Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. Three members were in the chamber, one remote. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

Quick recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant
• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project
• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link

The #8 episode in the Franklin For All series gets into Zoning and New Growth - 06/05/23 (audio)

FM #1014 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1014 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, and Cobi Frongillo. We were joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer for this discussion on new growth. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, June 5, 2023. Tom joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

The conversation centered on new growth and how the zoning decisions have a relationship with the budget. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1014-franklin-for-all-8-new-growth-06-05-23

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

The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

The value-per-acre visual that Cobi mentioned 

https://twitter.com/CobiFrongillo/status/1569899170042978304 

The "Growth Ponzi Scheme" Cobi mentioned

https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2020/8/28/the-growth-ponzi-scheme-a-crash-course 

Town Budget page for FY 2024 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Town Council budget hearings for FY 2024

• May 24 & 25 (budget hearings) - recap & audio links ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/audio-recordings-for-1st-of-2-budget.html       https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-council-approves-fy-24-budget_01384873643.html     

• recap & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-council-approves-fy-24-budget.html  

Finance Committee budget hearings for FY 2024

• May 11 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) public safety (police, fire, dispatch) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/finance-cmte-completes-fy-2024-budget.html 

• May 10 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) schools (FPS, Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie) recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/finance-committee-budget-hearing-2-gets.html 

• May 8 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) general government and DPW (enterprise accounts (sewer, water, solid waste & stormwater) - recap, audio & video links ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/fincom-gets-fy-2024-summary-from-town.html 

The “must listen’ intro as mentioned with the 30 minute overview of the revenue projections https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/franklinites-spend-few-minutes-with.html 

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

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

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"

The #8 episode in the Franklin For All series gets into Zoning and New Growth - 06/05/23 (audio)

The Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23 (audio)

FM #1005 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1005 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.  

The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1005-franklin-for-all-7-talks-about-design-review-05-30-23

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

The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

Design Review page  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission 

Design Review Guidelines (established in 2005)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/guidelines.pdf 

Design Review Best Practices (as updated in 2016) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/best_development_guidebook_sept_2016_1.pdf 

  

Sign guidelines mentioned but more likely to be part of a future discussion

https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission/pages/sign-guidelines 

Note: the twice monthly Design Review meetings are usually scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month. I personally haven’t been able to attend as this schedule conflicts with the School Committee meetings.

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

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

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"

The Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23 (audio)

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and sets priorities for remainder of year (audio)

FM #989 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 989 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in the Council Chambers with all 4 members participating in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Healthy discussion on the next steps for each of the outstanding remaining goals on the list:

• 40r was the #1 priority for MAPC, within which the specified design standards and dimensional standards (lot coverage, stories, setbacks, etc.) really need to be addressed whether we do 40r or not

• Shared parking policy (maybe some incentives to entice coordination for private space)

• Review sidewalk snow removal bylaw (review map put together by Brutus)

• Research changes to the home occupation business bylaw (interested in but will take time to do properly)

• Review the marijuana overlay district (some adjustments needed, Kenwood Circle, Amgeo on Washington St, etc.)

• Review the cell phone tower overlay district and consider a 5G local permitting bylaw (maybe just research required)

Resulting priorities

1. GR 5 impervious coverage

2. Cannabis overlay district

3. Design stuff - Barrette contract product output

4. Snow removal on sidewalks (Brutus’ map)

The recording of the meeting runs just under 1 hour.   

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-989-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-03-23

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

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-05-03_edc_agenda__0.pdf 

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/IEFqlGhx-ho 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ROvOLHRTDdYrqJ49AYdRk6S7naue3Ylb/view?usp=share_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

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"

Economic Development Subcommittee - May 3, 2023 - Agenda

A "Franklin For All" discussion on buildable & affordable - 04/12/23 (audio)

FM #974 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 974 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Joe Halligan. We were all in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. 

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Joe Halligan for this session to include his insights as a former Planning Board member, Franklin developer, and recently appointed to the Master Plan Update Committee. 

The conversation centered on the numbers Joe had walked through at a prior EDC Plus meeting (Nov 2022) on the costs of combining parcels to make a buildable project. We define ‘buildable’ from a developer’s perspective to help differentiate from the two definitions of affordable (Capital A - affordable as set by Federal HUD and State calculations, and lower case “a” affordable, what someone could afford which will still vary by situation).

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 63 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-974-franklin-for-all-discusses-buildable-affordable-04-12-23

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

The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

The November 2022 meeting at which affordable housing was discussed and Joe Halligan laid out his ‘homework’ initially ->  beginning approx 35 minutes if you want to jump to that point)   https://www.youtube.com/live/sUk0eqtUzXE?feature=share  

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

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

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"

A "Franklin For All" discussion on buildable & affordable - 04/12/23 (audio)

Economic Development Subcmte Plus votes to move accessory dwelling zoning changes forward (audio & video)

FM #965 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 965 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee meeting held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in the Council Chambers with 6 members participating; 5 in person in the Council Chambers, 1 remote via Zoom.

“Franklin For All” Steering Committee (or EDC Plus)

• Chair Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, Pat Sheridan (Town Council)

• Greg Rondeau, Beth Wierling (Planning Board) 

• Bruce Hunchard (Zoning Board of Appeals) - Remote

• Glenn Jones (absent)

Quick recap:

• A revision to the posted document for discussion was handed out to the committee members (not found on Town page as we go to press)

• There were effectively three proposals requiring a vote, one on the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) definition, one on the use table and one on additional language

• After some discussion, motion made to move the three to the Town Council, seconded, during discussion, Frongillo provides language to amend the definition as he is getting two answers to a question and the clarification is required. Amendment get s 3-3 (Frongillo, Hamblen, Sheridan for; Hunchard, Rondeau, Wierling no) vote, meaning it does not pass

• Frongillo makes a second amendment which also get a 3-3 vote (same alignment as prior 3-3 vote) and doesn't pass

• The vote on all three finally comes and it passes 5-1 (Hunchard no)

• Motion to adjourn, passes 6-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just under 2 hours. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-965-economic-development-cmte-plus-mtg-03-22-23   

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

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_-_march_22_2023.pdf

Franklin TV YouTube video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ozRdixrzzWQ?feature=share 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wOGwxXtTBfvVfeY8Fct0lcsidm1mMz7A/view?usp=share_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

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"

Building Inspector Gus Brown talking with the EDC Plus about accessory dwelling units