Franklin moving forward to realign park driveway, new traffic light

A new traffic light and a realigned driveway into Community Park are being planned for Franklin.

City Council recently approved a resolution last week to enter a preliminary participation agreement required by the Ohio Department of Transportation to realign the existing driveway off Community Park with Ohio 123 to a 90-degree intersection opposite the new driveway to the Hampton Bennett Early Childhood Center, which also houses the central district offices of the Franklin City Schools.

The proposed driveway realignment and traffic light with pedestrian crossing accommodations has been discussed for several years as the city is looking to redeveloped about 20 acres of land east of the school facility as an expansion of Community Park. City officials have previously said the new traffic light will also better access to Ohio 123 for school buses picking up children at the Hampton Bennett facility.

The total estimated cost of the project at $774,560 with the city’s share estimated at $232,368, according to a report from City Engineer Barry Conway. The project construction is scheduled for first quarter of the state’s 2024 fiscal year.

Council also appointed Khristi Dunn as the new city clerk. She succeeds Jane McGee who retired last month after serving 37 years as the city clerk. Dunn’s salary will be $55,000 a year.

Council also appointed Amber Copenhaven and Lynnette Dinkler as acting city clerks who serve when there is a temporary absence or disability of the city clerk or when there is a vacancy in that office. Dinkler also serves as the city’s law director.

Contact this reporter at 513-755-5067 or email Ed.Richter@coxinc.com.