A proposed 60-unit luxury apartment complex in Franklin Township has been granted an extension until March 31.

After a 3-hour special meeting Friday afternoon, township supervisors granted Phifer Luxury Apartments the extension upon review with its new engineer Greg Haas, of Keystone Consulting Engineers.

The project on a 5.39-acre of property on the southwest corner of Fairyland Road and Wagner Street calls for the construction of three apartment buildings.

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 2024.

Resident concerns

Several residents peppered the board with concerns about water, sewer, and increased traffic.

Todd Zellers asked if the township did a traffic analysis.

“The roads are in pretty bad shape,” Zellers said. “I would like a little more information.

Rose Barachie asked about a parking lot in reference to the road, who will be plowing it, and if there would be a secondary building for the management team equipment.

Supervisor Fred Kemmerer Jr. noted that 60 apartments was previously approved by the township’s zoning hearing board.

Eric Christman told the board that’s going to put a lot of burden on the community.

Derrick Rubin mentioned peak demand for water draw and sewage discharge.

Terry Shaner asked the board if the plans have been submitted and approved for construction, and expressed concerns about sewer discharge.

Attorney Julie Bernstein, representing Phifer Rentals LLC, told the board they were only asking for conditional preliminary plan approval.

No construction could take place until they submit a final plan.

Shaner urged the board to not grant them the easements, and to shoot down the plan entirely.

“We don’t want the apartments,” Shaner said.

Zellers said the township needs to make sure it takes care of its youth, as well as the ice dams.

Township solicitor Tom Nanovic told the public that the board was there to act on the land development plans to see if it complies with the township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

Board Chairman Nick Storm said there were 12 comments Haas made that the board was there to review.

Engineer’s comments

Supervisors reviewed unresolved engineering and subdivision issues with Haas, including:

• Approval is still required from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the sewage planning module tied to the proposed sewer connection. All required documents must be submitted to the Planning Commission and supervisors.

• A PennDOT highway occupancy permit is required for the proposed driveway connection to Fairyland Road (SR 2015).

• The erosion and sediment control plan must be approved by the Carbon County Conservation District. Because more than one acre will be disturbed, a stormwater permit is also required.

• A developer’s agreement, including financial security and a cost estimate for site improvements, must be finalized with the township.

• Notes on the land development plan must be updated to reflect any waivers approved by the supervisors.

• Township regulations limit developments to 12 dwelling units per single access point. The plan proposes 60 units, and a waiver has been requested to allow one access.

• Addresses must be assigned in compliance with the 911 emergency system.

• Curbs are required around parking areas; a waiver has been requested, and the engineer raised no objections.

• Stormwater basin slopes exceed township standards. A waiver has been requested, with no engineering objections.

• Stormwater basins must discharge to an existing waterway or storm sewer. Because the proposed basin does not, the applicant must secure a drainage easement from the township and submit an exhibit showing required improvements.

• A safe school bus pickup and drop-off area must be provided. The applicant must coordinate with the Lehighton Area School District and submit related correspondence.

• The plan designates 1.3 acres for recreation, exceeding the required 1.078 acres based on township standards.