Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

FM #1170 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1170 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcmte meeting held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 4 members participated; (3 in Chambers, 1 remote (Frongillo).

Quick meeting recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant

• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project

• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting recording runs about 60 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1170-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-10-24

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

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

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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. Three members were in the chamber, one remote. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

Quick recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant
• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project
• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link

A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept

Via Franklin Police Dept:

Dear Franklin,

It’s going to snow this weekend. That being said please reference the very official document below regarding on street parking. Winter parking ban by-law 170-60 will be in effect. 

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

§ 170-61  Activation of parking ban.

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

A. Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.

B. The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours. 

Effect of parking ban.

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout of the right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public or on any municipally owned property is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect. 

Violations and penalties.

A. Winter storm overnight parking ban violators shall be charged a fine of $25 for each offense.

B. In addition to the foregoing penalty or in lieu thereof, the Town may have the violator's vehicle towed and stored at the violator's expense.

C. For purposes of this section, the vehicle's registered owner and any permitted user shall be deemed a violator. 

Effective time period.

This article shall be in effect from October 15 to April 15. 

Enforcement.  

The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.

A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064353536794/posts/pfbid0bSX3CP4VuX9THmBDNV5kXLH1bgGZv6bJSt9WkgUnhmBRfasoqJM3nxWfBndskqCEl/

Parking changes at Farmers Market

"****UPDATE on Market PARKING****

The owners of Hayward Manor have graciously allowed us to park in their lot, they are asking that we do so in the lower lot (closest to the street) and leave the upper lot for their tenants/businesses.

You can also find parking in the Franklin Federated Church, St Mary's Church, Franklin Senior Center and parallel parking around the common and on side streets.

Please make sure you are being respectful of other businesses and driveways as well. 

Feel Free to spread the word!"

Shared from the Farmers Market -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CxG5UpStOLf/

Parking changes at Farmers Market

Downtown Partnership - General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sep 7 at 8:30 AM

The next Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023. 

Specific topics of interest are: Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with a downtown parking update and guest speaker Brad Chaffee from Camford Property Group regarding the company's new downtown project.

Downtown Partnership - General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sep 7 at 8:30 AM

Shared from the Downtown Partnership page -> 

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/08/september-general-meeting.html

Town Council approves Accessory Dwelling bylaws, hears from State legislative delegation (audio)

FM #1025 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1025 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino     iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1025-town-council-mtg-07-19-23

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

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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"

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

FM #1024 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1024 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 

Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of July 19, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative Delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded July 20, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1024-town-council-quarterbacking-07-20-23

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

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)