Recap: EDC Plus hears a more detailed outline of "Franklin For All" info gathering and Forum scheduled for March 7

Quick Recap:

• The meeting effectively has two parts, one with the EDC plus group and one with just the core EDC subcommittee
• The first part was an overview of the info gathering process leading to the first forum March 7
• The second part of the meeting was a review of the goals for the subcommittee
• The presentation doc is not yet posted so screen grabs of the pages captured during the meeting are available in the photo album
• Audio of the meeting will be available in a couple of days

 

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes remotely via the Zoom connection to the meeting

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edc0202 starting with this tweet

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1489009984432230401

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbZq1cR8NM1N7Z428

 

Agenda document -  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-02-02_edc_agenda_.pdf

• Shifting to #edc0202 meeting to report on that already on progress (It was scheduled to start at 5:45, I joined at 5:55 after the Board of Health meeting finished)
• Explaining rationale for hybrid forum for Mar 7 session. #edc0202
• Survey to solicit input post forum, sample Qs shown on slide #edc0202
• Pause for Qs #edc0202
• Will need to register even day of, for the remote/Zoom session, not required for in person attendance #edc0202
• Housing production plan can help inform the discussion on zoning for more and affordable housing; zoning for economic development - what does it mean? Message formats on slide #edc0202
• Looking to keep content coming through to the event to help provide info on zoning and inform the discussion, #edc0202 materials can also gather feedback
• Build list of contacts with engagement on the material distribution #edc0202
• Looking for #edc0202 committee to help with promotion within their circle of meetings and contacts
• Outreach toolkit not meant to be static #edc0202
• The study in 2003 did work downtown but did not address zoning at that time #edc0202  currently no financial carrots for the state guidelines on the zoning push for the MBTA
• Audio format was raised by Chair Hamblen but I also tapped in to offer to help. #edc0202
• Focus groups scheduled and one already completed to help gather specific info from targeted groups #edc0202 list being built for residents for that focus group. Focus groups would be 10-15 folks to enable the focus format, other inputs are available (survey)
• Q of the population for the area in question? A - Not readily at hand but also would be looking at a projection for what it could be #edc0202
• #edc0202 Emma of MAPC will be busy over the next month, about a dozen participated in the focus group session on Monday, doc will summarize the input from all of the focus groups in advance of the Forum
• Moving to 2nd agenda item, #edc0202 the plus portion of EDC has left, leaving only the proper EDC present (along with remote attendance)
• Master plan process will commence in 2023, open space plan update also next year. #edc0202 link to goals in meeting agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-02-02_edc_agenda_.pdf
• For example change of bylaw for commuter parking currently only set up for monthly, commuting has changed and requests are for other intervals #edc0202 motion to adjourn, passes

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

EDC Plus hears a more detailed outline of "Franklin For All" info gathering and Forum scheduled for March 7

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 2, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 2, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Agenda:

1. EDC + Steering Committee: Franklin For All: Discussion from MAPC about the “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and adjacent neighborhoods 

 

2. 2022-2023 EDC Prioritization Discussion 

 

a. Approved EDC goals for 2022-2023 

Full agenda doc and packet released for this meeting (including remote info)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-02-02_edc_agenda_.pdf

The Community Engagement Plan section of the EDC meeting agenda can be found here  ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JL-MAPvxDyGL2m4pZQ4scU0dRACla4x3/view?usp=sharing

"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee becomes a "plus group" as it starts "Franklin For All" zoning study

Quick Recap:

• The promised zoning study for downtown Franklin kicked off at this meeting branded as "Franklin for All". Emma Battaglia, Senior Housing and Land Use Planner from MAPC, provided an overview of the project and Community Engagement Plan. 
• "The EDC will serve alongside two representatives from the Planning Board, Greg Rondeau and Beth Weirling, and one representative from the ZBA, Bruce Hunchard, to form the “EDC+” “Franklin For All Steering Committee”
• Stay tuned for focus groups and forum sessions (dates and times in the doc linked below) as the study works through its process.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conference bridge. 

 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ShPnhpjx3tMBNRR76

Note: for some reason, the way the presentation was displayed via Zoom, it did not enable me to go full screen to view each or any of the slides. So while I usually can grab some 'screen captures' that was not possible for this meeting and we will need to wait for the presentation doc to be posted (as was promised).

The presentation doc is available -> https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Frankling-for-All-Steering-Committee-Meeting-1-Presentation.pdf

The Twitter hashtag #edc0105 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478864954082177030

• Shifting zoom to the #edc0105 meeting in progress
• Emma from http://mapc.org presenting #edc0105 meeting agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf
• Newsletter included the ink to the new 'Franklin for all' page referred to. Slides not previously shared. Not able to screen grab with current view of this hybrid meeting #edc0105
• Link to new Franklin for all page https://mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/… #edc0105
• Communication materials to be developed for sharing, forum coming  Mar 7, 2022 #edc0105 
• Opens ? To committee, need to define terms used, as Franklin center can mean multiple things. Will this address design too? Yes
• Alternative trans methods? Through infrastructure aspects
• Q on what can be done to address recalcitrant property owners? What can be done to get the owners to the table and involved? How do we get Dean involved too? #edc0105 Jan 24 forum with owners key. Presentation doc to be posted to ToF page later
• How do you involve stakeholders that are not here? Aware of opportunity at forge park, owner not interested currently. That is a larger area of concern given the other stakeholders required. MassHighway, etc. #edc0105
• Motion to adjourn, passes via aye vote and meeting ends. Up next Town Council at 7 #edc0105

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

The Community Engagement Plan can be found in the full agenda doc (linked above) or in the extracted section -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/franklin-for-all-community-engagement.html

Emma Battaglia, Senior Housing and Land Use Planner from MAPC

"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan ready for your reading and review

"MAPC has developed a Community Engagement Plan to clearly delineate the approach for community engagement throughout the process. The purpose of community engagement for this project is to: 

1. Inform residents and business stakeholders (business owners, landlords, developers) about how zoning can be a tool for equitable land use to meet housing demands, develop vibrant neighborhoods, and support economic revitalization.

