the aesthetics by members of the public, the proposed project is seeking approval for a building height of up to 50 feet, (four stories) which includes multi-story commercial and mixed-use with some 54 housing units and 46 parking places, even fewer parking spaces than what the town currently requires, a requirement which itself was reduced significantly in recent years. In comparison with the current structures on the site, there seems to be less allowance for retail space in the proposal.

A Planning board meeting is also currently scheduled for September 14.