Franklin Today

More public funds for 27th Street?

Tonight's Common Council agenda includes two development topics: the Crossroads intersection (Hwy 100 & Loomis) and the 27th Street Corridor. What stands out is how those two topics part ways in terms of priorities and vision.

Ryan Creek Sewer project under EPA review

On February 3rd, the Daily Reporter published an article (only available to subscribers) that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing Franklin's Ryan Creek Interceptor Sewer (RCI) project for the SW portions of the city. Several days prior to the article on the 3rd, the Daily Reporter also had an article stating that the RCI "conflicted" with the goals the federal government laid down for usage of Clean Water monies.

Environmental protections at issue for Forward Franklin EDC

At tonight's meeting, the Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee will be taking up the discussion on revisions to the city's Unified Development Ordinance "as it relates to environmental regulations which may hamper development." The primary environmental ordinance the city raises up on various occasions with developers is the Natural Resource Protection Plan (NRPP). The NRPP has drawn praise from residents wishing to keep Franklin more consicous of conservation and utilizing land better, but upsets developers time-to-time who want to develop more land at the potential expense of losing of the natural resources on their developing properties.

This discussion occurs at a time when the city is constructing the Ryan Creek Interceptor Sewer, which is geared to bring sewer to the southwestern portion of Franklin and easternmost Muskego. This sewer is being built despite strong objections from landowners and farmers in SW Franklin, which haven't faded into the sunset just yet. But again, developers are on the flip-side of this coin, and favor the newfound access of sewer. Developers and the majority of leadership on the Common Council view the sewer as essential to grow and develop the City of Franklin to its maximum ability.

It comes at no surprise then to see environmental regulations such as the NRPP being brought forward for the city's newly-formed economic development entity to review and potentially recommend changes that likely will ease restrictions for developers on environmentally-sensitive areas of the city. What this also has a side-effect on, though, is Common Council President Steve Taylor.

Alderwoman Wilhelm sends out August e-Newsletter

Please see below for items of interest in the city. Note that several items have already passed due to delays in getting this e-Newsletter posted to the blog. My apologies for this.

Kohl's HQ decision sheds light on new public spending

In what could be considered a blow to efforts to lure the Kohl's Corporate Headquarters out of Menomonee Falls, news from the Journal Sentinel indicates the exact opposite will actually be happening. JS Business Reporter Tom Daykin reports that Menomonee Falls officials have produced an incentive and relocation plan to Kohl's that would involve up to $41 million in public spending to keep the corporate headquarters there. Under the Menononee Falls plan, Kohl's would relocate to the more esteemed Woodland Prime Office Park, closer to US 45. Daykin further notes that Kohl's will make the final decision on its corporate plans this Fall.

Payne & Dolan pursues berm enhancements

Over the past several weeks, there has been growing concern and discussion regarding the eastern berm along 51st Street, which shields residents from the quarry. This arises from a proposal by Payne & Dolan, the operator of the quarry, that would relocate the berm closer to 51st Street. Concerns by residents are always along the lines of the quarry expanding in the future, of which such expansion would occur eastward. This has always been a hot button topic that likely will never vanish until operations at the quarry cease. 

Additional city updates from Alderwoman Wilhelm

The entire context of Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm's e-newsletter to constituents and Franklin residents is available if you wish. Please continue reading below:

Dog Grooming and Pet Supply shop opening soon?

Tonight's Plan Commission agenda has a public hearing and business item for a special use approval for Lulu's Dog Pawlour, LLC. The business wants to have a dog grooming and pet supply shop at 7129 S. 76th Street. This address places it at the 76th & Rawson intersection, at either the strip mall hosting Hanley's and Three Cellars or the Orchard View Shopping Center, which currently has a Walgreens under construction in its parking lot.

Knowing that dogs are in many Franklin homes, Lulu's Dog Pawlour, if approved, should be a hit with families if the prices are right. 

Some updates from Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm

KW March Updates

Parking requirements for projects to be reviewed

This Thursday's Plan Commission meeting looks to be interesting as the commission is set to review the parking requirements for new developments within the city. As Franklin's leadership has been attempting to promote a more business-friendly climate here, several changes have already occurred in the development process. These changes, proposed by the Mayoral Ad-Hoc Development Process Review Committee, were more focused on the protection of the city's natural resources and features.

It's good to see that we're moving beyond that.

The parking requirements in Franklin are a bit out of hand, and have received criticism in the past. Instead of utilizing the land in a more compact form, the requirements would have developers build massive parking lots due to the square footage of the building(s) within the project. To that end, many completed developments in our community currently feature parking lots that are half-full, and with some projects this eliminates any sort-of "community" feeling and replaces it with a generic strip mall environment.

While retailers and restaurants have parking requirements in order for their business to locate in a particular project, it always seemed that Franklin's requirements far exceeded those numbers. Instead of creating asphalt paradises, perhaps developers can attempt to create true community shopping and working destinations with revised (and hopefully lower) parking requirements.