Showing posts with label hotel/motel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotel/motel. Show all posts

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Local taxes on meals, hotels could rise under Healey plan

"Governor Maura Healey, who this week swore off raising state taxes, unveiled sweeping legislation Friday that would allow towns and cities to raise their taxes on hotel stays, cars, and meals by as much as 33 percent to help bolster their local coffers.

The sprawling bill has the backing of municipal leaders, and if embraced by the Legislature, could generate more than $150 million in new annual tax revenue for towns and cities juggling tight budgets, state officials estimated.

Healey also is seeking a series of other major changes, including allowing local officials to set caps on the number of liquor licenses distributed in their city or town, a power long-held by the Legislature. The governor said she is proposing to make permanent a raft of pandemic-era rules, such as allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Healey said the package of changes “empowers the local communities” and does not affect the revenue the state relies on for its budget."
Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)

Friday, August 25, 2023

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, was notified this week that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has entered into a year lease with the Best Western Plus Executive Residency on Upper Union Street in Franklin to shelter incoming migrant families.  
 
“The Town, and its departments, will lead with compassion, support and assistance for families, as allowed by the state” Hellen said. “We are working with various Town departments to proactively organize a managed response and we will communicate more information as it becomes available.”

Massachusetts law requires cities and towns to find housing for migrants coming into the state under the right to shelter provision. No local approvals are required and, at this time, the Town does not have any specifics, such as how many migrants Franklin will host, where the migrants are coming from, and the composition of these individuals. 

The Town’s Public Health Director, Cathleen Liberty, will be coordinating these efforts in close collaboration with both the Healy Administration and the Town Administrator’s office.  As more information becomes available the Town will share it broadly and post it to the Health Department’s website at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department.

More than 80 communities throughout Massachusetts are working with the state to support more than 20,000 homeless families in crisis. Once the Town becomes aware of the particulars and understands the needs associated with helping individuals and families coming to Franklin, we will notify the community for support.

“At this time we are asking the community not to send donations until the Town has a better understanding of the needs” said Liberty. “We anticipate there will be a need for aid and we will work closely with local human services organizations and the community in the coming weeks to lend a helping hand to those requiring assistance” 

“Franklin is a welcoming community, and I have no doubt we will do whatever we can to accommodate and accept migrants with open arms and an open heart,” said Hellen. “It is my understanding that the Commonwealth will be providing meals, public health services, and transitional assistance. With that said, there will still be ongoing impacts and costs associated with hosting these families for Franklin and the Town will work with the state to help alleviate these costs.”

The Town is advising the public to not visit the Best Western hotel as there are no families currently housed there and there are no services present. 


MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel
MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel
plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

"Iconic Framingham hotel sells for $15M at auction"

Anyone traveling into Boston up i495 to i90 and east has likely seen on the return route, the castle like structure that is/was the Sheraton Tara Hotel.
"The famed Framingham Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center was sold for $15 million at auction Tuesday.

People’s United Bank, which owns the first mortgage on the property, was the winning bidder of the iconic 376-room hotel that is designed to look like a castle and is visible from Rte. 9 and the Mass Pike.

“It was a buy-back by the mortgager,” said Justin Manning, president of JJ Manning Auctioneers. “Nobody beat the lender.”

The facility could "possibly" remain a hotel or may be sold, said Manning."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.telegram.com/story/business/real-estate/2020/12/15/framingham-sheraton-sells-15-m-auction-could-possibly-remain-hotel/3909350001/

With this building being sold at half the assessed valuation, is it any wonder why the new hotel under construction off King St/Union St has halted their construction due to these economic conditions.

