Franklin panel updates city master plan to accommodate apartment development: Residents remain critical of proposal, which moves forward

John Rasche posted at Franklin Now.

What's the controversial proposal?

"A proposal to build an apartment complex near 51st Street and Cobblestone Way has angered several nearby residents, who quickly turned to the city's Comprehensive Master Plan to oppose the development.

"Under the current master plan, the area is designated for residential, single-family homes."

The proposed change was made easier by this mistake.

"The plot of land was intended to be multifamily anyway, said Planning Manager Joel Dietl. The land in question falls into Planned Development District No. 25, which was created for the Woodland Trails Condominiums in 1998.

"PDD No. 25 called for multifamily use of the land, but the master plan designation was overlooked during a revision in 2009, Dietl said."

The plan commission recommended the CMP amendment and the proposed rezoning to multifamily. These go before the Common Council today.

"The Dec. 2 meeting will include a continuation of a public hearing regarding the proposed master plan amendment."