12 Housing Strategy | ENVISION FRANKLIN In consultant interviews with local housing, land use, and real estate professionals by telephone and Zoom in February 2023, interviewees recognized that housing affordability in Franklin is a big challenge, especially for mid-level and lower-income earners. Some reported that the zoning regulations in Franklin are complex and can be difficult to understand. Interviewees recommended greater efficiency and alignment development and infrastructure planning. Others suggested that there is a need for more communication and collaboration between city staff, the City’s Housing Commission, and developers. A sample of interviewees’ observations about housing in Franklin: Utilities/Infrastructure It is important to connect Envision Franklin with infrastructure planning It is very costly for developers to extend utility connectivity to reach a development site Recapture fees for future users would offer a way to defray the cost of extensive developer investment in sewer infrastructure Consider alternative sewer options Need to consider increased sewer/water fees to cover new water treatment facility Housing Diversity Envision Franklin recognizes need for wide range of houses and costs When land is so expensive, increased residential density can help Neighborhood commercial sites would benefit from a three-story option with a ground floor commercial and residential above More options are needed for households that wish to downsize Would like to see more opportunities for missing middle housing Zoning Regulation is not always consistent with Envision Franklin Need to examine how city planning and zoning can make room for less expensive homes The zoning process is very dependent on Planned District zoning Planned Districts require more time plus more money to develop Impact Fees Impact fees in Franklin are well above comparable fees in surrounding markets Fees should be scalable Some impact fees are currently waived Trends and Priorities Housing affordability is a major concern: where will next generations live? Need more opportunities for attainable housing Concerns about gentrification, displacement, and change in Franklin’s character High vacancies in office space signify a big change in Franklin Service workers are struggling to find affordable housing Habitat for Humanity cannot afford to build in the City of Franklin Multifamily Housing Multifamily is currently addressing a need for workforce housing in Franklin Can’t get financing to develop condominiums, especially at scale
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1Mzc2