"Iconic Framingham hotel sells for $15M at auction"
"Iconic Framingham hotel sells for $15M at auction"


Wednesday, October 21, 2020

FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

FM #367 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 367 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #2 that was held on Monday, October 19, 2020

The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why. There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’ Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the office of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were on and left before the meeting was opened.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants in the Council Chambers the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda, future schedule for the listening sessions, and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over an hour and fifty three minutes (~1:53)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZrzckZK


-----------

Meeting agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/restaurants-hotels-hospitality-business.html

Future schedule of listening sessions
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-developemnt-committee-quick.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/
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"

 

FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)
FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)


Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Economic Development Committee: Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Quick recap:
  • The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why.
  • There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’
  • Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the offices’ of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were present early in the pre-meeting and actual meeting
  • Owner/operators of Hampton Inn, 67 Degrees Brewing Co and Rhapsody Cafe were present to share their stories of struggle to survive
 
 ----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edcls1019

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edcls1019&src=typeahead_click

Other photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgVYYxKJC6ShomA8A


  • Real time reporting underway for the EDC listening session #edcls1019 Hampton open and underutilized, struggling to make it
  • #edcls1019 what can we do to help? #thinkFranklinFirst one thing. Wedding market none existing, sports market little to nothing, Dean closed so no help there... Travel is down, along with excess capacity, a problem...
  • Running with 9 employee on desk and a couple of house keepers, limited grab and go, could use the outdoor pool during the summer, others with indoor pools were closed. #edcls1019 extended stay have done better than hotels in this time, due to facilities
  • #edcls1019 discussion on hotel tax is a local option, would require legislation to defer. (domino effects to that) (a deviation to this "listening session" by attempting to resolve the issue at hand)
  • Suggestion from Lisa/FDP, maybe the ultimate 'staycation' space and coordinate with local restaurants for take out, #edcls1019 FDP working with local papers to get creative for holidays, etc.
  • Jack Lank of Chamber touts their Facebook page to 'Rally round the restaurants' https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634/ #edcls1019 also the chamber has a back to business page same concept wider business spread
  • https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838/ the back to business link #edcls1019 "scare the dark out of the closet"
  • Chamber does verify info before posting, did see 24K visitors to social media pages in last several weeks to get info #edcls1019 Taste of the region would have been 35th year
  • 67 Degrees had just opened before the super bowl, expedited their growth plan to survive, canning had not been in the plan initially. #edcls1019 initially opened with chips/hummus was good, then shifting to real food becomes a challenge, i.e. food trucks restricted
  • Now looking to see what the indoor capacity req would be; currently only have 39, if 25 req that's a challenge. #edcls1019 need servesafe certified, in combo with a caterer? Looking for clarification. Hotels here don't have their own kitchen, King St has been wonderful
  • #edcls1019 Bissanti knows of caterers who would stay on site; caterer business is not booming right now. Motion on Town Council agenda to help with food trucks for winter time via the farm license. Local restaurants have been good help but aren't staffed for dual ops
  • Food truck serves a different market maybe lunch crowd but different from a dinner at a restaurant. #edcls1019 servesafe certified is a MA requirement. Rhapsody owner present, kinda holding their own doing all they can to stay afloat
  • Outside seating will go away with weather, surviving barely. Micro grant application for business with less than 5 employee, still accepting apps. Eligible up to 10K. A lot of work for an admin to do, extra effort, working round the clock #edcls1019 worth effort or waste of time
  • Rep Roy these conversations are happening every day trying to figure ways to help #edcls1019 resources are available for help, if you have trouble navigating let me know. Will see what options are for deferral
  • Partnership meeting Thursday Nov 5, don't have to be a partner to attend, working on holiday happening ideas, looking to advocate Franklin first. Lighting up Franklin, little money required to get lights on, for downtown and beyond, until March 1 #edcls1019
  • Oops, I guess I never signed off formally last night. Hope you all realized that! The meeting was interesting starting 30 minutes, late and all.. catch you next time #edcls1019

 

Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020
Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

Hello!
 
Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm!  Our focus of the evening will be the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.  We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times.  We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.  

Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses.  We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.

Please find the agenda and meeting links attached  

Please reach out with any questions.  
Have a good weekend!
 
