Showing posts with label Small business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small business. Show all posts

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)

The Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, Oct 18 as scheduled at 5:30 before the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. 3 members were present in the Council Chambers, Frongillo joined via remote.

My notes captured during the meeting:

Economic development Cmte meeting about to begin, live reporting will commence with the meeting #edc1018

3 of the 4 members present in Chambers (Frongillo absent?)

Home occupation proposal up for discussion only, no legislation drafted yet, looking to help understand the issue, pros/cons, to eventually bring something forward. Frongillo tapped in via Zoom. Follow along with agenda (link below)

Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development, provides an overview on the home occupancy research, example of other communities; we don't have a specific bylaw for home occupancy but do have a section covering the items, and in comparison, we have what others do

Discussion around the nuances of the current regulation, most staff are happy with the current status; suggestion on limiting to some number with an area; not practical, nor encouraging the entrepreneur spirit of those interested. Need to get up to speed (revenue) ...

Before moving from home to a more formal business setting. Lowers the barrier to entry for business. Frongillo (1) making it easier to understand the current status, (2) parking, most streets have parking space unused most of the time (3) manufacturing, particularly food ...

Cathy Liberty, Health Director, speaks to the issues on both sides business and Health to enforce the regulations; different from a food establishment, the health dept can go in anytime because they are in business for that reason; home kitchen different as it is ...

Used some of the time and the access to the kitchen would need to be scheduled. DPW Director Cantoreggi talks to the need for grease traps for commercial kitchens,
 
maintenance is a requirement so it does add cost to the business, but ultimately it protects the community

One aspect of the regulations is to protect the assets (sewer pipes, water infrastructure,...) Moving to the second agenda item, discussion of 40R.
One of the goals from the Franklin For All project. "A smart growth overlay district" if done right, does well

40R does require State approval before going to Town Council, a housing build. Slides shared for the overview ->

40R draft is good but doesn't really do anything until a 40R district is created. This is the umbrella language that covers the future districts. A boat load of work, bring it back for the Nov 1 EDC mtg

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call 


My notes in one PDF ->




Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)
Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)

Sunday, October 8, 2023

La Cantina Winery is hiring to support their expansion

Via Bob Vozzella at La Cantina Winery:
"La Cantina Winery is currently seeking extraordinary individuals to form our tasting room team for our much-anticipated opening. As a member of our crush house team, you will be responsible for creating a fun, informative, and memorable experience for our guests who are like our friends and family.  
If you are personable, reliable, hard-working, professional, a good conversationalist, and above all else enjoy creating nothing but the best experience for others, we are interested in hearing from you!  
A variety of front of the house and back of the house positions are available including a chef! Stop by during our regular hours for an application."


Listen to the conversation I had with Bob Vozzella earlier this year. We discussed wine and doing business in Franklin and about his expansion plans.



The former automotive shop will become La Cantina Winery's expanded operations. Lot ready for paving
The former automotive shop will become La Cantina Winery's expanded operations. Lot ready for paving


Thursday, May 11, 2023

The Frongillo Family in the news (video)

"In the coming weeks, thousands of college students will graduate and need a place to live. 
With the high cost of housing and student loan debt, a growing number of them will trade their roommates for mom and dad. 
The trend in recent years is for young people to move home."

The Frongillo Family in the news
The Frongillo Family in the news

Rich Frongillo has two interviews worthy of listening to (if you haven't already)

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Talking wine & small business with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery (audio)

FM #928 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 928 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my introductory conversation with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery. We had our conversation in person in the office of his ‘day job’ in the industrial park along Grove St.  


Topics for this session

  • The growth of La Cantina from a wine school

  • Experience during COVID

  • Farmers Market tasting

  • The wine making process, differences between a white and a red

  • Expansion plans


The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Bob Vozzella. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-928-lacantina-winery-bob-vozzella-01-17-23


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La Cantina Winery ->  https://lacantinawinery.com/ 


Bob Vozzella’s LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-vozzella-9a878a3a/


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Talking wine & small business with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery (audio)
Talking wine & small business with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery (audio)

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Talking with Rich Frongillo about Downtown Preschool (opening 2023), economic development, soccer, etc. (audio)

FM #927 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 927 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Rich Frongillo. Rich is the owner of Tinetrix, founder of the Franklin Soccer School, Inc., Downtown Sports, and the forthcoming Downtown Preschool (new in 2023!). Our conversation was recorded in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Tuesday, Dec 20, 2022.


