Franklin Voices: Lawrence Benedetto - Chair, Citizens Committee

Greetings:  Allow me to begin by introducing myself and explaining the purpose of this email.  My name is Lawrence Benedetto and I Chair the Franklin Citizen's Committee.  I am sending this independent of the Committee, although I may share its content at some later time.  I obtained most of your email addresses as a result of your participation in the recent 150 Emmons Street hearing.   

Although there may be disagreement in the desired disposition of 150 Emmons Street, I suggest we are all in agreement in doing whatever is best for the community at large.  Further, I want to encourage your further participation in certain endeavors that are upcoming, several of which the Committee has been partner to or will likely take the lead on. As you may know, the Committee is appointed to and answerable to the Council.  Our charge is to seek quality development that is aesthetically enhancing and financially beneficial to the community.  Our composition is made up of three current Councilors, two former Councilors, a former State Representative and myself.  

It is my belief that the more citizen participation we have  the better the ultimate results.  But, unless it is a hot-button issue, or a NIMBY matter, most Council meetings are unattended, press coverage is minimal, the citizenry is absent.  One purpose of this email is to arouse interest; it is an opportune time, Franklin has potential to excel.  

To this end, allow me to share with you past agenda and possible future agenda issues and some limited successes we, and the Council, have been able to provide:  

1. Gateway initiative.  Cook's Farm on the east entrance to Franklin and focus on the Davis Thayer site on our western end; recognition of, and compliments for the improvements and beautification of Dean's property adjacent to Davis Thayer.  We all recognize and remember those places we see that have "a pretty downtown" or "attractive village".  Although things are improving, it was not too long ago the Boston Globe characterized downtown Franklin as "seedy".  Certainly the train station fills that billing. 

2. Train Station roofing and painting.  We have worked two years to achieve the small improvements that have been made.  I cannot tell you how many hours have been spent in that endeavor.  THERE IS A MEETING ON MONDAY, 28 April at 0800, WITH THE T TO SEEK ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ON BOTH FRANKLIN STATIONS.  FRANKLIN ONCE HAD A PICTURE-POSTCARD TRAIN STATION, WE WANT THAT AGAIN.  WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION.  Details available at the Town Administrator's office. 

3. The town has a substantial investment at Chilson Beach and at the synthetic soccer field there.  The cleaning up of the former dump site (now recycle center) and improvements are commendable.  The next objective is the acquisition of the land between the center and I-495 so that the town can expand our recycling efforts as well as any future green initiatives that may arise.  The town is now in the process of meeting with the state to arrive at a mutual agreement.  AGAIN, YOUR VOICE AND SUPPORT IS WELCOMED IN THIS IMPORTANT TASK. 

4. Franklin's composition of taxable property is 80% residential; 2% commercial according to information offered at one of our meetings.  When we have children to educate, seniors to provide for, and significant municipal obligations, it is imperative that our tax base be expanded and to this end our position is "quality development that enhances our community aesthetically and financially", as alluded to above.  

5. Our position on 150 Emmons Street was to return it to the tax rolls, eliminate an expensive blighted building, create a development complimentary to the town and college and use the proceeds for a permanent home for the Recreation Department on town property either at Chilson Beach or Wachusett Street (Verna property).  Last year the Recreation Department served approximately 5700 children of the community; 4700 of which were athletic programs, the remaining services were in child care, music and the arts.  Our children and our seniors need to continue to be a priority and sound business decisions will allow for that. 

6. The proposed addition to the library and an historical enhancement/improvement of the Brick School are future agenda issues that I am confident will be forwarded and supported by the Committee.  Thankfully, the library appears to be moving along; the Brick School is another matter. 

7. We have reviewed certain permitting and zoning issues as well as soliciting the input from the Planning Board and Zoning Board (regular attendees) to allow Franklin to compete with its neighbors for desirable projects.  We have considered proposing a by-law for "unkempt property" and withdrew it to allow for additional research and consideration.  It is likely to appear again. 

8. The town's history of maintaining its property, although somewhat better of late, is abysmal, to be kind.  The destruction of a 41 year old high school, the condition of 150 Emmons Street, the weed infested downtown and major roadways in the summertime, the lack of maintenance on the Union Street project (one million dollars, plus), are a few of the topics we have discussed and will revisit this year.  The logic of creating a public beach and soccer facility across the street from a poorly maintained municipal dump was perplexing, to say the least! 

9. The development of a performing arts facility in the central business district (cbd) is certainly welcomed.  There is much discussion about the anticipated road construction that is upcoming.  The Committee has raised the issue, and sent forward, suggestions that it is an opportune time to approach Rockland Trust, the largest landowner in the cbd, for consideration of a public-private endeavor, which should include parking for the downtown businesses as well as arts center and general rehabilitation/reconfiguring of the area. IMPORTANT! 

10. The Downtown Partnership has done a good job in past years planting flowers and trying to enhance the cbd.  I cannot emphasize too strongly how simple flower boxes and landscaping, along with regular maintenance of trees and weed control, can positively impact a community's appearance and reputation.  The town needs to do more in this regard in partnership with the business community. In closing, the above represents some of the work we have done, in partnership with the Council, Town Administrator and staff and community supporters.  Obviously, much more needs to be done.  

Franklin, recently designated as "the safest small city in America" has tremendous potential and resources.  We all need to step up and exploit the possibilities.  I urge you, and your organizations, to join us, or participate in any way you are able, to make our community a better place for all.  Emmons Street is but one issue among the many issues the community faces.  Best regards, Larry Benedetto.