Franklin Township will hold a special meeting at 2:30 p.m. Friday so that its new engineer can review a proposed 60-unit apartment project.

The agenda included an extension for the Phifer Rentals project, but attorney Julie Bernstein, told the board of supervisors they believe it would be appropriate to provide a presentation.

Township solicitor Tom Nanovic recommended a special meeting.

Bernstein then asked whether they could provide feedback to Phifer Rentals’ engineer.

“We really are at the finish line,” Bernstein said. “We really don’t want this to become a continuation.”

Nanovic said it would be nice if the township’s new engineer and Phifer Rentals’ engineer could go over the plan together.

Fred Kemmerer Jr. noted that he, along with board Chairman Nick Storm and Supervisor Leroy Kemmerer Jr. have made sure the township’s new engineer had everything that he needs in his hands.

Earlier this month at its reorganization meeting, the board appointed James Mascort, from KCE, as the township’s new zoning officer/BOCA property maintenance code enforcement officer.

The project

Last month, the board approved a request from Phifer Rentals for a 60-day extension through Feb. 2, 2026. The property is located next to the current township building.

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. 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 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.

Eminent domain

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

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.

Since that time, the township entered an agreement to buy the former candle shop on Route 209.

Supervisors appointed Scott R. Lipson to serve as special counsel at $210 per hour for the township in connection with a potential condemnation action and any related legal matters that may arise.

Under public comment last week, resident Jill Renfrew asked about the eminent domain situation.

Nanovic said the board could attempt to have an update from the attorney who was appointed as special counsel for the township by next month’s meeting.

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