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
Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_10.18.2023.pdf
My notes in one PDF ->
Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ZxSsKapfjqY?si=49MdVfK6SAwtc4Lj
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| Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video) |
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