Showing posts with label MAPC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAPC. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Video replay available for the Economic Development Subcommittee held March 13 (video)

Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 beginning at 5:45pm. 

The agenda doc can be found -> 

The meeting was recorded and live broadcast by Franklin TV to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yNNjaJCSkg 

I was recording the School Committee subcommittee meeting upstairs that started at 5 PM and joined the meeting about 6:15 so my reporting won't be available immediately.


Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary

An extract from the Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary follows: (In the full report, this can be found on pages 15-17. The Summary Memo #3 can be found on page 60)

When proposing recommendations that can lead to increased density in an area, it is important to assess the potential impacts from new development and the municipality’s ability to serve that new development. A “build-out analysis” is a tool used in urban planning to estimate the amount and location of future growth. This analysis provides a projection of the maximum number of new housing units and other nonresidential square footage that could result if each parcel were to be redeveloped according to proposed zoning regulations. From there, potential impacts can be estimated such as increased population, parking needs, traffic, demand on municipal services, and more. In general, a build-out analysis provides an overestimation of growth and associated impacts with the understanding that many parcels in a given area will not be redeveloped for any number of reasons.

The new Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities, also known as the new Section 3A of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A (“Section 3A”), requires communities that are served by the MBTA to have at least one zoning district of a “reasonable size” located within a half-mile of an MBTA station where multifamily housing is permitted “as of right” at a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre. To comply with the “reasonable size” requirement in Section 3A, these districts must be at least 50 acres total with a minimum of 25 contiguous acres. Under the regulations, Franklin will also need to prove to DHCDw that it has multifamily district with a unit capacity—the number of housing units that can be developed as of right in the district— equal to or greater than 1,883 units.

Currently, Franklin does not have a district of reasonable size that complies with all the requirements of Section 3A. The Downtown Commercial District does allow multifamily housing in accordance with Section 3A, but that district is less than the required 50 acres (40.2 acres). If it fails to comply with Section 3A, Franklin will no longer be eligible for state funding from the Housing Choice Initiative, the Local Capital Projects Fund, the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, and potentially other grant sources.

MAPC’s Data Services Department conducted an analysis to calculate total build-out units in the Franklin Center study area based on the Town’s current zoning and the adoption of new zoning regulations that comply with Section 3A. This analysis assumes the adoption of a Chapter 40R Smart Growth Overlay District (described in detail in the Recommendations section) that includes properties within the Downtown Commercial (DC), Commercial I (CI), and General Residential V (GRV) Districts.

With a total build-out of 3,352 housing units spread out across 174.29 acres, the district-wide gross density would come out to 19.23 units/acre and thus comply with Section 3A. MAPC compared the results of the build-out analysis with existing housing units in the CI, DCD, and GRV Districts to calculate net unit yield.

Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary
Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary

Based on recent studies, local data, site visits, and interviews with Town staff, MAPC has assessed infrastructure in the Franklin Center study area to determine to what extent existing infrastructure may be a barrier to new development and redevelopment.

DPW has no concerns about capacity issues in Franklin’s water and sewer systems, and they think that a very substantial amount of development would need to happen in a very short period of time in order for this to be a concern. Both Franklin’s wastewater and water supply systems could handle another 20% of their total capacity before it becomes a concern. DPW notes that the additional 20% does not mean 20% more units or more people, as newer systems are going to be more efficient in water usage and drainage.

If we translate 2,510 net units under the total build-out in the previous section to population, we could expect a maximum of 6,526 new residents given the average household size in Franklin of 2.6. This would be an increase Franklin’s population by a maximum of 17.8%, from 36,745 to 43,271 people. Based on these findings and the fact that the build-out is an overestimation, MAPC does not believe that the increase in population as a result of Franklin For All’s proposed zoning changes will result in capacity concerns for the Town’s water and sewer supplies.

The Charles River Pollution Control District operates the treatment facility that supports the Town’s sewer system. As part of the agreement for Franklin to be in the Charles River Pollution Control District, the State mandates that people may only water their lawns on trash day. This restriction is announced by the Town each year and runs from May to September. Because of this policy, residents have a false perception that the Town’s water supply is stressed and they blame new development for these complaints.

