Showing posts with label signs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label signs. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - October 20, 2021 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting 

October 20, 2021

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday October 20, 2021 at 5:45 PM. Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Economic Development Subcommittee meeting posted here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-10-20_edc_agenda_.pdf

Agenda:

1. Wayfinding signs update discussion

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting  - October 20, 2021 - 5:45 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting  - October 20, 2021 - 5:45 PM

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee discusses wayfinding signs and branding

Quick Recap:
  • Wayfinding signs an open recommendation to be worked on, also involves discussion on 'branding' before getting into what signs where
  • Needs to be a collaborative effort across multiple stakeholders in the community, will likely be a multiyear effort and cost a few dollars.
  • Update on initial scope possible for Oct 20 meeting  
 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the Council Chambers.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edc0915 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0915&src=typeahead_click
 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-09-15_edc_agenda_.pdf
 
 
  • Live reporting for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting about to begin Agenda: 1. Wayfinding signs discussion #edc0915 full agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
  • Chair Hamblen opens meeting, Frongillo and Jones present, Bissanti not; #edc0915
  • why wayfinding signs? it was part of the report delivered to the town as a recommendation (link to be added later) #edc0915 a subgroup had started looking at this, Lily now here will pick this up
  • what are the elements of the wayfinding program, not just signs and colorcoding; what do you point to? Where will people want to go? Coordinate with the Cultural District (for example) #edc0915
  • Example of North Adams and their branding #edc0915 (screen grab)
  • it will take time and discussions (multiple of them) to build consensus on what to highlight and how to do so; aside from the actual branding of the sign/community itself. #edc0915
  • who are we? do we use the 'standard' Ben images, which already have quite a few varieties #edc0915 ToF had prepared a grant some years ago for a wayfinding project.
  • I got up to add: 2028 is a key year for Franklin (250th anniversary); could the listing be shared so others can view and prepared for this discussion? #edc0915
  • can get an update for the Oct 20th meeting; meeting adjourns #edc0915
 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
 
screengrab of an example from North Adams and what they did
screengrab of an example from North Adams and what they did

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

In the News: sign bylaw up for change; energy saving tips

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote
"Regulations on signs in town are very loose, but that may soon change. 
The bylaw, written in 2012, is up for a public hearing on Wednesday, during the next Town Council meeting. 
Bryan Taberner, director of Planning and Community Development, said that the bylaw does not regulate how many signs can be in one plaza. For example, if a plaza in town had 10 businesses, there could be 10 different signs, one for each business. 
That reason, he said, is why the pending bylaw is going to be important."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/franklin-sign-bylaw-to-change


  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822: Changes to §185-20. Signs

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-822.pdf

  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823: Changes To Sign District Regulations

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-823.pdf


  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824: Changes To Sign District Overlay Map

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-824.pdf


Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote
Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote




Energy saving tips
"Massachusetts residents are no strangers to expensive energy costs, especially during colder months. 
A recent report by Move.org shows Massachusetts residents on average pay the eighth-highest utility costs in the country -- $469 per month -- and the fourth highest in New England. 
What some residents don’t know, however, is that there are several ways to make changes -- big and small -- around any home or apartment that could help lower those costs. 
“Becoming more energy efficient is the single-most important step a homeowner or renter can take to gain control of their energy use and energy costs,” said Bill Stack, energy efficiency manager for Eversource, one of the state’s largest utility companies."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/tips-to-save-on-energy-costs-in-massachusetts

Which states pay the most for utilities?
Which states pay the most for utilities?

Monday, September 10, 2018

Economic Development Subcommittee meeting - 09/05/18 (audio recording)

FM #146

This internet radio show or podcast is number 146 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. The meeting began at about 6 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room. The meeting was delayed in starting as it was missing a quorum.

There are four Town Councilors that make up the formal voting membership: Mercer, Jones, Hamblen and Earls. Quorum for the four members requires three present. Mercer and Hamblen were on time, Jones arrived late. (Earls was out of town and participated remotely in the Town Council meeting later Wednesday evening.)

