Fight Over Franklin Biz Heats Up

FRANKLIN, WI— This week, an attorney, working on behalf of some residents in Franklin, filed a formal challenge against plans to build a meat processing facility in the City.

The document filed December 1 on behalf of residents and a nearby HOA challenges the validity of a Special Use Permit or Conditional Use permit (“SUP/CUP”) granted on November 2 by the City of Franklin to Strauss Brands, LLC. The permit allows for the development and construction of a meat processing and slaughtering facility in the City, according to the document.

The proposed processing facility is part of a larger proposed development known as Loomis Business Park.

“The project is very controversial and if allowed to proceed will very clearly cause harm and injury to the surrounding properties,” according to the attorney, Joseph R. Cincotta. “While many statements were made about the project, there was a woeful lack of substantial evidence to demonstrate and support approval of the SUP/CUP under the requirements within the City’s ordinances.”

In November, the Common Council voted 3 to 3 on the motion to approve. The Mayor voted to approve it, breaking the tie.

“Plaintiffs continue to object to the project and hereby timely challenge the procedural and substantive basis for its current approval,” Cincotta wrote.

The concern is that the facility will diminish the value of the nearby homes and disturb the lives of the homeowners who live within the Woodlake HOA and a handful of other properties.

Strauss applied for what the City of Franklin denotes as a “Special Use Permit” on April 15, 2020. The plans were initially rejected.

Mayor Steve Olson told Patch the City hadn’t been served when we reached out for comment. Regardless, the City has a policy not to comment on litigation.

Mayor Olson did comment on the benefits of the project, though.

“Strauss was approved based on Franklin zoning ordinances and in doing so retained a 48 year manufacturer in the community where they achieved success to the degree that they need a new facility. This has been in process and subject to a number of actions since 2018. Tax base, good business climate, retention and expansion of a large tax paying business are some of the benefits,” he said.