Showing posts with label Crossing Neighborhood District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crossing Neighborhood District. Show all posts

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic
i. Jeffrey Wolcott

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members
i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6294/5a-Committee-Renewals
 
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,
Franklin, MA 02038

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,
Franklin, MA 02038 
 
b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -
a. Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-27 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6288/9a-25-27---Methodist-Church

b. Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-49 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street

c. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board
(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6280/9d-Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning

e. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Referral to the Planning Board

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6262/9g-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6265/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6264/9j-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6289/9j-25-938---Home-Occupation-Bylaw-1

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

l. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-940 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6281/9l---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

m. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-936 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6283/9m-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

n. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-937 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6284/9n-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

o. Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-51 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6286/9o-25-51--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Veterans-Fire-Police-Rec

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Joint Budget Subcommittee
d. Police Station Building Committee
e. GATRA Advisory Board
Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM
Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the
Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

The agenda doc includes associated supporting materials as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829


Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

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Saturday, July 19, 2025

Economic Development Subcmte spends 3 hours in discussion on Wednesday (audio)

FM #1480 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1480 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 


3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.


Quick recap:


Item 1 - Crossing Neighborhood

  • TA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625

  • Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actually includes the proper language; apparently in the draft, the section language got left out. It can be included (and should) without vote to modify this. An oversight on version control. This identifies a couple of updates to the online zoning codes as they were changed just not reflected in the current versions

  • After much discussion

    • Motion to amend 2.3 8a from no to planning board special permit Passes 3-0

    • Motion to move to Town council as amended, second passes 3-0

Item 2 - Use Variances

  • Discussion on Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals

  • Discussion on elimination of use variance from approval by the ZBA, which in those cases tend to overstep their authority; the restriction was intentionally made by the zoning bylaws with PB and Council approval and then the ZBA can act on their own...

  • After much discussion, Motion to move to council for further discussion (Jones)

  • Not seconded, hence the move does not take place. There will be some discussion overall on this topic in a positive manner per Hamblen

Item 3 - update on World Cup

  • FIFA requirements will host the fan center in Boston. We are still figuring out what we can do. Artificial Turf fields are not used by international games (Gillette is redone with real grass for international games)

  • Lots of other events at the same time; Highland games, Tall Ships, etc

  • Marketing via MetroWest on the benefits of Franklin. Hotel outreach, transportation planning needed; Porchfest, 4th of July also in similar time frames... Found in Franklin market for goods, crafts

Item 4 - EDC goals

  • On the one hand, given the length of the meeting and discussions there seemed little interest in this item; only one member Frongillo was prepared with a short list of priorities

  • Recognition from TA Hellen that until B Taberner's replacement is hired, there is very little staff to do the additional work

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0


The recording of the meeting runs about 3 hours.   

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1480-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-07-16-25/

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Economic Development Subcmte mtg
Economic Development Subcmte mtg


Franklin TV video replay is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/6hKdQIw9rpQ 


The EDC agenda and supporting documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-1818 


My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ME-F_qCpL61vAQz0NeBnFDIakEXX3mzO/view?usp=drive_link


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


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. 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!

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


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


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Friday, July 18, 2025

Economic Development Subcmte spends 3 hours in discussion on Wednesday (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training room. 3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.

Franklin TV video replay is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/6hKdQIw9rpQ

The EDC agenda and supporting documents


Quick recap:

Item 1 - Crossing Neighborhood
  • TA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625
  • Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actually includes the proper language; apparently in the draft, the section language got left out. It can be included (and should) without vote to modify this. An oversight on version control. This identifies a couple of updates to the online zoning codes as they were changed just not reflected in the current versions
  • After much discussion
    • Motion to amend 2.3 8a from no to planning board special permit Passes 3-0
    • Motion to move to Town council as amended, second passes 3-0
Item 2 - Use Variances
  • Discussion on Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Discussion on elimination of use variance from approval by the ZBA, which in those cases tend to overstep their authority; the restriction was intentionally made by the zoning bylaws with PB and Council approval and then the ZBA can act on their own...
  • After much discussion, Motion to move to council for further discussion (Jones)
  • Not seconded, hence the move does not take place. There will be some discussion overall on this topic in a positive manner per Hamblen
Item 3 - update on World Cup
  • FIFA requirements will host the fan center in Boston. We arestill figuring out what we can do. Artificial Turf fields are not used by international games (Gilletteis redone with real grass for international games)
  • Lots of other events at the same time; Highland games, Tall Ships, etc
  • Marketing via MetroWest on the benefits of Franklin. Hotel outreach, transportation planning needed; Porchfest, 4th of July also in similar time frames... Found in Franklin market for goods, crafts
Item 4 - EDC goals
  • On the one hand, given the length of the meeting and discussions there seemed little interest in this item; only one member Frongillo was prepared with a short list of priorities
  • Recognition from TA Hellen that until B Taberner's replacement is hired, there is very little staff to do the additional work
Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0


EDC discussion on first item (Frongillo recused)
EDC discussion on first item (Frongillo recused)



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Sunday, July 13, 2025

Franklin, MA: agenda for Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - Weds, July 16 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 16, 2025 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 355 East Central Street *


Agenda:

1. Discussion and Recommendation of creating the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District

2. Discussion and Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6235/2-1---DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625

3. Update on 2026 World Cup preparation

4. 2024-25 Town Council/Administrator EDC Goals Review
a. Discussion on priorities of Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, Franklin For All plans   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6233/2024-2025-EDC-Goals


The complete agenda also includes remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Economic-Development-Subcommittee-7/?#_07162025-1818

Franklin, MA: agenda for Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - Weds, July 16 - 5:45 PM
Franklin, MA: agenda for Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - Weds, July 16 - 5:45 PM

* Note: due to equipment failure in the Studio for the Council Chambers, the meeting may move to the Studio in the 3rd Floor Training Room. (Remote info won't change)

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Saturday, March 1, 2025

Economic Development Subcmte recommends adding shared kitchen definition for Council review (audio)

FM #1390 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1390 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).


Quick recap

  • The meeting started and then restarted to get to the correct Zoom link so a few minutes were repeated for some on the video recording and net new for others on the proper Zoom link. This audio recording only includes from the restart

  • The shared kitchen definition and addition to the use tables for commercial (not residential) zones was discussed, clarified, and then moved to bring to the Town Council by a 4-0 vote

  • The naming of the Crossing Neighborhood District and the minor additions was agreed to in concept but after discussion determined that it is an opportunity to do more with than "just renaming". Especially with the Master Plan approved, some of those items can be considered for implementation here


Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 


The recording of the meeting runs about 58 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1390-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-02-26-25/



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


Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aC6kDo1DtM&t=408 


The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/economic-development-to-review-proposed.html 


My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkUfWVxVbGsGOp9bj8Ew6yDP8BiZDsvy/view?usp=drive_link 


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


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. 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!

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


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


map displaying the proposed Crossing Neighborhood District changes
map displaying the proposed Crossing Neighborhood District changes
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