By John Chambless
Staff Writer

In an effort to spur economic growth, the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors is promoting an upcoming referendum that could allow alcohol sales in the township.

At their Jan. 16 meeting, the supervisors continued a discussion of how to circulate the referendum information. This can only be achieved by placing a referendum on the ballot. Registered voters who are at least 18 years old, and who live in the township, can take the petition around and gather signatures from other registered voters in the township. The petition must be signed by at least 558 registered voters, and the signatures must be gathered between Feb. 19 and March 12 to get the referendum placed on the ballot.

The supervisors have developed a letter which will be mailed to residents in the near future. Board chairman John Auerbach read the letter aloud. Residents are asked to get a petition and collect signatures in their own neighborhoods. If any registered voter is interested in helping, they can call the Township at 610-255-5212. The discussion will continue next month.

The long-discussed Ordinance 2019-01, the Additional Dwelling Unit Ordinance, was given final approval. The ordinance, which allows for an additional living unit to be part of an existing home, or as an accessory to a home on eligible properties, has been studied for more than a year. It was approved by a 3-0 vote.

Among six zoning issues in the township, township manager Joan McVaugh announced that an abandoned building at 3327 Appleton Rd. in Kemblesville will be addressed in a hearing scheduled for Feb. 12 in the Court of Common Pleas, and the District Court date is Feb. 21. A property at 206 Fox Run Rd. is for sale, although the existing home must be demolished.

HARB and Historical Commission chairman Paul Lagasse said the group discussed the proposed Route 896 improvement project as it relates to historic structures, singling out the Plow and Harrow Inn and the Cavender House. Although the results of the study show the Cavender House to be ineligible, Lagasse said he is working with Karen Marshall of Chester County Planning Commission to show that it should be included. The home could prove to be the oldest in the township, and was once a tavern. It can also be tied to Ben Franklin, Lagasse said. Eligibility protects the property and allows for more input from the property owner. Lagasse also said the Church Hill AME Cemetery research project has been put on hold.

During public comment at the end of the meeting, Corporal Weibel from the Avondale State Police introduced herself. She was formerly a resident of Erie, Pa., with 20 years on the force, and was recently transferred to Chester County. She said she is learning about the area, and mentioned that there is a prescription drug drop-off box at the police barracks which is open 24 hours a day. It gets emptied frequently, she said, which demonstrates that it is regularly used.

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. For updated information, visit www.franklintownship.us.

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