In an E-mail to his constituents 1st District Alderman Steve Olson announce the last meeting before the Franklin Planning Commission on the matter of Meijers Stores building in Franklin in an area that would benefit the Franklin Public Schools immensely.

Alderman Olson’s Email:

Dear Neighbors:

Just a reminder that the Franklin Plan Commission will continue (and presumably conclude) the public hearing for four items relating to the Meijer Store’s proposal for the Crossroads (Hwy. 100 and Loomis Road) THURSDAY EVENING, 7:00PM in the Common Council chambers at City Hall.

This is the last scheduled public hearing on the matter. I anticipate that the Plan Commission will take action at this meeting on the four questions before them that include lifting the 125,000 sq. ft. limitation and a natural resources protection plan that includes mitigation of some natural resources. The other two items are technical in nature.

I urge you all to take time from your very busy summer schedule to attend the meeting and make your concerns (or support) known to the Plan Commission. I also note that many, if not all of the aldermen will probably be present as well.

Should the Plan Commission act on the issues they would then forward the recommendation to the Common Council for action at our meeting on TUESDAY, JULY 24 AT 6:30PM. At this time, no public hearing is scheduled for the Common Council although I’d encourage your use of the Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting should you wish to offer additional comment.

I also point out that at the Plan Commission meeting, Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center (Hospital) will present their plans for a new medical office building in their campus on 27th Street. They’re asking the Plan Commission for waivers for several items required under the zoning for 27th St.

And, there will be an action item for the remodeling for the former Peoples Choice car wash on Rawson Avenue.

I hope to see you at this important meeting.

As always, forward this e-mail to your friends and neighbors and don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me with your questions or needs.

Thanks.

Steve

 

One of the Franklin Planning commissioners have eluded to how they plan on voting while commenting on a FranklinNOW posting on the project. The first post is by what appears to be a Franklin resident. In a response to that comment Kevin Fischer of FranklinNOW’s – This Just In blog, praises the comment while one of the Planning Commissioners (John Michlig) wrote a posting in response using the name of Johnruexp says he disagrees with the original comment in favor of the Meijers project.  Please read the exchange and make up your own mind based on the comments how Commissioner Michlig will vote.

From FranklinNOW’s - “In Franklin, Meijer plan creates sharp divide in opinion“:

Comment by Frank Lynn – Jul 09 at 10:05 AM  

Let’s not bury our heads in the sand. This is 2012 and the “country” days of Franklin and other communities in the area are long gone. We need this project to happen in an effort to keep development and commercial growth moving forward in our city. So what if you have several other grocery store options within a few miles. A corporation like Meijer does their homework and obviously they are not concerned about being successful in Franklin. It’s a huge step to build your first store in the Wisconsin, and we should be welcoming them with open arms. Unlike Ms. Anderson in the story, I hope to God this attracts other businesses and development. We NEED more development to create jobs and to help our dreadful tax situation. And let’s not forget…I don’t see a line outside City Hall with corporations beating down the doors wanting to build at that location, or in the city in general. This is a great opportunity and I sincerely hope the city leaders and residents keep an open mind and work TOGETHER with Meijer to make this a reality. 

Comment by K Fischer – Jul 09 at 5:56 PM

This comment is outstanding and sums up the issue perfectly. 

Comment by Johnruexp – Jul 10 at 9:52 AM

Mr. Lynn and Mr. Fischer: I disagree. And I’m on the Plan Commission.

It should be interesting to find out how the Commission votes and you can check HERE after Thursday night as the audio will be posted on the City of Franklin’s Website.