Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22
The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for “…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.” The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By-Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues, and works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.
In FY2021, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. One noticeable project is located at 340 East Central St. The projects include 2 residential buildings and 2 retail buildings. All sites included associated paved access drive, landscaping, lighting, utilities and stormwater infrastructure.
The Planning Board reviewed and approved a 20,000 sq/ft Warehouse and parking area for school buses on Panther Way.
The Planning Board approved a 59-single family subdivision located at the end of Bridle Path and Kimberlee Lane. The land was reserved in Chapter 61 A and the Town has since purchased the land under their first right of refusal.
In March of 2020, we found ourselves with a new challenge, COVID-19, which forced the Planning Board to conduct meetings remotely. The Planning Board continued remote public hearings through June of 2021. The Planning Board currently is holding meetings in person at the Town Hall and also conducts the meetings remotely. The Planning Board accepted six (6) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. The Planning Board also received (3) Special Permit applications. The Special Permits included Marijuana Use and a multi-family development. The table below is a summary of Planning Board Activity during the 2020 Fiscal Year.
The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes and Subdivision changes. Zoning changes were related to updating the Stormwater by-law in both the Town code and Subdivision regulations. Additionally the Planning Board updated the Subdivision regulations as related to Street lights, requiring all Led lighting in subdivisions. The Planning Board has also reviewed and recommended several zoning map amendments. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.
The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building and remotely. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.
Planning Board Membership
The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms. Below is a list of current Planning Board members:
Joseph Halligan, Vice Chairman
William David, Clerk
Gregory Rondeau
Jennifer Williams, Associate
Anthony Padula, Chairman
The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf
The collection of Annual Reports can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports
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| Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021 |
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