Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears about the complicated Nu-Style property

Quick Recap:

• The neighboring residents and business property owners are not interested in remediation of the contaminated site 
• Without additional EPA/DEP grants funds to facilitate the clean up, the Town is lacking in funds to clean it properly although it recognized  the need and obligation to do so
• For now, the Town will continue to work the grant applications for funds, and may consider re-issuing the property for sale

My full set of notes via Twitter from the meeting ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lFlASF1LGnnwHICeRFDvRHKVNTsYKyY3/view?usp=sharing

The Franklin TV recording of the meeting ->  https://youtu.be/dVAkkt0Ckfs

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Jul 20, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 20, 2022 - 5:45 PM

 

Agenda:

1. Urban Land Institute - North Grove PDA, Nu-Style Property: Clean up and redevelopment follow up and discussion  

Agenda doc and remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-07-20_edc_agenda_packet.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Jul 20, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - a recap of the June 8, 2022 meeting (audio)

FM #816 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 816 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, June 9, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, June 8.

·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation - Franklin Flyers Youth Hockey Team

b. Proclamation - Franklin High School Theatre Company

License Transactions

a. License Modification: Change of Hours - PH Franklin, Inc. d/b/a Raillery Public House, Located at 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038 

b. New Farmer Winery-Farmers Market License - Crave Mead, LLC d/b/a Crave Mead, Located at 7 Main St., Unit 1, Blackstone, MA 01504 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation/Discussion: North Grove Priority Development Area Redevelopment Concept - Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel & MassDevelopment

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-32: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk

b. Resolution 22-30: FY22 Capital Plan Round 2 

e. Resolution 22-39: Authorizing the Additional Borrowing of Money to Pay Additional Costs of the Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Project 

The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-816-town-council-quarterbacking-w-tom-mercer-06-09-22

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

Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_6-8-22_0.pdf 

Presentation on the Nu-Style property -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/franklin_presentation.pdf 

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c3eKOj6mOCpr1fos7dvk_N4zcoh-DyO3/view?usp=sharing 

My photos taken during the meeting are in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Rkh1UGK3MJ5Yz6S7 

YouTube video of meeting -> https://youtu.be/xQgdpRxgGOU

Keep up with events in Franklin via the Community Calendar

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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"

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer 

Town Council hears of way to proceed with Nu-Style property, approves Town Clerk salary, authorized updated cost for Beaver St interceptor (audio)

FM #815 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 815 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. 

• Chair: T Mercer, M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones (remote), P Sheridan, D Pellegri (clerk for meeting with Jones remote), R Dellorco, T Cormier-Leger, B Chandler
• Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, M Cerel, et al

The recording runs two hours and twenty minutes (excluding the recess), so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 8, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-815-town-council-mtg-06-08-22

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

Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_6-8-22_0.pdf 

Presentation on the Nu-Style property -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/franklin_presentation.pdf 

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c3eKOj6mOCpr1fos7dvk_N4zcoh-DyO3/view?usp=sharing 

My photos taken during the meeting are in one album 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Rkh1UGK3MJ5Yz6S7 

YouTube video of meeting -> https://youtu.be/xQgdpRxgGOU

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

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"

Franklin Flyer youth hockey team with Town Council

FHS theatre group with Town Council

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 ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-8-22_edc_agenda.pdf

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 -

Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel & MassDevelopment   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._memo_town_council_letter_-_north_grove_pda_-_uli_tap_-_06022022.pdf

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 8, 2022 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 8, 2022 - 7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 13, 2022  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/april_13_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. May 4, 2022 ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._may_4_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation - Franklin Flyers Youth Hockey Team

b. Proclamation - Franklin High School Theatre Company

 

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Hours - PH Franklin, Inc. d/b/a Raillery Public House, Located at 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._raillery_change_of_hours.pdf

b. New Farmer Winery-Farmers Market License - Crave Mead, LLC d/b/a Crave Mead, Located at 7 Main St., Unit 1, Blackstone, MA 01504  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._farmers_market_license_-_crave.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation/Discussion: North Grove Priority Development Area Redevelopment Concept -

Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel & MassDevelopment   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._memo_town_council_letter_-_north_grove_pda_-_uli_tap_-_06022022.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-32: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve

Resolution 22-32 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._clerks_salary.pdf

b. Resolution 22-30: FY22 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-30 -

Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-30_capital_round_2.pdf

c. Resolution 22-34: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center ($100), Fire Department ($50) (Motion to

Approve Resolution 22-34 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-34_gift_acceptance_sr._ctr._fd.pdf

d. Resolution 22-35: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,

§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-35 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-35_peg_comcast_verizon.pdf

e. Resolution 22-39: Authorizing the Additional Borrowing of Money to Pay Additional Costs of the

Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-39 - Two

Thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._beaver_streeet_interceptor.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT - None Scheduled.

