FRANKLIN TWP — Township supervisors voted Monday night to update a zoning ordinance which would allow gas stations to be within a certain proximity of each other.

A public hearing where residents could discuss their concerns about the amendment was held prior to the meeting.

The first proposed zoning change included modifying the definition of “brewery and distillery” to include the retail sale of alcohol and permit a tasting room or restaurant at such an establishment.

The second change included “modifying criteria for the gas/fuel station” ordinance, according to a legal notice. The original 2018 ordinance stated that no gas station could be located within 1,000 feet of another gas station.

Supervisors discussed an amendment so that proposed gas stations could be within 1,000 of each other if they sat opposite each other at signalized intersections on Route 422.

Supervisor Herman Bauer commented before voting that he was against the gas station ordinance amendments but not the distillery amendments.

The amendments passed with Supervisor Nathan Wulff and Supervisor Bob Thompson voting for their approval and Bauer voting against them.

Many residents questioned if a possible GetGo station at the corner of Route 422 and Eagle Mill Road spurred the amendment proposal.This hypothetical station would be within 1,000 feet of the S & S Market station at the corner of Route 422 and North Road.

Wulff said supervisors received an inquiry from GetGo in January about potentially building a station on the site.

“There are no active plans to put a gas station there,” he said.

Several residents who live along Eagle Mill Road expressed concern over the noise and light pollution, traffic congestion, crime and other problems that would occur if a station were placed on the site as a result of the ordinance amendment.

Residents and owners of S & S Market, Bill and Donald Spangler, said a competing gas station would take away their business.

“Everybody wants progress, but the big boys are stepping on the little boys,” Bill said. “But that’s not the point, the point is you need to list the pros and cons before making a big decision.”

“I feel it’s prejudicial to our business, if you pick a corporation over an independent,” Donald said. “Our store’s money stays in the community.”

Wulff said if changed, the ordinance wouldn’t effect just the intersection residents were concerned about.

“I look at this change as a correction to a current zoning ordinance. I spoke with members of the past planning commission and no one could offer a reason for the 1,000 foot rule,” he said.

He added that he ran for supervisor with the intention of evaluating unnecessary rules and regulations in the township.

“My decision has nothing to do with the proposed GetGo. That plan isn’t here, we don’t have it, it may never come. I’m a customer of S & S and I’ll continue to be even if GetGo did come,” he said.

Residents argued that the ordinance change would not have been considered if GetGo hadn’t inquired about the property’s zoning. Supervisors responded that the township planning commission has been reevaluating many ordinances last approved in 2018.

The next township meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 18.