Rich and I had another winding conversation. We start with the World Cup, talk soccer, and then catch up on business in this ‘new normal’ time. We get into economic development, housing, and other topics catching up from our prior conversation recorded in September 2020.


Downtown Preschool is the most recent small business venture and it is scheduled to open this year.


Our conversation runs 67 mins. Let’s listen to Rich and I talk about small business life here in Franklin. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-927-rich-frongillo-downtown-sports-expanding-12-20-23



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Rich’s LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-frongillo-4860a96/ 

Tinetrix, Inc. =  https://www.tinetrix.com/ 

Franklin Soccer School, Inc. = https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/ 

Downtown Sports =  https://www.downtownsports.net/ 

Registration for all activities =  https://www.downtownsports.net/registration


Downtown Preschool -> https://www.downtownpreschool.org 


Our prior conversation (Sep 2020)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/fm-353-rich-frongillo-growing.html 


--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Downtown Preschool scheduled to open in 2023
Downtown Preschool scheduled to open in 2023


Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Look no further than Thru the Looking Glass

Written by:  Lyn MacLean

Holiday shopping days that remain are now closing in! Selected for our fourth business in our “Shop Local Series”, we would like to highlight Thru The Looking Glass Custom Picture Framing located at 11 East Central Street, Franklin. 

Established in June 2018, the store offers a wide variety of custom framing services and will work with you throughout the design process to make your framed art the perfect complement to your home. Perhaps you have a special photograph you would like restored as a special gift? Look no further, Thru the Looking Glass has partnered with a local specialist who completes the photo restoration and printing for the shop. You know that special image will be in safe hands with this dynamic partnership. No need to ship your adored photograph out to a stranger far away.  

The owner Maryann Wickman also offers unique vintage holiday items that you will not see in other stores. It’s a personal interest of hers to obtain unique items that she collects over the course of the year and presents for purchase in her shop. The inventory is always changing so you are encouraged to visit frequently to find that perfect gift for someone special in your life.  

The store name cites custom picture framing. However, one will notice quickly upon entering the shop that there are wonderful gift-giving items all around.  The shop includes hand-knitted hats, scarfs, blankets, consignment pottery, handmade cards, and Alice and Wonderland-themed art and watercolors. They are open Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM - 5:30 PM and Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM.

If you cannot decide from all the wonderful items to choose from, they offer gift cards as a perfect gift to give this season. Remember to shop locally and support your Franklin businesses this holiday season and throughout the year. 

Visit Thru the Looking Glass on the web at ->   https://thruthelookingglassframes.com/

Reminder: THINK FRANKLIN FIRST GIFT CARDS 

The cards are available for purchase in any denomination at Dean Bank or franklingiftcard.com.  This website provides the most up-to-date list of participating businesses.  

If you are a local business owner who would like more information contact Lily Rivera at  508-553-4888 or riveral@franklinps.net 

Look no further than Thru the Looking Glass
Look no further than Thru the Looking Glass

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Reminder: AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3

Join us for our first annual holiday market featuring 16 local small businesses and their amazing offerings!

This market will take place on the top* floor of 205 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA throughout our Community Event Space, Boutique & Clinic Space!

There will be 12 local vendors and 4 fun activities including Henna, Tarot Readings, Astrology Readings and Chair Massage so make sure to arrive early to secure a spot if you wish to partake in an activity!

Note: *Unfortunately, there is no elevator in the building.

AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3
AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Instead of Black Friday, let's focus on Small Business Saturday & #GivingTuesday

Yes, the commercials started a while ago. Black Friday deals available online and Before Black Friday. It is hard to avoid them they are so pervasive.