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body and the chair so declares.  i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc and remote participation information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-08-2022_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 8, 2022 at 7 PM

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality -> Franklin slated for $681K in ARPA grants

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality Executive Office for Administration and Finance Last week, Governor Baker filed House bill 4720, An Act investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns (FORWARD). The legislation includes $2.3 billion in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and over $1.256 billion in capital bond authorizations to strengthen state infrastructure, create jobs, and invest in municipalities across the Commonwealth.   The FORWARD bill will make investments in all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Please click here to find a detailed list of the statewide and local projects included in the FORWARD legislation, organized by municipality.   It includes hundreds of projects identified by communities or stakeholders, usually through existing popular programs like MassWorks, that are deliverable within the tight timeframe required by federal ARPA regulations. ARPA funding must be authorized by 2024 and fully expended by 2026.    NOTE: If your community has a project listed from the last round of the Community One Stop for Growth and that project remains a priority for your city or town, please proceed with submitting a One Stop application for this project in the current FY23 One Stop round. Until the legislation is passed, funding for these projects is not guaranteed and submitting a One Stop application would ensure that the project is reviewed and considered for funding through the normal, competitive application process.                For a detailed overview of all the programmatic authorizations in the bill, please click here.

You are receiving this message through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services DLS Alerts system. These periodic notices include our City & Town e-newsletter, IGRs, Bulletins, Cherry Sheets and other municipal finance-related information. To unsubscribe to DLS Alerts and the City & Town e-newsletter, please email dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us.

The Franklin section as an image is shown below as copied from https://www.mass.gov/doc/arpa-investments-by-community-v20/download 

The $220K MassWorks grant was confirmed previously. I don't recall hearing the other two grants as confirmed.

Franklin slated for $681K in ARPA grants

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development

The Department of Planning & Community Development (DPCD) maintains a professional staff that provides the Town of Franklin with a wide array of planning services. DPCD’s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulfill the land use-related goals of the people of Franklin. We make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic, cultural and social vitality.

The DPCD’s staffing reflects the diverse skills needed to complete the many activities and roles the Department participates. DPCD’s activities and services include, but are not limited to comprehensive planning, economic development, subdivision plan, site plan and conservation plan review, open space and wetlands preservation, historic preservation, zoning by-law and subdivision regulation development, downtown revitalization, brownfields redevelopment, affordable housing, public transportation, transit oriented development, and sustainable development including use of smart growth and low impact development concepts. The Department regularly identifies and sources funding for various community development projects and activities. DPCD balances its approach to these initiatives through long-term planning and public participation.

Support of Town Boards, Commissions and Committees
DPCD personnel provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Technical Review Committee, and the Cultural District Committee.

Approximately 65 percent of the Department’s total staff hours are utilized on Planning Board and Conservation Commission related issues. In addition, DPCD staff occasionally provides professional technical assistance to other public entities including Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Council’s Economic Development Sub-committee, and various ad hoc committees including the Town’s Master Plan Committee.

Site Permitting and Guidance
DPCD is not a permit granting authority; its function during the permitting process is to integrate laws, regulations and plans with the Town’s goals to ensure that the best interests of the Town and its residents are served. DPCD personnel organize and attend meetings, provide technical assistance, offer professional opinions, and guide developers, businesses and residents through the Town’s various permitting processes.

Conservation and Land Use
DPCD provides support to the Conservation Commission, as provided by MGL Chapter 131, Section 40. Conservation Staff, specifically the Town’s Conservation Agent, is responsible for speaking for the Conservation Commission when they are not present (see separate Conservation Commission Report). Although not a permit authority, the Conservation Agent does have limited police powers to regulate already approved Conservation Commission activities, stop unauthorized activities, and promote and protect the natural resources of Franklin and its wetlands, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes and watersheds. In addition, Conservation staff provides administrative support and reviews applications being presented to the Conservation Commission, as well as provides professional support to other Town Boards and Departments. During FY19 DPCD worked on various conservation and land use related projects.

Chapter 61 Properties.
During FY17 and FY18 DPCD staff, headed up by Conservation Agent George Russell, assessed privately-owned parcels within Franklin that are known as Chapter 61 parcels.
Chapters 61, 61A and 61B of Massachusetts General Law outline programs that require municipalities to reduce assessments of farm, forest and open space lands, provided the owners make a commitment to keep their lands in one or more of those uses. Should the owner of any of these parcels decide to remove them from their current tax status and offer them for sale, the town would have the right of first refusal. The parcels were evaluated in order to gain a greater understanding of which may be more prudent for the town to acquire, and to ensure that the Town gains the greatest benefit from its open space and recreation funds by objectively reviewing proposed land acquisition projects using established criteria.