Anne Marie 

Anne Marie Tracey
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Franklin Public Schools/Town of Franklin
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Office: (508)553-4888



Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19
Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19


Sunday, May 31, 2020

Re-opening Guidelines for Restaurants and Hotels/lodging

As announced on Friday, Gov Baker has released the guidelines for restaurants and hotels for their review in preparation for opening in Phase 2. Note: the date for Phase 2 has not yet been determined. It could be as early as June 8 but in my reading between the lines is not likely. The data from June 1 to June 6 has been acknowledged to determine the date.

As residents and users of these services, perhaps more frequently to the restaurants than lodging, it would be good to be aware so we'll know what to expect as we venture forth.
 
Links to the guidelines are provided below.

Audio file for the Friday, May 29 COVID-19 update by Gov Baker - https://youtu.be/SYu8dLOpe0c




Restaurant Standards
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants

Restaurant Summary
https://www.mass.gov/doc/restaurants-protocol-summary/download

Restaurant Checklist
https://www.mass.gov/doc/restaurants-checklist/download

Lodging Standards
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-operators-of-lodgings#downloads-

Lodging Summary
https://www.mass.gov/doc/operators-of-lodgings-protocol-summary/download

Lodging Checklist
https://www.mass.gov/doc/operators-of-lodgings-checklist/download

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton

Now that the Chateau Restaurant is open, folks have noticed construction in the lot next to them. What is it going to be? Another hotel. 

construction underway at 725 Union St
construction underway at 725 Union St


This one per the site plans (see links below) a "Home 2" suite style hotel by Hilton.   https://www.hilton.com/en/home2/

original plan
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-site-plans
 
revised plan (1/14/19)
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-revised-11419

application
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-application
 
color rendering
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-color-rendering
 

All links from the Planning Board page for Approved Projects
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton
725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton
 

Friday, November 23, 2018

In the News: hotel proposal looking for exception; Turkey Trot moved to Saturday

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Representatives from Foursquare Development LLC came to a public hearing on Monday to hear input about their newest project, the Home2 Suites Hilton Hotel on 725 Union St. 
The 92,000-square-foot undeveloped property is located directly behind Joe’s American Bar & Grill. This would be the third Hilton Hotel in Franklin. The idea for the hotel is to accommodate extended-stay hotel visits. 
Developers are seeking two special permits from the town. One is seeking to change the lot’s usage to accommodate hotels, and the other is to make sure that the hotel can be built up to 50 feet. The building is designed to have four stories and 100 rooms available. 
There will be no restaurant or bar in the proposed hotel."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181122/proposed-hotel-discussed-at-franklin-hearing



Because of the extreme cold weather on Thursday, the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run was moved to Saturday, Nov. 24. The event takes off at 8 a.m. from, and ends at, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Jordan Road.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181122/franklin-turkey-trot-5k-to-benefit-food-pantry---on-saturday

For more info on the race, visit the web page  www.franklinturkeytrot.org

Franklin Turkey Trot rescheduled to Saturday, Nov 24
Franklin Turkey Trot rescheduled to Saturday, Nov 24

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Nov 19, 2018 has two public hearings of note. One for a new hotel on Union St and one for a 53 unit residential development off of Prospect St. 


New hotel - 725 Union St:


In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:20 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit and Site Plan application titled "Proposed Hotel, 725 Union Street" Franklin, MA prepared by JK Holmgren Engineering, Inc., Brockton, MA., and submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development on October 5, 2018, by 4 SQ Development LLC, 83 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA. 
The property is located in the Commercial Il Zoning District (Assessors Map 314 Lot 016) at 725 Union Street. The applicant is proposing to construct a 58,248 sq/ft building consisting of four (4) stories, 100 room hotel building. 
The applicant is requesting two (2) Special Permits, 
  • one for Building height of up to fifty (50) feet under the Chapter 185 Attachment 9, Maximum Height of Building 
  • and the second for Chapter 185 Attachment 3, Hotel Use.
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_26.pdf

 Residential Development - 215 Prospect St:


