Apr 9, 2002 By Steve Ostrosky 3 min read

FRANKLIN TWP. – A special exception granted recently by the township’s zoning hearing board for construction of a proposed doctor’s office on Sixth Street drew the attention of a nearby resident opposed to any variance in the township’s zoning ordinance for that area. William Parker said the township’s ordinance does not provide for special exceptions for medical buildings in residentially zoned areas, such as what is planned for this site. The site has a home that was previously used as a doctor’s office and plans call for the house to be razed and another home constructed for doctor’s offices.

Parker said because this is not an addition, the zoning ordinance is adamant that the new construction conforms to the residential zoning in place along that street. He said new buildings should not be zoned into communities in a piecemeal fashion.

“I don’t care if it’s a Christian bookstore, if it’s supposed to be residential, that’s how it should be,” Parker said.

He said he plans to appeal the board’s decision and said he wonders why the board approved an exception that wasn’t in line with the exceptions supervisors have already delineated.

Chairman Reed Kiger said the appeal will begin a fact-finding process on the matter and encouraged Parker to speak with zoning board solicitor Kirk King about the matter before progressing. He said the board voted based on the zoning ordinance as it is written.

Parking is not an issue, as adequate spaces are already available and will be used at the office site, according to supervisors.

Meanwhile, resident Al Ellsworth asked if the township would consider imposing a burn ban on all wood products in the township, which could cause breathing problems to those with respiratory conditions.

Kiger responded that wood and wood bi-products can be burned in the townships and controlled burns are permitted, but must be extinguished if a neighbor has trouble breathing or is affected by the smoke.

Ellsworth asked that the supervisors be sensitive to the needs of all township residents.

“I’d rather see the trees chipped and made into paper or plywood products rather than that (burned),” he said.

Finally, supervisors announced that a spring clean-up day will be held Saturday, April 20 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the township building. Guidelines from previous events will be followed, meaning no tires, used motor oil, batteries and paint will be collected. Any items that use Freon must have it removed and tagged before bringing it to the township building.

Microwaves will not be collected and the event is open to township residents only, said supervisors.

Jim Hopkins.