Conservation Commission Managed Land.
During FY18, DPCD staff, again headed up by Conservation Agent George Russell, assessed the 125 Town-owned properties that are managed by the Conservation Commission. One result of the study was to identify parcels that could be utilized for passive recreation purposes, including the possibility of connecting Conservation properties with other public lands. DPCD continued to implement the Master Plan for the DelCarte Conservation area, including beginning the second year of pond treatments, and worked to procure the services of a contractor to construct ADA improvements to access the canoe launch. In addition, DPCD began the process of amending the Conservation Commission’s regulations and standard operating procedures to help streamline the approval process for "minor" projects.

Comprehensive Planning and Zoning
DPCD is responsible for traditional land-use related activities including updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws. A description of zoning and land use issues worked on by DPCD during the 2018 fiscal year is summarized below.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments.
During the 2018 fiscal year DPCD worked on amendment of several sections of Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw. Zoning Map Amendment 18-795 amended Franklin’s Zoning Map by changing the zoning district of two dozen parcels in area near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets. The Zoning Map Amendment eliminated the Commercial II Zoning District from that section of Town. Zoning Bylaw Amendments 17-797 changed the setback requirements for accessory buildings and structures. DPCD is undergoing a project to better define the Town's zoning districts by following parcel lines. Where parcels are within two or more zoning districts the subject Zoning Map Amendment will move the
Zoning District line so each parcel is only in one zoning district, in most cases based on the current land use. DPCD will develop roughly a dozen Zoning Map Amendments to complete this project. The first three, Zoning Map Amendments 18-802, 18-803 and 18-804, were developed in the last quarter of FY18.

Planning and Implementation of Community Development and Economic Development Projects
Each year the DPCD works on many community and economic development initiatives. The Department develops strategies, proposes policies, bylaw changes and Town Council resolutions, manages projects, and seeks grants in efforts to balance Franklin’s community livability and its economic viability. DPCD encourages responsible community
development that meets the goals and objectives of the Town’s various planning documents, and the State’s Sustainable Development and Smart Growth Principles. Some of DPCD’s more important recently completed or ongoing projects and initiatives are summarized below.

Regional Planning. 
DPCD attends meetings and works on various regional planning issues with a variety of regional organizations, including Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Southwest Advisory Planning Committee, I-495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, and the I-95/495 South Regional Technology Economic Target Area’s Coordinating Council. In addition, the DPCD occasionally supports the initiatives of other regional organizations including the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Friends of the SNETT, the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau, and a workforce development advisory committee established by Employment and Training Resources in Framingham. DPCD also provides support for the Charles River Meadowlands, an effort among citizens and officials from the Towns of Bellingham, Medway and Franklin, to work together and to work with Federal and State officials, to improve management and access of the Federally-owned meadowlands, and adjacent public lands.

Downtown Revitalization. 
For more than fifteen years the Town has made revitalization of Downtown Franklin a major focus and has worked to improve the Downtown in a variety of ways. The revitalization of Downtown Franklin must be carefully planned to ensure that improvements positively impact the entire community. During the 2018 fiscal year DPCD continued to work on projects related to implementation of the Franklin Center Plan, which was developed in 2002 and 2003 to provide Town officials with a vision and basic strategy for revitalization of Downtown Franklin. 

One component of the Franklin Center Plan is Cultural Uses. The issue of Cultural Economic Development has been a focus for DPCD in recent years, including working with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau on a variety of cultural economic development marketing activities. As part of these efforts DPCD provided assistance to the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee, a group of individuals and organizations working to increase the number of art and culture related events in the area, create a State designated Franklin Cultural District in Franklin center. 

The Cultural District Steering Committee has accomplished much; this group of hard working arts and culture advocates has: assisted DPCD with the Cultural District application process including development of a strong cultural district Partnership; worked hard to support art and culture programing; and even organized the annual Franklin Cultural Festival. Lovers of the arts in Franklin owe them a great deal for their passion and hard work. During recent years DPCD prepared Cultural District marketing materials, coordinated efforts with local stakeholders, and performed outreach and educational activities, including setting up booths and displays at various events.

A cultural district is a specific geographical area that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. It needs to be walkable, easily accessible, easily identifiable to visitors and residents, and serve as a center for cultural, artistic and economic activity. The goals of a Cultural District, as defined by the legislative statute, are to encourage business and job development, attract artists and cultural enterprises, establish the district as a tourist destination, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values, and foster local cultural economic development.

