495/MetroWest: Annual Conference 2023 -> "The Future of Transportation in 495/MetroWest"

Leaders from across our region are invited to join

The 495/MetroWest Partnership

For our 2023 Annual Conference

The Future of Transportation in 495/MetroWest

Featuring

• Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation -> Monica Tibbits-Nutt
• Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives -> Kate Hogan

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Village Hall on the Common

2 Oak Street, Framingham, MA 01701

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS -> https://www.495partnership.org/conference

Table Sponsorship Opportunities are still available; visit the link above for more information.

495/MetroWest: Annual Conference 2023

495/MetroWest Partnership heard presentation on "An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind" (video)

The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) tweeted at 11:26 AM on Tue, Oct 18, 2022:

Thank you to State Rep. @jeffroy for presenting to our Energy & Sustainable Development Committee on this session's climate legislation. Missed the event? 

You can watch it online: https://t.co/zgxPJjyYym

 

"On Tuesday, October 18th, 2022, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a special presentation from State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy of Franklin, who serves as House Chairperson of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. The presentation focused on "An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind," major climate legislation passed and signed into law in August 2022. The bill contains significant provisions related to clean energy investment, offshore wind, electric vehicles, and more."

 Video link -> https://youtu.be/CR4hEuUuCIQ

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/495Partnership/status/1582392680532697088

MetroWest Partnership Reveals Strategic Plan for 2022-2027

Strategicmetro Plan 2022-2027 (https://www.495partnership.org/strategic-plan) At its meeting of March 2nd, 2022, the 495/MetroWest Partnership’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a five-year strategic plan for the organization: Click here to access the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan of the 495/MetroWest Partnership Click here to access a two-page Executive Summary of the plan, outlining key components The plan was developed with the guidance of Ann Budner of ABudner Strategy Consulting, with assistance from Jay Vogt of Peoplesworth in facilitating stakeholder engagement. The process began in the Spring, with the formation of a Strategic Planning Committee.

Find the full plan and related materials -> https://www.495partnership.org/strategic-plan

MetroWest Partnership Reveals Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 

The 495/MetroWest Partnership reminds this is a good time to shop #MyLocalMA

The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) tweeted Wed, Nov 24, 2021:

"Whether on #BlackFriday, #SmallBusinessSaturday, or #CyberMonday, consider shopping, dining, and staying local in support of the outstanding retail stores, restaurants, and lodging throughout 495/MetroWest! #MyLocalMA https://t.co/nsUxdL0JeL"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/495Partnership/status/1463532271739285508

And the best way to do this for Franklin is with the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card.

• If you have a card, you can reload the value to buy more locally.
• Buy a gift card for someone to use locally. (See the merchant list where they are accepted -> https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses)
• Don't forget that the nonprofits among us also could use a donation and #GivingTuesday is coming up on Nov 30

the best way to do this for Franklin is with the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card

495/MetroWest Partnership: Our 2021 "Strength in Numbers" Report

Plus, economic and demographic profiles for each of our 36 cities and towns

Strength in Numbers 2021 & Community Profiles Each year, the 495/MetroWest Partnership publishes our Strength in Numbers report, highlighting our region's advantages and successes. While 2020 brought with it instability, hardship, and unprecedented challenges for all of our stakeholders, 2021 has shown optimism and resurgence in the 495/MetroWest region. While many residents and businesses were adversely impacted by the pandemic, our region was uniquely well-positioned to weather the crisis economically, due to a strong presence of invulnerable economic sectors and a highly educated workforce, consistently enjoying comparatively lower unemployment. Now, as we emerge from the pandemic, those advantages continue to serve our region well. Click Here to Download our 2021 Strength in Numbers Report Accompanying our 2021 Strength in Numbers report are economic and demographic profiles of each of our 36 cities and towns. Data points presented in each community profile include population changes, educational attainment, commuting patterns, housing information, occupations and industries, and more. Click Here to Access our 2021 Community Profiles https://www.495partnership.org/reports-and-data We invite our stakeholders to utilize our Strength in Numbers report and the accompanying community profiles in promoting the region and inviting others to be a part of all that is happening throughout our 36 communities! Franklin Community Profile  =>   https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/2021CommunityProfiles/FRANKLIN.pdf As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29

