**FRANKLIN INN BOOKSTORE CLOSED TO THE PULIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**

Dear Friends & Fans of the Franklin Inn Bookstore-

Franklin Township recently received a grant to perform a Historical Structure Report (HSR) for the Franklin Inn, also know as the Cornelius van Liew Homestead. This report is welcomed as an essential component to the proper and responsible preservation and repair of this important historical structure from 1752.

The structural engineer who performed the inspection and prepared the report, David Hoy of Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek, LLP, found some significant--but fixable--structural problems and recommended that the Inn is temporarily closed to the public until further review determines the extent of the necessary repairs. Based on these recommendations, the Franklin Township Construction Official, Vincent Lupo has ordered the closing of the Franklin Inn until the major structural improvements are completed.

Please be assured that the plan is to make the necessary repairs and to reopen the bookstore as soon as possible, but it is too early to know when that will be.

The RMVE blog will post news and updates of the progress on this project as soon as the information becomes available. To go directly to the updates about the progress on the Franklin Inn, click on the **FRANKLIN INN UPDATES** label to the right of these posts. Along with the updates, we will post any requests for public help or ideas for how you may get involved to help expedite the reopening of the New & Improved Franklin Inn Bookstore!

Click HERE to read the MyCentralJersey.com article about the Franklin Inn.

Below is a copy of David Hoys' letter to Meredith Bzdak of Farewell Mills Gatsh (FMG) Architects, the firm overseeing the HSR study, which contains more detailed information about his specific findings and recommendations.

[Click on Letter Pages to Enlarge]