At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Township Committee held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, residents expressed concern regarding “Resolution 2025-38: Resolution Opposing Legislation that Permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)”. The misunderstanding seemed to stem from a belief that the Township Committee was opposing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) rather than State legislation regarding the subject. It was explained that the resolution was provided by the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) with an expressed opposition to the proposed State legislation “as it undermines municipal land use planning that carefully considers availability of water, sewer capacity, parking, and infrastructure needs of the community. Municipalities already have the authority to permit ADUs, but to mandate the allowance of ADUs in all municipalities removes local control to shape policies that meet the needs of their community.” The resolution template was supplied by NJLM with the same resolution title as supplied on the Township resolution. NJLM supplies a concise summary of the concerns regarding the legislation in their notice which can be accessed on their website: https://www.njlm.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3366
The Franklin Township Committee did explain that they do not have any opinions against ADUs and agree that affordable senior housing, for which ADUs are commonly utilized to address, is a concern for all municipalities in Hunterdon County. They indicated that their opposition to the legislation is specifically regarding the overreach of the State and that municipalities should retain their right to address ADUs as a local authority.
The Franklin Township Committee encouraged residents who are interested in including ADUs as a permitted use in the Township Municipal Land Use Code to open a dialogue with both the Township Committee and the Land Use Board.