Franklin not ready to vote on Highland petition

The Franklin Borough Council on Tuesday tabled consideration of the Highland petition.

Councilman Stephan Zydon Jr. asked the council to table consideration, citing they did not have time to read all the documentation provided and they are “not ready to make any decision or movement.”

Borough Attorney John Ursin said the discussion was to explore the issues and then file a petition that may make the borough eligible for grants. He said there were layers of analysis and eventually the council may be interested in passing ordinances of conformance to the Highlands Act, but could stop the process at any time.

Consultant Ken Nelson said that there are more consistencies to the Highland Act versus inconsistencies, but the properties in non-conformance would need to be discussed. Franklin Borough could become a Highland Center, where growth is desired and expected. Nelson said the goal would be “preservation but also acknowledge and promote growth and revitalization.”