Face covering order to be rescinded, replaced with CDC guidance

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29th, Face Covering Order to be Rescinded & Replaced with CDC Guidance Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that business and capacity restrictions will be lifted effective May 29th. The Commonwealth's face covering order will be also be rescinded on May 29th, and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities, and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers. Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th. Business Restrictions Lifted Effective May 29th, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted. Capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols. Face Covering Guidance The Administration will rescind the current face covering order and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29th. The new advisory will be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The new advisory will recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations. Face coverings will still be required for all individuals in the following settings: On public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations) In healthcare facilities/ healthcare providers In congregate care settings, including health and rehabilitative day services. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance: Effective May 18th, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes ages 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29th, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted. Click here for complete Youth Sports guidance. K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance: Effective May 18th, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29th. Click here for DESE Guidance Click here for EEC Guidance The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29th, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities. State of Emergency Order Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency. Complete reopening information can be found online at Mass.gov/Reopening. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Reopening Update: New Capacity Limits Effective Saturday

Effective Saturday 12/26, most sectors must adhere to new capacity limitations

Reopening Update: New Capacity Limits Effective Saturday Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 26th, 2020, Massachusetts will implement temporary capacity limits to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations rise. Businesses must adhere to the following capacity limitations. The revised limits below supersede existing limits in the Phase 3, Step 1 Sector-Specific Protocols. Except for the specified adjustments to capacity limitations, all other terms of the COVID-19 gatherings order (including exceptions) and all sector-specific workplace safety rules remain unchanged. These limits are in effect until January 10th, 2021 unless further extended by the Governor.   Gatherings (adjusting Order No. 57): 10 persons indoors, 25 persons outdoors, applies to both private homes and event venues and public spaces Restaurants: 25% of seating capacity, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count, applies separately to indoor and outdoor capacity Close Contact Personal Services: 25% capacity, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Indoor and Outdoor Events: 10 persons indoors, 25 persons outdoors, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Theaters and Performance Venues (Indoor performance venues remain closed): movie theaters at 25% capacity and maximum 50 people, outdoor performance venues at 25% capacity and maximum 25 people Casinos: 25% capacity, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to re-issue capacity rules as necessary Office Spaces: 25% capacity Places of Worship: 25%, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Retail Businesses: 25% capacity, workers/staff excluded from occupancy count Driving and Flight Schools: 25% capacity  Golf Facilities: 25% capacity, applies only to indoor spaces Libraries: 25% capacity  Operators of Lodgings: 25% capacity, applies only to common areas Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Recreation Businesses: 25% capacity Fitness Centers and Health Clubs: 25% capacity  Museums / Cultural & Historical Facilities / Guided Tours by vehicles and vessels: 25% capacity Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed: 25% capacity  Common Areas in facilities subject to EEA-issued COVID-19 safety rules: 25% capacity, applies only to indoor spaces and excludes youth and amateur sports facilities These new limitations do not impact Massachusetts public schools, which operate under separate guidance from the Commonwealth. Where no licensed or permitted capacity allowance is on record and for any enclosed space within a larger facility, occupancy shall be limited to no more than 5 persons per 1,000 square feet. For further information, please visit Mass.Gov/Reopening. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you. You may reach me directly via email at jason@495partnership.org. Sincerely, Jason Palitsch Executive Director The 495/MetroWest Partnership

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

495/MetroWest Partnership: New PFAS Drinking Water Standard: Presentation and Q&A with MassDEP

The 495/MetroWest Partnership will host representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a presentation regarding the Commonwealth's new PFAS drinking water standard, to be followed by a Question & Answer period.

Presenters will include:

• Kathleen M. Baskin, P.E., Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Water Resources
• Damon Guterman, Senior Analyst, Drinking Water Program

This event will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21st, at 8:30 AM.  Click here to register:   https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ViP3UiofT4KWbJONfsmp4w

Background

In January 2019, DEP announced its intention to initiate the process to develop a drinking water standard, known as a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), for a group of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). 

On December 27th, 2019, proposed revisions to the drinking water regulations were published in the Massachusetts Register, marking the start of the formal public comment period.  

The revised PFAS regulation was published on October 2nd, 2020:

Click here to access the new regulation, 310 CMR 22.00
https://www.mass.gov/doc/pfas-mcl-revisions-to-310-cmr-2200-clean-version-9-16-2020/download

Click here to access a redlined version, highlighting changes implemented since the draft regulations were released in 2019

https://www.mass.gov/doc/pfas-mcl-revisions-to-310-cmr-2200-redline-version-9-16-2020/download

For more background information regarding DEP's development of a PFAS drinking water standard, click here  https://www.mass.gov/lists/development-of-a-pfas-drinking-water-standard-mcl

495/MetroWest Partnership: New PFAS Drinking Water Standard: Presentation and Q&A with MassDEP