In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:25 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision Plan application titled "Prospect Farms" prepared by Andrews Survey and Engineering, Uxbridge, MA., dated Octobei• 29, 2018 and submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development on October 29, 2018, by Maddi North Street Development LLC, Franklin, MA. 
The site is located at 215 Prospect Street and 4 Nicholas Drive in the Rural Residential I Zoning District (Assessor's Map 325, Lot 003 and Map 326, Lot 36). 
The applicant is proposing to construct fifty-three (53) single family residential building lots along with approximately 6,650 linear feet of new roadway.
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_27.pdf

Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development
Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development

In the News: hotel public hearing scheduled; Baker, Gonzalez debate again

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A public hearing is planned for later this month to discuss a new Hilton hotel that’s planned for Union Street. 
The public hearing for a special permit and site plan for the project, called “Proposed Hotel, 725 Union Street,” starts at 7:20 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building. The session will provide neighbors and other interested people to weigh in on the plan. 
Town Planner Amy Love said Hilton’s interest underscores demand for hotel rooms in town. 
“It’s a private industry, but I think that the applicant and owners do their own research,” she said. “I think they come to a determination that there’s a need in this town.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181102/new-hotel-is-planned-for-franklin


"With the balance of power in Washington in the balance on Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker won’t say whether he’d like to see his Republican Party retain full control of Congress. 
Baker has faced questions throughout his campaign for re-election about his support for Republican candidates up and down the ballot in Massachusetts, including U.S. Senate candidate Geoff Diehl, who was the chief Donald Trump surrogate here during the 2016 presidential campaign. 
And to all those question, the governor has said that while he endorsed “the ticket,” he is focused on his own campaign. 
In the final debate of the campaign on Thursday night, Democrat Jay Gonzalez hammered Baker for his support of Diehl and attorney general candidate Jay McMahon, another conservative, pro-Trump Republican the governor has endorsed as part of the GOP ticket. Gonzalez said McMahon has referred to immigrants as “savages” and has said he believes in a “god-given right to assault weapons.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181102/baker-wont-say-if-he-wants-gop-to-keep-its-grip-on-congress

The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk


Additional info can be found in the 2018 Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html


Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Airbnb taxes




MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.



Should Hotel Taxes Cover Short-Term Rentals Through Services Like Airbnb?
A new factsheet from MassBudget examines how several states across the country have changed their rules to extend room-occupancy taxes levied at hotels to include short-term rentals made through Airbnb and similar companies.
Airbnb and Taxes: What Other States are Doing and How Much Revenue Might Be Raised in Massachusetts examines how 11 other states apply short-term rental taxes to bookings made through platforms like Airbnb. The factsheet explains the current exemption for short-term residential rentals and how taxing these bookings would work. It explains recent research on how rentals booked through companies such as Airbnb can compete with traditional short-term accommodations like hotels. It also presents data on people and businesses renting out through Airbnb full-time and with multiple units. It examines how much revenue the room occupancy tax currently generates and Massachusetts Department of Revenue estimates of the additional revenue that would be raised with new rules extending the tax to short-term residential rentals.
You can read the new fact sheet (HERE).

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

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BOSTON, MA 02108
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MassBudget - Airbnb taxes
MassBudget - Airbnb taxes

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Heads on beds puts dollars in city and town treasuries

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 12/19/11

City and Town, the twice-monthly publication of the Division of Local Services, has just published its first in-depth review of the local option room occupancy tax since it was raised from 4 percent to 6 percent in the summer of 2009.

The article comes with a link that shows the amount of local revenue generated from this tax in each of the 177 cities and towns (50 percent of those in the Commonwealth) that has adopted the optional room occupancy tax, and the additional amounts raised by the 93 cities and towns that have elected to tax at a rate higher than 4 percent.

The local option tax generated a record $130.4 million in FY11 for cities and towns, and does not appear to have weakened demand for rental rooms in the Commonwealth, given the data presented in the article.

The article notes that 124 of the Commonwealth's 352 cities and towns, or 35 percent, either have no rental rooms or fewer than three businesses generating room rental income.

That leaves about 15 percent of the state's cities and towns that have foregone the opportunity to generate tax revenue from the local option room occupancy tax.

Things you can do from here: