Planning Board Continues Downtown Hearing; Applicant Defends Four Stories
Planning Board continued hearing on disputed downtown mixed-use proposal to October 19.
Planning Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026
FRANKLIN — Planning Board continued hearing on disputed downtown mixed-use proposal to October 19. Property owner Emil Muhanna proposed a four-story, 57-unit building with ground-floor commercial at 9, 13 & 15 Main Street, requiring special permits for height and density and including 46 parking spaces despite a standard requirement of 57. Chair Gregory Rondeau and members Christopher B.
Stickney, Mark A. Mucciarone, and Eric Steltzer expressed concerns that the four-story height would set an unwanted precedent for downtown; Muhanna said three-story versions are not economically viable. Roughly two dozen public speakers spoke, with opponents citing parking shortfall and historic character concerns while supporters argued downtown needs residential density for economic vitality.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 456 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of September 28, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Franklin meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Franklin who follows town government? Share Townbrief Franklin: they can sign up free.