Planning Board Candidates Discussion with BEN4Franklin 10/30/25 (audio)

FM #1564 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1564 in the series. 

This session shares the discussion co-hosted by BEN 4 Franklin and Franklin Matters with the Planning Board Candidates.  We had our discussion virtually via the Zoom platform on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

 

Hosted by members of BEN 4 Franklin: Cobi Frongillo, Kimberly Mu-Chow, Gino Carlucci, Ndoumbe Ndoye, & Maxwell Morrongiello

• Planning Board candidates: Mark Mucciarone, Erik Steltzer

• Planning Board Associate candidate: William Lee, IV

Recorded & edited by Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1564-planning-brd-candidates-discussion-with-ben4franklin-10-30-25/

--------------

Visit BEN 4 Franklin's website to learn more about the group. Sign up for the newsletter, join the monthly meetings (3rd Thursday of the month at 7 PM at Franklin TV Studio) 

BEN 4 Franklin

https://ben4franklin.org/    

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy it!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

2025 Town of Franklin Biennial Election

2025 Biennial Election: Planning Board Candidate Discussion with BEN4Franklin (video)

Hosted by members of BEN 4 Franklin: Cobi Frongillo, Kimberly Mu-Chow, Gino Carlucci, Ndoumbe Ndoye, & Maxwell Morrongiello Planning Board candidates: Mark Mucciarone, Erik Steltzer Planning Board Associate candidate: William Lee, IV Recorded, edited by Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio

video link -> https://youtu.be/NDFpuQoKBpg

Visit BEN 4 Franklin's website to learn more about the group. Sign up for the newsletter, join the monthly meetings (3rd Thursday at 7 PM at Franklin TV Studio)

https://ben4franklin.org/

2025 Town of Franklin Biennial Election

Planning Board Candidate Discussion - Oct 30 at 8:30 PM (virtual only)

Planning Board Candidate Discussion -
Oct 30 at 8:30 PM (virtual only)

Get to know the Planning Board candidates! BEN For Franklin is proud to host a brief virtual candidate discussion THIS THURSDAY at 8:30 PM. 

Zoom link: event ended - video to be available shortly

The discussion will be recorded by Franklin Matters and available on YouTube after the event.

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) is proud to endorse six candidates for Franklin Town Council

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) is proud to endorse six candidates for Franklin Town Council: Thomas Mercer, Maxwell Morrongiello, Patrick Sheridan, Ken Ojukwu, Michael LeBlanc, and Glenn Jones.

In early October, BEN 4 Franklin shared a questionnaire with all Town Council candidates to learn more about their views on housing, neighborhood planning, and Franklin’s long-term growth. Candidates were informed that their answers would be published publicly and that BEN may choose to endorse those whose values align with the group’s mission. 

BEN is endorsing all six candidates who responded to the questionnaire, each of whom expressed a thoughtful commitment to keeping Franklin an affordable, welcoming, and financially healthy place to live.

“We’re encouraged to see these candidates engaging seriously with the challenges facing Franklin - from rising housing costs, to operating budget pressure, to the need for smart, balanced development,” said Mark Minnichelli, Co-Chair of BEN 4 Franklin. “These six candidates share our vision of a vibrant, welcoming, and financially-strong Franklin.”

Building Equitable Neighborhoods
for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin)

The full questionnaire and candidate responses are posted at ben4franklin.org/2025-election. The survey asked candidates about topics such as expanding housing choices, supporting small businesses downtown, and implementing the 2025 Franklin Master Plan.

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin is a volunteer community group that envisions a Franklin where everyone can find a home and feel connected to their neighborhood. Guided by the Franklin for All report, BEN advocates for housing options that fit every stage of life, walkable neighborhoods, and thoughtful growth that protects the town’s character while strengthening its finances.

Residents can learn more about BEN’s work and sign up for updates at ben4franklin.org.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 21 , 2025 ??

Thursday, August 21

What's happening today in Franklin? 

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, August 21 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this open discussion

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Thursday, August 21 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212025-1859 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/473?fileID=5642 

------------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, July 17, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, July 17

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Gerald M. Parmenter (Franklin Town Common)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV Studio)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub) 

9:00pm Good Thomas (Live Music) (3 restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

------------

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, May 15, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, May 15

 

** Kennedy PCC fund raising (Santa Fe Burrito Grill)

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

10:00am Van & Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  (Franklin Senior Center)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm Birchwood Wine Dinner (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio) 

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

Coffee Hour with State & Local Officials

May 15, 2025, 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal gathering

Conservation Commission Meeting

May 15, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05152025-1741

-------------

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Join Cobi & I for an informative discussion on Jane's Walk in downtown Franklin, Sunday, May 4

Via Cobi Frongillo:

Jane's Walk in downtown Franklin, Sunday, May 4

"Happy to be co-hosting a third annual Jane's Walk with Steve Sherlock and BEN 4 Franklin!  

Meet us 10AM THIS SUNDAY (5/4) at the Depot Street parking lot for a walk-and-talk of Downtown Franklin.  

Wheels and paws welcome!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16RhpxVLLZ/

You can join us along the way if you miss the start. We'll be along Main St to Emmons, to West Central, to Cottage, to Winter, to East Central, to Ruggles and then back East Central to Main and the Depot parking lot.

Join Cobi & I for an informative discussion on Jane's Walk

 

Note: the route covers 1.5 miles.