As the Town of Franklin considers new zoning in and around its downtown center, ensuring the provision of adequate transportation infrastructure and multimodal walking, biking, and transit connectivity will be critical to accommodate new growth and development. Under Section 3A, the Town must create a new multifamily zoning district, 50% of which must be located within half a mile of a commuter rail station. With an MBTA station in the heart of its pedestrian-friendly downtown, Franklin is well-positioned to create new transit- oriented housing and commercial opportunities for residents and visitors. However, targeted infrastructure improvements and broader transportation policy changes will be necessary to ensure that the Town maximizes the potential benefits it can realize under Section 3A.

Summary Memo #3 contains transportation observations and recommendations for infrastructure improvements at specific locations in Franklin Center, as well as more general transportation observations and recommendations that will enable the Town of Franklin to help meet projections for future growth.


The full report from MAPC on the Franklin For All project can be found

The Build-out and Infrastructure Analysis in PDF format ->

Summary Memo #3 in PDF format ->

Build-Out & Infrastructure Analysis from MAPC Franklin For All Executive Summary
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.


Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-814-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-06-08-22


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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!

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


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 Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting
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

The Economic Development Subcommittee is scheduled to meet at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, June 8. The agenda is shown here. 
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 Presentation  
https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf   
b. Updated Memo & Timeline 
Agenda doc with remote participation info ->


The Town Council has a varied and pretty full agenda. One item not heard of recently is a scheduled update on the former Nu-Style property (a brown field) located on Grove St. 

Per the memo in the agenda packet, a team will visit the town and site on Wednesday and present their update to the Council at the meeting Wednesday evening.
"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. "
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Presentation/Discussion: North Grove Priority Development Area Redevelopment Concept -

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 

Back to back Wednesday: EDC hears recommendations; Town Council gets an update on Nu-Style property
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

 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 8, 2022 = 5:30 PM

Agenda:

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 Presentation  
https://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

The Franklin For All project is in it’s home stretch heading towards completion of the diagnostic analysis. Future dates are a sketch for upcoming meetings to note, but are subject to change:

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.

2. June 30th Final report due (but should be in earlier and will be released upon final receipt)

3. July/August meeting of the EDC + Steering Committee to discuss prioritization of the formal recommendations by MAPC.

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.

4. September we will begin to publicly discuss the recommendations chosen by the Steering Committee and staff.

Agenda doc with remote participation info ->

Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda - June 8 at 5:30 PM
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)

FM #799 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 799 in the series. 

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

-----------

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

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!

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

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


word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC
word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC

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?

You can find the presentation on the Franklin For All site  https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf

Or read the embedded copy here


A photo album capturing most of the presentation pages as well as the other items displayed on easels around the room can be found online

word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC
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

Monday, May 16, 2022 at 6:30 PM, join MAPC and the Town of Franklin for the next Franklin For All hybrid public forum

This event will take place at THE BLACK BOX (15 West Central Street) and over Zoom. Weigh in on draft zoning recommendations and learn about next steps for the rezoning effort. Doors to The Black Box open at 6:00 PM.

To participate & comment:
  • in person at THE BLACK BOX
  • via Zoom (registration required to get link (and ensure on mailing list))
To view/watch only:

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.


How to comment or watch the Franklin For All event today
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


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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)
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

You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum
You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM

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

Agenda:
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

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM
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."
Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

My 'quick' take on this complicated issue to summarize:
  • 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


"One thing nearly everyone agrees on: Massachusetts faces a housing crisis, and needs to build more"
"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


UPCOMING HYBRID PUBLIC FORUM!
On Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM, join MAPC and the Town of Franklin for the next Franklin For All hybrid public forum. This event will take place at The Black Box (15 West Central Street) and over Zoom. Weigh in on draft zoning recommendations and learn about next steps for the rezoning effort. Doors to The Black Box open at 6:00 PM.

Click the button below to register and tell us if you plan to attend in-person or remotely.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council | 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111

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