Franklin Mint Developers Request Plan Revision

Developers for the Franklin Mint property in Middletown Township presented a revised plan to township council on Monday, which included more residential and less retail space, according to reports. 

In January 2012 council approved, the 1.2-million-square-foot development plan for the former Franklin Mint property, included a 125-room hotel, a 200-unit residential area for the 55+ community, office space in the previous Franklin Mint building, retail space, and one or more sit-down family restaurants. The plan also includes public space for a fire station or other governmental use, retention of the state police barracks and preservation of the Pennell House.

On Monday, developers Frank McKee and Mark Dambly, who are moving forward with the project after developer lawsuits were settled in October, asked council to amend its previously approved mixed-use zoning, for residential use on land zoned for retail, according to the Delaware County Daily Times. 

The revised plan proposes an additional 150 residential units to replace the retail use, according to the Delco Times, and would change the "age-restricted" units to "age-targeted."

The zoning change was introduced and will be voted upon at a future meeting, according to the Delco Times.