Franklin Park councilors and staff discussed the Ladera/Cardinal Ridge development at length on March 19 after the borough received a signed development agreement and financial security from the developer. Staff and council members said the documents delivered to the borough reflect an earlier design with an underground stormwater facility; the council and staff are not prepared to finalize acceptance until updated plans and clarifications are filed.

Tim, the borough staff member who manages development reviews, told councilors he and other reviewers found inconsistencies between the newly recorded/posted materials and the developer’s pending revision. Council members stressed that conditions of approval should be captured in the staff reports and attached to any resolution so obligations are enforceable rather than residing only in meeting minutes. Councilors also raised multiple practical questions they want answered before final acceptance, including who will maintain stormwater facilities after dedication, whether an HOA will exist for townhomes that will affect long-term maintenance, and whether streets will be dedicated and accepted by the borough.

Council members said the developer had filed to obtain grading permits so site work could begin, but noted the council remains within a 90-day window for formal action or to request an extension. Tim said he had emailed the developer asking for the designer or engineer to attend the meeting; several councilors asked that the developer supply revised drawings and responses at least 14 days before the next agenda or to request an extension of time if they cannot meet that schedule.

The council discussed typical development safeguards: bonds and inspection during construction, an 18-month maintenance period and release schedules, and language in development agreements that allow the borough to enforce maintenance in the event an HOA or private entity fails to perform. Council members asked that staff include stormwater maintenance obligations, HOA documents or a timeline for HOA formation, and any dedication/acceptance criteria in an updated staff report. One councilor suggested tabling the item until the updated materials are provided; staff said that option remained available and that Tim could update the staff report based on the developer’s responses.

No final acceptance vote, dedication, or transfer was recorded. Council members instructed staff to return with an updated staff report incorporating the items discussed and to ask the developer for clarified plans and HOA/declaration documents before the next agenda.