Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting (audio)
FM #814 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 814 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development SubCmte Plus meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
- Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, B Wierling, G Rondeau, B Hunchard
- Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, L Rivera, B Taberner, A Love
Discussion on the process for selecting priorities among the recommendations (or in addition to) by the committee members as a way of prioritizing the Towns work overall. Not everything can be done, but if everyone uses 3 priorities, they can bubble up what should be worked first, etc.
Meeting scheduled for Aug 10, 6 PM to do the prioritization. This was selected in light of the MAPC report due at the end of June, time to digest, should also have the final requirements coming from the State on the MBTA community incentives by that time as well.
The recording runs just over an hour, so let’s listen to the Economic Development SubCmte Plus discussion on June 8, 2022.
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Meeting agenda =>
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-8-22_edc_agenda.pdf
My notes ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vmuGIIl5reoMG_RsSn-_OjdWl8kdHYI/view?usp=sharing
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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!
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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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Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting |
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Back to back Wednesday: EDC hears recommendations; Town Council gets an update on Nu-Style property
1. Update: MAPC “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and surrounding neighborhoods
a. Draft set of Recommendations - Slideshow from 5/16/22 Presentationhttps://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf
b. Updated Memo & Timeline
"ULI’s TAP will be in Town on June 8, 2022 to perform a day long assessment of a new development concept developed by DPCD ‐ North Grove PDA Revitalization and Access Roadway Project. The Technical Assistance Panel consists of professionals in the fields of development, planning, real estate, economic development and environmental science.
In general the TAP will work to answer the following questions:1. Is the Town’s North Grove PDA/EOA Revitalization and Access Roadway Project actually feasible given existing constraints, or are there better options to clean up and redevelop the Town’s Nu‐Style property and stimulate private investment in the North Grove PDA?2. Can the Town create a public/private development partnership to implement the Proposed Project (or other project conceived during the TAP) where all parties gain in the end?3. What specific process should the Town (and/or public private partnership) take to implement the chosen revitalization project?
The TAP professional will present their findings at your meeting on June 8, 2022. I look forward to seeing the results of their work. "
The full agenda doc and remote participation information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-08-2022_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf
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Back to back Wednesday: EDC hears recommendations; Town Council gets an update on Nu-Style property |
Sunday, June 5, 2022
Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda - June 8 at 5:30 PM
a. Draft set of Recommendations - Slideshow from 5/16/22 Presentationhttps://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf
b. Updated Memo & Timeline (see below)
Re: Franklin For All Project Future Dates
1. June 10th at the Strawberry Stroll there will be a promotional event to help discuss the Franklin For All Project recommendations with residents and festival goers.
a. The Planning and Community Development department will be located at the intersection of Dean Ave and Main Street, directly across from the stage.b. Attendees will be able to connect with Franklin for All project staff regarding the proposed recommendations.c. Enjoy a town sponsored magic mirror photo booth experience to document the fun and resident aspirations of downtown revitalization.
a. Each member of the Steering Committee will be given 3 votes to prioritize recommendations by MAPC to the staff. This is an effort to allow the committee to discuss the recommendations and give the staff some initial priorities to help focus our work and alleviate the potential to be scattered.b. The Committee dates over the summer have not been set. We are hopeful that at the June 8th meeting we can set those dates in July or August on an evening without additional meetings after it.c. The staff will also have some additional recommendations to consider that are not a part of the MAPC recommendations that focus on areas outside of the study zone, these are issues that have arisen locally that need to be addressed or have been discussed during this process.
Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda - June 8 at 5:30 PM |
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Franklin For All Forum #2 reveals 11 recommendations - 05/16/22 (audio)
This shares the second Franklin For All Forum that was held on Monday, May 16, 2022.
The meeting was held at THE BLACK BOX. It was hosted by MAPC via Zoom and broadcast via Franklin TV as well as live streamed. The video will also be available on YouTube.
Links to the meeting information and my notes captured during the Forum are in the show notes.
This recording runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen to the Franklin For All Forum held May 16, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-799-franklin-for-all-forum-2-05-16-22
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Franklin For All project page -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/
The presentation document to share the 11 recommendations
https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf
My notes captured via Twitter and shared in summary form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LM5r6VLuDw4yE2JPFEtw3ABaE4AbDADi/view?usp=sharing
--------------
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
For additional information, please visit www.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!
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Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Franklin For All - recommendation presentation for you to read and think about
The Franklin For All project got an update from MAPC on the proposed recommendation Monday, May 16 in a hybrid forum at THE BLACK BOX.
While the presentation should have been made available before hand to create an informed discussion that night, it is now available for us all to read, review and think about.
What should downtown Franklin be in the future? What do we need to consider doing to get there?
Or read the embedded copy here
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word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC |
Sunday, May 15, 2022
How to comment or watch the Franklin For All event Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM
To participate & comment:
- in person at THE BLACK BOX
- via Zoom (registration required to get link (and ensure on mailing list))
- Via Comcast (11) or Verizon (29)
- via Zoom (registration required to get link (and ensure on mailing list))
via YouTube (Franklin MA TV) and find the "Live" show -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp4_sDQGHNa9MKpqfmXGZrg/featured- via Live stream on your desktop/laptop, etc. from the Franklinma.gov page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream
Yes, it is the same broadcast starting on Zoom, then feeding out to the various channels of delivery to you at home or wherever on your device.
