Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items

Dear Mr. Rondeau and Planning Board Members,

 

I am writing to you on behalf of the residents that live on Summer Street as well as Birch Street, Woodchester Road, Florence Street, Summer Heights, Squibnocket Road, Shawkemo Path, and Penny Lane to express our deep concern regarding the recent agenda change concerning Autumn Hill. It has come to our attention that Autumn Hill was initially scheduled for discussion during the planning board meeting on Monday, May 20th. However, we were dismayed to learn that their development proposal was unexpectedly removed from the agenda on Thursday, May 16th, at 1:16 pm per Amy Love, the Town Planner. This is the second time this has occurred.

 

As concerned residents, we understand the importance of public participation in zoning decisions, particularly those that directly impact our neighborhoods and community. Therefore, we seek clarification on the policies and procedures for adding agenda items and subsequently canceling them, as well as the protocols for notifying residents within the town, specifically within the neighborhoods affected by proposed developments.

 

It is crucial that residents are provided with ample time to prepare and make arrangements to attend meetings on behalf of their neighborhood. By removing Autumn Hill from the agenda with such short notice, many residents were deprived of the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide valuable input on a matter that significantly affects all of the residents on Summer Street and the side streets as well as the other residents of Franklin.

 

We kindly request information regarding the planning board's policies and procedures for adding and canceling agenda items, as well as the methods used to notify residents within the town, especially those residing in the neighborhoods affected by proposed developments. Transparency and inclusivity are fundamental principles of good governance, and it is essential that all residents have the opportunity to participate in discussions that impact the future of our community.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sally Winters & the Summer Street Residents

Editorial note: In my role, watching and reporting on Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, and as many of the associated subcommittee meetings as I can, the removal or change of an agenda once posted does not result in a new notification to subscribers. As the Town and School prepare for migration to new webpages, hopefully that is a feature that can be added. It is needed. 

Steve Sherlock

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items