The published agenda can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

There were four topics covered in the meeting.

1 - The plot line and zoning changes were quickly discussed and moved to the Town Council for referral to the Planning Board.

2 - Tony Padula, Planning Board Chair, raised a discussion item on the change of a commercial zone to residential and thereby imposing some buffer requirements upon the existing abutters. After the discussion, the action was taken by Planning to come up with some wording for review at a future meeting. Targeting for next EDC meeting on Oct 3.

3 - Jeff Nutting provided an updated on prior efforts for the small lots of Town owned land that were sold via auction. Some were successfully sold, some had no bidders and Franklin retains the ownership. How much effort should be given to the sale of these is basically the question. The consensus was to include them in the next group of similar properties but not more than that as the value is negligible.

4 - Given the time left for the meeting (due to the late start), #4 was skipped and an overview on the proposed sign was provided.

The meeting itself runs about 36 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.




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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!

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subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

"vandalism on Southgate Road was not reported to them"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"New graffiti made its way onto at least three stop signs Saturday night according to neighbors, and one of the signs along with the pole is completely missing. 
At three intersections on Southgate Road, three letters or numbers in green spray paint are tagged onto stop signs. The pole that’s missing was the recently replaced intersection sign between Parliament Drive and Southgate Road. 
The culprit could face serious fines for the defacing of public property and possible jail time for the stolen sign. There are also serious safety concerns associated with a missing stop sign, agreed pedestrians and neighbors in the area. If an accident were to occur, the person responsible for removing the sign could face additional charges, according to Massachusetts State Law. 
New signs on the road had recently been completed, apart from some cement work at the base of the poles. As of Tuesday afternoon, the sign had not yet been replaced and the graffiti remained unwashed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180227/franklin-stop-signs-vandalized-stolen


Thursday, February 22, 2018

Economic Development subcommittee meeting - Feb 21, 2018

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the Economic Development subcommittee  meeting held in room 205 of the Municipal Building on Feb 21, 2018

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.
https://storify.com/shersteve/economic-development-committee-meeting-feb-21-2018




Economic Development subcommittee meeting - Feb 21, 2018
Economic Development subcommittee meeting - Feb 21, 2018


Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Economic Development Committee (EDC) - Agenda - Feb 21, 2018


Economic Development Committee (EDC) Meeting

Wednesday February 21, 2018

6:00 PM

Municipal Building 355 East Central Street 
Room 205


Agenda

1. Temporary Signs
2. Parking surrounding the downtown
3. Commercial I Parking Regulations
4. Commercial I Dimensional Regulations
5. Multi-Family Housing in General Residential V and Commercial I
6. Review of R7 - Generally
7. Review of over 55- Generally


Additional details on these topics can be found in the document for the Jan 31 meeting agenda  http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/edc_agenda.pdf


Who are the members of the EDC?

  • Thomas Mercer - Chair
  • Eamon McCarthy Earls
  • Glenn Jones
  • Melanie Hamblen

More on the Town Council subcommittee can be found here

example of temporary signs frequently seen at King and Summer Sts
example of temporary signs frequently seen at King and Summer Sts

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Downtown Parking Map

The DPW must be busy preparing the signs as I did not see the new ones around on my Saturday walk. I did see signs that according to the new regulations would be taken down (I think). For example, the "resident parking' now enabled for Winter Street and Crescent St would be going away (as I read the new rules).

The new parking map was posted to the Town of Franklin page on Friday. You can view it here, download it here, or go to the Franklin page to get your copy.




View the PDF here




  • Download your copy here


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeGY4THpKVmYzRWc/view?usp=sharing


  • Or from the Franklin page


http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A17AB-000F8513

  JPG image of the most central downtown region shown on the full map
JPG image of the most central downtown region shown on the full map
legend of parking zones for downtown Franklin
legend of parking zones for downtown Franklin

as I read the new parking rules, these designated parking zones would go away
as I read the new parking rules, these designated parking zones would go away

In case you missed the Town Council making these changes, you can find the full set of regulations and vote results here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Are you confused by the shared lane markings (SLM) or 'sharrows" now appearing on Franklin roads?