(1) Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to really spend our money wisely and locally. Consider the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card and the shops where it can be used. Check out the listing of shops here ->  https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

Don't have a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card? You can buy one online or at Dean Bank. www.franklingiftcard.com

Did you catch the series on local Franklin businesses we are running? The first 2 are available and more are coming. Thanks to contributor Lyn MacLean!


Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable
Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

(2) There are over 100 nonprofits based in Franklin and a number of others who service this community while based elsewhere. #GivingTuesday was developed in response to the popularity of Black Friday and an attempt to focus on supporting the nonprofits. 

You should be seeing nonprofits advertising or emailing to prompt a donation for their cause on #givingtuesday. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is just one of the many we can support! The Food Pantry, SAFE Coalition, HMEA, the Hockomock YMCA... the list goes on...  If you can't think of a nonprofit to support there is a listing of them based in Franklin here -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html

Monday, October 24, 2022

Voices of Franklin: Mark and Mike Lenzi on the proposed Transfer of an all alcoholic license to Table & Vine (Big Y)

333 East Central St,
Franklin, MA 02038

October 23, 2022

Town of Franklin
Municipal Building
355 E Central St, 
Franklin, MA 02038

RE: Transfer for all alcoholic license to Table & Vine (Big Y) at 348 East Central St hearing


Hello, 

This is regarding the liquor license upgrade/transfer request and hearing on November 2nd 2022.

Introduction:

Franklin Liquors, located at 333 East Central St, has been family owned since 1978.  Mark and Mike Lenzi are the owners, full time employees, and lifelong Franklin residents. 

History:

In the past we fought Table & Vine (Big Y) in getting a beer and wine license.  At that time, we were told a business can’t use competition, distance, or public need for a town to deny a license, and it was approved.

Table & Vine (Big Y) Request:

Please consider the points we make in this letter to you.  Table & Vine (Big Y) will tell you they want an upgrade to a full liquor license, as their customers are asking for it.  In our opinion, this request is because they can’t compete without it.  You may recall, recently the council received a request from Dacey’s Market to also upgrade to a full liquor license. The market is changing; if Franklin Liquors cannot object to a license on grounds of competition, how can Table & Vine (Big Y) be approved for saying they can’t compete without it? 

Exposure and control of alcohol:

This transfer request from Village Mall Liquors to Table & Vine (Big Y) would take control from an alcohol-only store to a supermarket.  You may ask, why does this matter?  For that you must think of the safety of the community. People that don’t drink, those affected by alcoholism, and those who don’t want to expose their children to alcohol don’t need to, and won’t go into a liquor store such as Franklin Liquors.  Those same people must go into a supermarket to purchase essential daily supplies. This will increase exposure. Please also think about workers in these stores- many underage employees will now be exposed significantly more. 

Articles on Exposure:

Consumer alcohol exposure in supermarkets: legislatively adherent, but a societal problem

“Alcohol misuse is a well-known public health problem. Supermarkets provide relatively easy access to alcohol for consumers; this is linked to an increase in alcohol misuse”

Children's exposure to alcohol marketing within supermarkets: An objective analysis using GPS technology and wearable cameras

“One mechanism by which on-site alcohol marketing influences child non-drinkers to consume alcohol is by its conflation with everyday consumer goods sold at supermarkets,”

Effects of Alcohol Advertising Exposure on Drinking Among Youth

“Youth who saw more alcohol advertisements on average drank more”

Young people and under-age exposure

“Further, alcohol was found to be located near staple foods such as bread and milk, reinforcing the perception of alcohol as just another ordinary food stuff.”

Call to ban alcohol in supermarkets after cameras reveal over-exposure to children

“The over-exposure of alcohol to children put it on par with everyday products such as bread and milk, causing children to drink alcohol earlier in their life”

Note: This study also noticed by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

The relationship between exposure to alcohol advertising in stores, owning alcohol promotional items, and adolescent alcohol use

“This study provides clear evidence of an association of adolescent drinking with weekly exposure to alcohol advertising in stores and with ownership of alcohol promotional items. Given their potential influence on adolescent drinking behavior, retail ads, and promotional items for alcohol deserve further study.”

