With the Biennial Election coming up November 4, 2025, the nomination papers are available beginning Aug 4, 2025 for candidates to take, obtain the appropriate number of signatures to get on the ballot.
We are sharing the section of the Annual Report for the Town of Franklin 2024 to help explain what each role entails.
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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. The Board also works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.
In FY 2024, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. There were several applications received for solar panels. The largest solar project is located at Maplegate Country Club with over 100+ acres of solar panels.
The Planning Board received several applications for residential development. A proposed 20-unit new building located at 100-110 East Central was approved with 2 affordable units. Uncas Ave was previously approved for nine duplex units. The project has since been increase to nine tri-plex units, adding a total of 27 units for residential housing.
Throughout the year, the Planning Board conducted their public meetings in a hybrid format, offering in person and remote attendance to the applicants and public.
The Planning Board accepted eight (8) 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 seven (7) Special Permit applications. Since the Town of Franklin has exceeded their 10% of affordable, known as CH40B housing, the Town developed a Friendly 40B process. The Planning Board review one (1) application for a Ch 40B development located at 444 East Central St. This has been the second application received and reviewed by Planning Board and gave the Planning Board an opportunity to provide feedback on affordable housing.
For a complete list of decisions please visit the Town Clerk’s Office. The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes focusing on meeting the most recent state regulations known as Section 3A, requiring MBTA communities to zone for more housing within ½ mile of the train station.
The Planning Board also reviewed and updated the Marijuana Overlay District map, addition additional parcels to the map. 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. 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:
Gregory Rondeau, Chairman
Beth Wierling, Vice Chairman
Jennifer Williams, Clerk
Jay Mello, Chris Stickney
Mark Mucciarone, Associate member
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory Rondeau, Chairman
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| Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Planning Board - FY 2024 |
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