Get used to recognizing these, we are likely to see more of them.


"Shared Lane Markings (SLMs), or “sharrows,” are road markings used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. Among other benefits shared lane markings reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street, recommend proper bicyclist positioning, and may be configured to offer directional and wayfinding guidance. 
the bicycle markings seem to be causing some confusion for drivers
the bicycle markings seem to be causing some confusion for drivers

The shared lane marking is a pavement marking with a variety of uses to support a complete bikeway network; it is not a facility type and should not be considered a substitute for bike lanes, cycle tracks, or other separation treatments where these types of facilities are otherwise warranted or space permits. The MUTCD outlines guidance for shared lane markings in section 9C.07."


  • Continue reading the article
http://nacto.org/publication/urban-bikeway-design-guide/bikeway-signing-marking/shared-lane-markings/


"On November 7, 2015, the 80th birthday of the MUTCD, and throughout the year when you see an easy-to-read sign, a bright edgeline marking on a foggy night, the countdown timer at a crosswalk, or a well-placed bike lane, take a moment to reflect on the eighty years of progress and innovation that the MUTCD embodies. This progress has resulted in safer, more efficient travel on our Nation's roads. 
Over the years, the MUTCD has unknowingly become the traveler's best friend and silent companion, guiding us on our way along the streets, bikeways, back roads, and highways. As the direct means of communication with the traveler, traffic control devices speak to us softly, yet effectively and authoritatively. From glass “cat’s-eye” reflectors to glass beads to microprismatic sheeting, nighttime sign visibility has advanced significantly. Active devices at rail crossings save lives by giving us a positive message about train traffic. And countdown timers on pedestrian signals help us cross a busy street. 
So the next time you hit the pavement, the path, or the pedals, you can be sure that the MUTCD, through our dedicated professionals who make complex decisions on what devices to install, will help you get where you want to go safely, efficiently, and comfortably! The MUTCD…it's all about you!"





Thursday, January 14, 2016

iOn the Ball proposal for Franklin digital sign

In the recent Economic Development Committee meeting, a proposal for a digital sign to generate approx. $40,000 in revenue per year for Franklin. The sign would be placed on private property and be only visible to drivers along i495.

Franklin would need to change the current sign bylaw to allow this digital sign. You may recall that the digital sign installed with the new High School was initially turned on but is as it does not meet the bylaw requirements.

screen grab from the presentation depicting the northbound view of the proposed sign
screen grab from the presentation depicting the northbound view of the proposed sign





Stay tuned for the future Town Council meeting when this topic comes before them



  • The set of notes published from the Economic Development Committee meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/live-reporting-economic-development.html

Monday, December 28, 2015

Annual Report - 2015: Design Review Commission


The Design Review Commission (DRC) is a Committee comprised of 5 regular members and 2 alternate members. All are residents and volunteers who are appointed by the Town. The Committee represents Citizen interests and strives to ensure new developments and sign installations enhance the appearance of the Town while meeting Town codes and bylaws. This Committee has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors and materials.

The Commission meets twice monthly and has addressed numerous projects and sign applications this past fiscal year. The Commission is currently composed of Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Nancy Coleman, Anna Moses, and Claudine Silverman, as well as associate members, Doug Newton and Kate Harrington.

This past fiscal year, the Commission reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors and materials. Reviews included projects such as the Midas Store site on West Central, Planet Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam renovations and expansion, and Oteri Funeral Home, as well as several other, smaller projects. In addition sign applications were received, hearings held and decisions issued for 50 signs during the past fiscal year.

