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FRANKLIN — Developers of a 12,715-square-foot retail center could break ground in the next 60 to 90 days.

Plans for the retail center at East Lawn Drive and East Second Street were approved by Franklin's planning commission this week.

Columbus-based Northstar Realty Inc. will tear down three houses for the development's site, which tentatively will have six shops and one restaurant.

The building will have the appearance of brick, with a stone material around the roof line. A doughnut shop with a drive-through window is planned for the center's east end.

Two residents of nearby homes came to the planning commission meeting to voice their concerns about traffic, noise, headlights and their own privacy from development.

"I'm not tickled to death about this at all," said Nicholes Pearson, questioning what businesses will fill the shops and what possible effect it could have on his property value.

Planning commission members assured Pearson the development would likely increase his property value, and that the natural landscaping planned between the retail center and his home would provide privacy.

"I challenge you to find a development anywhere in Warren County ... that looks as nice as this development," said City Manager Jim Lukas.

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