In June 2017 Franklin Town Council passed two resolutions that accomplished the following: created the Cultural District Committee; formally expressed Franklin’s interest in establishing a state-designated cultural district; endorsed state-sponsored cultural district goals; and endorsed submission of a Cultural District application. During FY2018 the Cultural District Committee was formed. DPCD provides the Committee with administrative and Technical support; during June 2018 the Town submitted a Cultural District application to Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Cultural District Committee’s responsibilities include applying for Cultural District designation, managing and marketing the District, assuring the Districts goals are obtained, and managing and strengthening the Town’s Cultural District Partnership.

Over the last few years a strong Partnership has formed in support of creating a state-designated cultural district in the Downtown area. The Cultural District Partnership includes many of Franklin’s well known organizations and businesses, including: Franklin’s School Department, Historic Commission, Public Library, Cultural Council, and Senior Center/COA; Franklin TV/Franklin Radio; Franklin Downtown Partnership; Dean College; Franklin Art Association; Franklin Performing Arts Company; the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse; and Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Town Properties. 
DPCD regularly works with the Administration and other Town departments to assess and develop recommendations for Town-owned parcels of land, including Tax Title Properties and lands of low value. Each year recommendations are developed for a number of these properties, and the work is submitted to the Town Administrator and Town Council for consideration. DPCD works regularly on a wide range of economic development projects and programs, and is one of DPCD’s top priorities, second only to providing excellent administrative and technical assistance to the Town’s boards, commissions and committees. Potential benefits to the Town from successful implementation of DPCD’s business retainage and attraction initiatives are significant. Efforts focus on increasing the value of Franklin’s commercial and industrial tax base, filling the Town’s empty and underutilized industrially zoned buildings, and attracting the right mix of companies to the community.

As part of efforts to market the Town of Franklin, DPCD staff maintains a site selection web page - franklinmasiteselector.com, and develops press releases, advertisements for industry periodicals, and economic development marketing brochures. DPCD regularly communicates with realtors, property owners and businesses to make them aware of State and Federal technical assistance programs and financial resources that can be made available to further their development, and to raise awareness of DPCD as a resource for local businesses. DPCD works regularly Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment and other agencies in efforts to attract the right mix of companies to Franklin’s industrial and commercial areas.

Redevelopment Projects. 
Redevelopment of Town owned properties is a regular DPCD activity. In recent years much progress has been made with three important Town-owned properties. Redevelopment of the former Municipal Building property at 150 Emmons Street was completed in FY17. The Town’s so-called Pond Street Property, former sewer beds, was sold to a developer in FY16, and construction of a condominium housing development is well on its way. 

The Town’s so-called “Nu-Style” Property on Grove Street, has been the subject of environmental assessment and remedial activities since 2006. The results of testing showed that to fully assess the property’s soil and groundwater contamination, a dilapidated former manufacturing building on site needs to be removed. During FY18 DPCD developed and the Town advertised a Request for Proposals, in attempt to find a company or individual to purchase, clean and redevelop the site. One proposal was received from an adjacent property owner, and the Town is working to execute a purchase and sale agreement.

DPCD will continue to undertake a wide range of community and economic development projects, programs, and planning initiatives that will keep the Town of Franklin’s goals and objectives current and representative of residents’ needs and desires. DPCD is proud of its accomplishments and welcomes public input on all of its efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,

Department of Planning & Community Development Staff.




You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development

Economic Development Committee - meeting audio - Aug 9, 2017

FM #131

This internet radio show or podcast is number 131 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held August 9, 2017.

EDC Chair Andy Bissanti opens the meeting ad after some discussion on the two agenda items with approval to bring them to the Town Council as formal proposals, the meeting adjourned..

Worthy of note, there were additional councilors in the room when Council Chair Matt Kelly stopped by just before the meeting. Tom Mercer got up and left, Debbie Pellegri remained. This becomes an item towards the end of the meeting when Debbie tries to ask a question. Per Peter Padula, a Town Councilor, not a member of the committee, can be present in the meeting as long as they do not take any active part in the meeting. THey can only observe. If they take part, then their presence can raise a question on whether the Council has enough members for a quorum. As there are four Town Councilors on the Committee (Chair Bissanti, Padula, Vallee, and Pfeffer), another participating Town Councilor raise the participation to five which is sufficient for a Town Council meeting.

Without further ado, here is the recording

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


This brings the recording of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held August 9, 2017 to a close..

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!



The notes for the meeting were also published here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/economic-development-committee-quick.html

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