Meetings are held at the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Room 205, at 7:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Meeting times, dates and agendas are posted at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Respectfully submitted,
Mark Fitzgerald, Chair



  • For additional info on the Design Review Commission, the page can be found 

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/design


  • Definitions applicable to the sign bylaw

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/designdocuments/definitions.pdf


  • The sign bylaw

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/designdocuments/signbylaw.pdf


The new FHS sign includes a digital sign that is off as it does not conform with the current bylaws
The new FHS sign includes a digital sign that is off as it does not conform with the current bylaws

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015



Sunday, November 8, 2015

S.A.F.E. Forum on Drug Abuse Warning Signs - Dec. 8



This is a special message from S.A.F.E. is to provide you with information on our next community event and to continue the conversation on substance abuse disorder.
View this email in your browser

Forum on warning signs set for Dec. 8


The SAFE Coalition will present an interactive forum designed to educate on the warning signs of drug or alcohol abuse on Tuesday December 8, 2015 at 7 pm in the Franklin High School auditorium. The program will include tips on early intervention strategies and resources to help keep your loved one safe.

A panel of parents, substance abuse treatment providers, students, and educators has been assembled.  Warning sign kits that you can take home will be provided to each participant in the program. 

Katie Truitt from the Missin Matt Foundation and Kathy Getchell from S.A.F.E. will speak from the parent's perspective. Amy Leone from Community Impact and other experts will share methods of addressing the issue with your young teens and offer solutions for those that may indeed have a problem with addiction. And there will also be an update on the S.A.F.E. Coalition's upcoming programs and solutions.

Please save the date and plan to join us on December 8 as we continue our community conversation. You can view the Facebook event page for updates by clicking here.

In the meantime, please continue to spread the word about S.A.F.E. and encourage your friends to sign up for this newsletter by clicking here. And, most importantly, please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is in need. We'll do our best to get you on the right path.

SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE

LLearn to Cope has begun meeting on Monday evenings at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin at 7 p.m. The group offers support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Its preserves anonymity and creates a safe place for people and families in crisis. For more information visit the website at http://learn2cope.org/, call Kathy Getchell at (774)893-3878, or email her at kathyg17@verizon.net


Community of Hope hosts a family support group meeting every Wednesday night in the Milford Regional Medical Center, Hill Building, Woman's Pavilion, 4th Floor, in Milford. The program features a 12 step Big Book workshop for those suffering from addiction. For more information, contact Katie Truitt at (774)248-4526 or by email at ktruitt3@gmail.com 

Big Book Workshop, 12 step meeting for recovery. Wednesday evenings, 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Community Impact, 211 Main Street Milford, MA 01757. For more information, contact Meghan Giacomuzzi at 508-933-4571.

Healing Hearts has begun meeting on Thursday evenings on the second floor of the Franklin YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin at 7 p.m. The group offers support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Its preserves anonymity and creates a safe place" for people and families in crisis. For more information, call (508) 570-6996 or send an email to Healingheartscircle@gmail.com.


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"dancing LED "open" signs don't attract customers"


The Franklin Downtown Partnership had its designs on signs during its Thursday morning meeting with Design Review Commission members. 
During a slideshow talk, Commission Chairman Mark Fitzgerald said he thinks his group's mission is to work with businesses to keep the town's look pleasant. 
"We don't want to be the sign police," he said. "We are business-friendly - we want to see business in town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151107/NEWS/151106686/1994/NEWS

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Political signs - bylaw restriction removed

The ballot is not yet finalized yet signs are already appearing. How is that you ask? 

There used to be a bylaw restricting signs for a specific time before and after an election. However

"Federal courts have determined that the First Amendment prevents municipalities from imposing limits on the time period that political signs may be displayed.  
In response to these decisions, the Town Council amended the provisions of the Franklin Zoning Bylaw regulating signs in 2012 to remove the time limitation for political signs; this applies to both candidate signs and “public policy issue” signs.  
Political Signs subject in the Town Code can be found at Chapter 185 Section 20 D (3)."


You can find the bylaw section on the Franklin webpage here
http://ecode360.com/FR1096?needHash=true

When you find the section it reads as follows:

"Political signs shall not be subject to a time limit. Political signs shall otherwise comply with the requirements for temporary signs contained in Subsection D(1)(c) through (g)."

Franklin Town Common
Franklin Town Common