A 60-unit apartment complex has advanced to the next phase in Franklin Township.

The township’s zoning hearing board recently granted a special exception to Phifer Rentals LLC to construct the apartments on a 5.39-acre property along Fairyland Road.

Jay Cooperman and Derrick Drey are the developers representing Phifer Rentals who recently purchased the property and explained their intentions.

“We went to the zoning hearing board and proposed some nice high-end rental apartments,” Cooperman said. “They granted a special exception to allow for 60 apartments.”

Cooperman said the next step in the process is for them to go to the township’s planning commission, and noted their engineer is finishing up land development plans.

“There’s a shortage of housing in this area, not only that, but a shortage of rental housing,” he said. “What we are doing is something really high-end.”

Cooperman estimated that once the 60-unit apartment complex is built, it could generate between $125,000 to $150,000 of tax revenue.

“There’s really so much to gain,” he said. “On one side (of the property) is the municipal building, and on the other side of us is a residential home; on both sides, left and right of the property, behind the property is the park, and across the street is the fire department and police department.

“It’s a perfect location for it. There’s really no other alternatives in the township where the project can go, especially now that the zoning hearing board granted (permission) for 60 apartments.”

Cooperman said the plans originally received zoning approval for 48 units in November.

“It’s a project that brings so much benefit to the community,” he said. “And they’re nice looking properties.”

Supervisors on a 2-0 vote last month tabled adoption of a resolution authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of property for the creation of recreational space and/or the construction of a township municipal building.

Supervisor Leroy Kemmerer Jr. was absent.

It was announced that an executive session was held on April 24 to discuss land acquisition with township solicitor Tom Nanovic.

Before the vote, resident Cara Lynn Serfass asked the board what land the township was looking to acquire through eminent domain.

Nanovic said it was property on Fairyland next to where the township plans to put its new building.

Serfass sold that parcel to Phifer Rentals.

In April, supervisors on a 2-0 vote hired attorney Chuck Smith for property acquisitions within the township.

The township wants to have enough room to accommodate eight police officers, administration, zoning hearing board and supervisors.

The township is planning to build a 7,500-square-foot building in between the former Hobby Shop site and current administration office.