Yes, it would have been nice to have the recommendations in advance to review and prepare questions & comments. That has not happened; little will change that at this point. What we can do is be patient to listen to what is revealed as a recommendation or recommendations.
Whatever is revealed may take time to digest.
The best response may well be quiet, thoughtful absorption of what they reveal.
As mentioned in other meetings, whatever is recommended will be digested and discussed at future Economic Development meetings.
It will take time to determine what if any changes will be made to the downtown zoning. Those zoning changes also will take time.
How much time will it take?
The Town will need
- proposal to be drafted by the Dept of Planning and Community Development
- reviewed by the Economic Development Committee (EDC) (may be more than 1 meeting)
- when ready EDC will forward to the Town Council
- the Town Council discuss but decide to refer to the Planning Board for two readings & hearing before Planning Board returns the proposal with recommendation(s) to Town Council
- the Town Council will also hold two readings and hearing to review and discuss such before final vote (to accept or reject)
So it will be good to see what MAPC proposes but this is really the START of the process if anything will change.
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How to comment or watch the Franklin For All event today |
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Economic Development Subcommittee discusses Franklin For All objectives (audio)
FM #789 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 789 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
Next Franklin for All Forum is scheduled for May 16, at THE BLACK BOX. MAPC may provide the recommendations beforehand to enable a worthy discussion as they are looking for feedback on the high level proposals. The subcommittee expressed desire to have such documentation beforehand. While MAPC was present they did not commit to do so,
Much of the meeting was simply discussion among the subcommittee on the goals, how to accomplish them, etc. Towards the end of the discussion, they did get to some of the key items in that some of the process for making things “by right” need to be improved, so the discussion on what those should be can be expected to occur at subsequent meetings.
The recording of the meeting runs about 56 minutes.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-789-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-04-22--------------
Meeting agenda doc ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-04_edc_agenda_.pdf
Franklin TV YouTube video -> https://youtu.be/UnEXp2fNNtU
My notes taken via Twitter and captured in one PDF can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sirs0iYh47R0ECMd0VBWK16NIpKNGhP8/view?usp=sharing
--------------
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 discusses Franklin For All objectives (audio) |
Thursday, May 5, 2022
You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum set for Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM
You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum set for Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM
The next phase of Franklin For All is ready! Our project consultants have created draft rezoning recommendations utilizing the feedback provided by over 600 residents during the visioning survey. Join us for a hybrid public forum at 6:30pm on Monday, May 16th at The Black Box or via Zoom. Weigh in on draft zoning recommendations and learn about next steps for the rezoning effort. Doors open at 6:00pm.
Register for the forum here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0td-mrrzMrE9AK0ufr5wI3nHVYjCRISTLJ
You can learn more about this project on our project website here: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/youre-invited-franklin-all-recommendation-review-public-forum-set-monday-may-16-630pm
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You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum |
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street
1. EDC + Steering Committee Discussion: MAPC “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and surrounding neighborhoods
Agenda doc & connection info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-04_edc_agenda_.pdf
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Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM |
Sunday, April 24, 2022
"One thing nearly everyone agrees on: Massachusetts faces a housing crisis, and needs to build more"
"Everyone should do their part.
That was the thinking behind the ambitious housing legislation that Massachusetts lawmakers passed just over a year ago.
The basic idea: require suburbs where the single-family home reigns supreme to do more to help address the housing shortage. The legislation mandates new multifamily zones in 175 cities and towns, known as “MBTA Communities” because they have a subway, commuter rail, bus, or ferry station, or neighbor a town that does. It sets the stage for potentially hundreds of thousands of new apartments and condos to be built across Eastern Massachusetts in the coming years."
- Franklin is underway with the Franklin For All planning effort
- The requirement is for zoning changes (if required) to be approved by 2024 to meet the goals set by State (not yet published - currently in review process from feedback on the draft released)
- It is not yet clear that Franklin needs to do much to change zoning (unless we really want to) as it appears, we are already within the proposed goals (remains to be confirmed). In Town Council presentation on this matter, for the downtown commercial zone we already permit more than what is required. How much we already have within the downtown zone (vs what is required) is an open question
- The process will not be completed quickly, MAPC has draft recommendations scheduled to be reviewed on May 16 (recommendations not yet released)
- Once released and reviewed, the recommendations still need to be reviewed by the Economic Development Subcommittee, potential zoning changes referred by Town Council to Planning Board, Planning Board does public hearings and makes recommendation back to Town Council, Town Council also does public hearings and discussions before voting
- Please follow along this journey, we all need improvements to housing stock especially affordable housing in Franklin
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"One thing nearly everyone agrees on: Massachusetts faces a housing crisis, and needs to build more" |
Friday, April 22, 2022
Hybrid public forum scheduled for Monday, May 16 to the review the draft zoning recommendations
Franklin For All Public Forum - Monday, May 16 at 6:30PM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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