Alcohol exposure in NZ supermarkets 'like advertising candy' to children, researcher says
“Children grow up seeing it offered every Friday, every Saturday, samples being given to adults," 

Note On Exposure: 

Many town residents and councilors have made comments about alcohol miniatures (nips) on our streets.  That is an example of overexposure to our community through the form of trash and waste. People are already being inundated with the sight of alcohol in their daily lives. Take a walk into Shaw's, BJ’s, or Table & Vine (Big Y)- seeing alcohol line the shelf in a big box is even greater exposure to the community, and our youth, who have no choice to avoid these stores, either for work or purchasing supplies.

The town CAN say no:
Table & Vine (Big Y) currently sells beer and wine, so this will not prevent the sale of alcohol at the store.  You will prevent them from increasing exposure by not allowing a full alcohol license.  As a corporation they also have the option to pursue this request in many of their other stores in Massachusetts: this isn’t their only store to expand in.  Here are some resources for you to see other towns who have denied supermarkets, even one that regrets giving a beer and wine license to Table & Vine (Big Y).

Stop And Shop Denied
A transfer request denied in Harwich

And follow up after denial
Stop & Shop withdraws alcohol license request
“He added that the town and its residents clearly didn't want the supermarket to be able to sell liquor, and that the store, which already sells liquor in three of its other stores across the state, should look elsewhere.”

As selectboard airs concerns about Big Y, Price Chopper liquor license denied

“That members of the sober community might be unnecessarily tempted by the alcoholic offerings,”

“Board member Ed Abrahams added that he had voted to give Big Y the all-alcohol license a few years ago and now regrets it. “

Distance And Public Need:

In the past Franklin Liquors brought to the attention of the council the number of licenses on East Central Street.  Currently, Table & Vine (Big Y), Franklin Liquors, Shaw's, And Devita's all occupy the same area, less than one mile.  Devita's and Franklin Liquors sell full alcohol.  Here is a CDC study that is a guide to measuring “density” for alcohol.

Guide for Measuring Alcohol Outlet Density

“High alcohol outlet density, defined as a high concentration of retail alcohol outlets in a small area, is known to be an environmental risk factor for excessive drinking. To prevent excessive drinking, the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends “limiting alcohol outlet density through the use of regulatory authority (e.g., licensing and zoning),” which is based on strong scientific evidence of intervention effectiveness.”

“There is strong scientific evidence that regulating alcohol outlet density is one of the most effective strategies for reducing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms.”

Section 16C: Licenses for premises located near schools or churches:

We know the applicant has done all the steps to notify abutters and the church within 100 and 500 feet.  Other town departments will also sign off on this request. Many don’t know that New England Chapel hosts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Do town council members ever follow up with the community or research impact after getting license request?. How does adding additional alcohol exposure impact these community programs in previous safe spaces? Other organizations, such as the Safe Coalition, would be skeptical of this increase. 


Conclusion:

Franklin Liquors would like the Town Council to consider denying this transfer request based on:

Great Exposure and Limited Control of Alcohol
Distance And Public Need
The Use of Can’t Compete Requests
Other Towns Having Denied OR Regretted These Transfer Requests
Table & Vine (Big Y) Already Has Beer/Wine-Not Preventing them from selling alcohol
This would be the first Table & Vine (Big Y) Full Liquor in Eastern MA
Table & Vine (Big Y) Has MANY other Store in State in Can Do This In 
Franklin Already Has Alcohol Exposure In 3 of 4 Big Box Stores- IF you approve this Table & Vine (Big Y) gives up their Beer/Wine. If Village Mall closes, chances are Stop & Shop will then apply for that. 
Support of the growing “shop small” movement in Franklin

Thank you for your time in reviewing these details.  We hope you think of all the information provided and choose to deny this transfer. 

Mark And Mike Lenzi
Franklin Liquors 
Vintage 1978 

Voices of Franklin:  Mark and Mike Lenzi
Voices of Franklin:  Mark and Mike Lenzi