By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The addition of a brewpub to the existing Paradocx Vineyard took a step closer to reality on June 22.

Franklin Township Planning Commission representative Brent Van Lith reported to the Board of Supervisors that the commission recommends enacting a draft ordinance, “Brewery as Accessory to Agriculture,” after three months of discussion. The supervisors later unanimously approved a motion to advertise the ordinance.

As part of the ordinance, which addresses the addition of a brewery and tasting room to the wine tasting facilities at Paradocx, the Planning Commission finalized the minimum lot size for outdoor events with less than 100 attendees, and addressed potential parking, safety and noise issues.

Historical Commission/HARB chairman Paul Lagasse reported on the status of the proposed Eastern Shore Natural Gas Pipeline through the township. He reported that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must make a decision regarding the pipeline by July. Eastern Shore, noting they were not on FERC’s June agenda, said they want the pipeline project to be heard at a public meeting in July.

The supervisors continued their discussion about renovating the Township Office in stages. Board chairman John Auerbach has designed an ADA-compliant bathroom for the meeting room area. The plan is ready to send to contractors for quotes. Because of space issues, the renovation of the bathroom cannot occur until the township manager's desk is moved into a back office. Soundproofing and reworking that office is a top priority, followed by the renovation of the bathroom and repair of a deteriorated wall next to the salt storage area.

The board members discussed moving files offsite during construction, or getting a POD or mobile mini storage container to store some of the files. The board discussed getting quotes for each individual project and then all three.

Plans to improve the appearance of the municipal complex are moving ahead. Supervisors Steffen Torres and Auerbach have developed a plan that would allow contractor trucks to continue straight into the work yard, and not turn to the left from Municipal Lane. The plan calls for relocating a corn bin and recycling area to behind the post office parking lot. Beyond that will be the stormwater retention basin. There would be an area of screening between the post office parking lot and the recycling area under the plan. The plan shows additional screening behind the Ford Farm Parking Lot and also at the left turn on the lane toward the municipal building.

For more information, visit www.franklintownship.us.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].