Franklin Township has applied for a grant for the purchase of a former candle shop it plans to eventually convert to house its police department and administration office.

On a 2-0 vote, supervisors at a special meeting last week adopted a resolution to apply for an LSA grant in the amount of $550,000 for the purchase of the building,

Also, the board approved a request from Phifer Rentals for a 60-day extension from Dec. 5, 2025, through Feb. 2, 2026. Supervisor Leroy Kemmerer Jr. was absent.

In October, supervisors unanimously approved the sale agreement of the former Blue Mountain Candle Co. Inc., 570 Interchange Road, in the amount of $550,000.

Earlier at that meeting, the board approved the appraisal of the roughly 9,000-square-foot property and building, and to ratify the signing of the contract.

Additionally, the board approved the appraisal of eminent domain property ratifying attorney Scott R. Lipson signing the Moyer Realty Advisor LLC appraisal contract.

After the board’s October meeting, Supervisor Fred Kemmerer Jr. said the former candle shop building will eventually house the township’s police department and administration office.

Fred Kemmerer Jr. said the building will take a lot of renovation work, and noted that the township has $1.5 million in its building fund budget to be used for the purchase and renovation.

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

Fred Kemmerer Jr. said the current township building will potentially be sold in the future.

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

In September, supervisors granted a 60-unit apartment complex project additional time. At that time, the board granted Phifer Rentals LLC land development plan multifamily apartments’ request to provide a 60-day extension of all applicable deadlines imposed by the township’s planning commission related to the township having to render a decision on the pending land development application until Dec. 5.

In August, resident Robin Cressley asked supervisors how much land was needed to build a new municipal building.

Cressley asked the board at that time about the recreation and land for the creation of recreational space and/or the construction of a township municipal building.

Supervisors declined comment on Cressley’s inquiry.

In July, supervisors on a 2-1 vote adopted a resolution authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of certain real property necessary for the creation of recreational space and for the construction of a township municipal building.

Supervisor Fred Kemmerer Jr. was opposed.

Also at that time, a motion that the board of supervisors approve the proposal submitted for preliminary architectural and site engineering services for the initial phase of the “Municipal Complex Development Project” failed for lack of a second.

Additionally, supervisors at that time approved an engagement of special counsel agreement with Lipson to serve as special counsel for the township in connection with a potential condemnation action and any related legal matters that may arise. The scope of services includes legal representation for the township in matters relating to eminent domain and other relevant issues as needed. Legal fees were to be filled at the rate of $210 per hour.

In May, the township’s zoning hearing board granted a special exception to Phifer Rentals to construct a 60-unit apartment complex 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.

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

Cooperman estimated that once the 60-unit apartment complex is built, it could generate between $125,000 and $150,000 in tax revenues.

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

Supervisors on a 2-0 vote in May 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.