2. Solicit feedback on stakeholders’ visions for Franklin Center and develop a plan for rezoning the area to best achieve the overall vision.

3. Engage and educate members of relevant boards/commissions who will be tasked with approving and implementing the rezoning strategy. 

The Community Engagement Plan provides a stakeholder analysis that identifies populations or groups that may be underrepresented or hard to reach when the Town is engaging stakeholders through typical community engagement techniques. The plan includes an engagement strategy chart detailing specific approaches for each of the groups who have been identified for more proactive engagement with the aim of ensuring diverse participation. 

Project outreach will be town-wide with a special effort to reach groups who may be most impacted by zoning changes as it relates to housing affordability. It is assumed that populations and groups that are already active and engaged in Franklin will be reached through more typical engagement techniques and that additional efforts or techniques are not required to actively engage them in this planning process. In order to get in touch with historically less-engaged groups, the project team will coordinate with local conveners and/or local media as two potential outreach sources. 

In addition, the Community Engagement Plan outlines the specific tools that will be used throughout this process to conduct outreach and engagement, including print, digital, and 'on the ground ' engagement tools like focus groups and forums along with how they will be used."

The Community Engagement Plan section of the EDC meeting agenda can be found here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JL-MAPvxDyGL2m4pZQ4scU0dRACla4x3/view?usp=sharing

The full EDC agenda doc is found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf

The presentation doc used in the Jan 5, 2022 meeting is available 

https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Frankling-for-All-Steering-Committee-Meeting-1-Presentation.pdf

What is the study area?

'Franklin Center' is the term to encompass both of the key downtown and the Franklin Crossing sections along with the brief extensions from those areas as outlined in the map.

The Community Engagement Plan section as an embedded document:
 

"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan

Housing Choice in Your Community - Webinar - May 6

"#HousingChoice: what are the details of the law, what state guidance has been shared, what decisions still need to be made - join us, @MAPCMetroBoston, and @mhphousing on May 6th for answers to these questions and more!"

Register here -> https://t.co/Iwjpmsn4MN 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/y1b0ovL1SI

Housing Choice in Your Community - Webinar - May 6

Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is continuing to collect data to help towns respond to the impact of Covid-19 on the arts, artists and cultural organizations.

They are hoping to hear from as many artists, performers, musicians and cultural institutions as possible. Thank you very much to all who have already completed this survey. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the survey which can be found at the following link:  https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Thank you all for your help with this.

Regards,

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com 

Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so

MAPC: "Across the region, arts and culture has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic"

MAPC (@MAPCMetroBoston) tweeted on Wed, Feb 17, 2021:

"Artists and creative workers from Arlington, Beverly, Boston, and Franklin are sharing how they're impacted by COVID-19."

Learn more: https://t.co/Db4iREyE1T  

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/PwQj6QGJot

MAPC: "Across the region, arts and culture has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic"

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Town of Franklin, City of Beverly, City of Boston, and Town of Arlington, is collecting data from artists and creative workers to help municipalities respond to impacts of COVID-19 on artists, arts organizations, creative activity, and civic life. 

Please take five to ten minutes to fill out our survey to help the arts thrive in our region! We’ll use the results to assess the effect of COVID on artists and creative organizations and to create strategies for local governments to help.  

To learn more about the project visit  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/arts-indicators/

Action =>  Artists and creatives can respond to the survey    https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

FM #358 EDC Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #358 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 358 in the series.

This shares the Franklin, MA Economic Development SubCommittee "Listening session" that was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The session was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

A quick recap:

• The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
• While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
• It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.

The meeting runs just about 88 minutes, so let’s listen to the EDC ‘listening session’ of Sep 30, 2020.  Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDx4fRhK

 

 

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The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-30_edc_listening_session_1_agenda.pdf
 
Listening Session schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-development-subcommittee.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA

--------------
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/
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" 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen

 

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Re-opening

• Election

• Recap/set up

• Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting; 

• #thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23

• EDC/ MAPC 

• Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled

• MECC grant

• Senior center office hours 8/20

• Councilor Earls leaves for law school

The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h

 

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

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/

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"

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020

 August 20, 2020 =  6:00 PM

Agenda:

1.      Reopening Phase 3 Discussion

2.      Economic Development update

3.      Market Analysis & Market Position Presentation Discussion & Work Plan

For the connection information (via Zoom) along with the MPAC Market Study, find the agenda doc on the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020

FM #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/20 (audio)

FM #322 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 322 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting at 6:01 PM. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides a brief update on Reopening Phase 3. Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development provides a recap of presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner presented the study the day before at the Town Council meeting.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 90 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting of July 30.

Audio file: https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-7-30-20

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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.html

Audio segment from the Town Council meeting on MAPC Market Study
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study.html

My notes from the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/economic-development-subcommittee-recap.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/
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"

FM #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/30 (audio)

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 319 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. After running through several appointments, the agenda gets to the item for the presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner leads the presentation after an introduction by Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the Market Study.

Audio file:  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study-7-29-20

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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.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/
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"

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20  (audio)