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| Franklin Glass is Open via RT 140 this week due to sewer construction |
Monday (2/24) through Friday (2/28): The construction crew will be conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer under Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.
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| Update for week of Feb 24 to Feb 28, 2025 |
Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.
Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project
FM #1229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1229 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June. Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..
We look to focus on
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Topics for this session:
Electric Youth high point of session
Verizon cable contract renewal
Farmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint Meadery
Public Hearing on King St business zoning proposal
Moved to second reading by 5-4 vote
Final approval requires 6 Yes votes
Friendly 40b approved by 5-4 vote
Still needs to work through the permit process, etc.
Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board
3 measures regarding MBTA compliance
Mixed use zoning definition
EDC recommendation changed on parking minimums
Still to come back to Council for discussion & vote
TA Emergency shelter update
No town funds spent for anything
Schools reimbursed from State for their additional support costs
The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-town-council-quarterbacking-06-06-24--------------
The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE
Agenda and supporting documents ->
My notes for this meeting captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/view?usp=drive_link
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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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| This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio) |
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| listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal |
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| Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) |
Construction activities will begin Monday, November 6, 2023. For more information, please use the interactive map below.
JOIN US!
Groundbreaking Ceremony - 11:00 am on Thursday, 11/9/23 at Franklin Recreation Office (275 Beaver Street Franklin).
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| Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9 |
Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).
History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.
The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.
Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements.
The Project includes the following key components:
For additional information see links below:
Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates
Presentations:
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20
Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure
Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )
Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)
(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175)
March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening
June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award
Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start
Summer 2026 - Anticipated Construction Completion
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor
Notice from the Franklin Department of Public Works
Paving will begin on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 and will impact the areas from East Central Street to Ruggles Street and Lewis Street.
Delays are anticipated. Please seek alternate routes and proceed with caution in construction areas.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-paving-schedule-august-9th-2022
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| DPW Notice - Paving Schedule for August 9, 2022 (East Central, Ruggles, Lewis, corner of Chestnut & RT 140) |
Notice from the Franklin Department of Public Works
Our road improvement program continues tomorrow. Areas that will be "Milled & Overlaid" (i.e. remove top inch and half of asphalt fix manholes and drains structures then repave with new asphalt) are sections of Beaver Street near the recycling center, Union Street near the Common and the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140).
This work is expected to cause significant traffic delays especially at the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140)!
As always, please seek alternate routes and proceed with caution in construction areas.
Shared from Town of Franklin DPW -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-mill-overlay-project-continue-tomorrow-august-3rd-2022
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| DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue Wednesday, August 3, 2022 |
"The Town of Norfolk will begin roadwork on Main Street (beginning at the Franklin town line), which will impact traffic for Franklin. This work is projected to begin Monday, August 10th. Please see the attached map for detour information."
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| Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk |
Note: there is a difference between "notification" and "cuts". The School Committee has not yet voted to approve either the 25 or 50 cuts that would be required to balance the budget (depending upon the planning scenario used). These notifications were made in advance of the date required per contract.
The details on the budget will be figured out over the next several months due to the fluid situation. This is not like prior years where once the budget was set, it was rarely changed. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen expects to make several revisions to the budget for FY 2021.
The discussion at the School Committee meeting did not reveal when the budget vote would be scheduled, only that there was still work to do.
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| What does 103 teachers look like? - 1 |
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| What does 103 teachers look like? - 2 |
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| What does 103 teachers look like? - 3 |
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| State paving work on RT 140 - 1 |
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| State paving work on RT 140 - 2 |
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| Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 1 |
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| Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 2 |
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| Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 3 |
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| The section would run from about CVS on one end to the Franklin Country Club on the other end |
"Trash and recycling fees are going up due to international struggles with plastic disposal.
Town councilors approved a rate hike of $32 on March 20, raising the average annual cost for curbside trash and recycle pickup to $240. The council also voted to raise the price of stickers in 2020 from $25 to $35 for the transfer station on Beaver Street.
Franklin recycles about 3,600 tons of waste a year. The cost will rise to $55 a ton in 2020, $20 more a ton than the town currently pays. The town sold around 240 stickers last year, but is considering either eliminating the option or increasing the 10-day fee to $25.
In the last year, China has been sent massive amounts of plastic waste for recycling purposes. According to NPR, about 106 million metric tons, or roughly 45 percent of the world’s plastic ready for recycling, was exported to China. Inundated with the waste, the country decided at the start of last year to decline any more shipments."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
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| Due to global market issues for recycling, proposal to increase curbside fee |
"The planned facelift for one of Milford’s most heavily traveled roads remains on track to begin this fall.
The half-mile stretch of Rte. 16 from just past the Milford police headquarters to the Hopedale town border will receive a long-awaited upgrade. The project will focus on the intersection of Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center. The intersection is a regular spot for traffic backups and will be widened to make way for dedicated turning lanes, which should ease the turning radius for large trucks and tractor-trailers.
“You cannot get through that intersection if someone is taking a left turn,” said Highway Surveyor Scott Crisafulli. “It’s too small.”
New modern traffic signals with preemptive control for emergency vehicles approaching the intersection are part of the project."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
"Foodies are getting excited about a new sign that popped up on Rte. 140 in Franklin on Wednesday afternoon, teasing a new place to eat.
Jersey Mike’s Subs plans to open a shop in the plaza at 471 West Central St., the company’s corporate office confirmed. The company did not provide an opening date.
Franklin will be the company’s second Massachusetts shop, the other being in Marlborough.
Some folks are familiar with Jersey Mike’s classic Italian sub and grilled chicken cheesesteak."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
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| Twitter profile image for Jersey Mike's |
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| Midas sign |
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| Midas sign |
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| construction underway |
Massachusetts State Police issued a scam warning on their official Facebook page Thursday. According to the posting, scammers pretending to be members of the state police or affiliated with the police are calling people and soliciting money for drug prevention and intervention programs.
The scammers may claim to be part of a narcotics unit, police said.Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
Boy Scouts Patrick Cunniff, Jonathan Tomaso and Joseph Kroon, from Troop 99 of Franklin, were honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Aug. 1 for achieving the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
Each scout completed a community service project that benefited the community: Cunniff worked with the Franklin Girls Softball Association to build four dugouts at the Remington-Jefferson fields; Tomaso constructed a walkway between the front and back entrances to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School benefiting both charter school students and St. Mary Parish CCD students; and Kroon, sponsored by the Town of Franklin, built an arched foot bridge over a stream on the disc golf course at Dacey Fields.
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| arched foot bridge at Dacey Field disc golf course |
"There will be several different buildings," he said. "There's a gas station and, adjacent to that, a lube place and at least one restaurant. There will be several other retail spaces as well."
According to Taberner, the developer has not labeled all of the proposed buildings, meaning it is uncertain which businesses will occupy them.
Taberner said the board has requested more information from the developer, and would likely be considering the project for some time. He said he did not know how long the process might take.
"The matter was continued to the next Planning Board meeting," he said. "It could be two, three, four or five - I have no idea how many meetings it might take."Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
In a meeting with the Daily News editorial board on Wednesday, Pioneer Institute’s Jamie Gass and Tom Birmingham, former Senate president and co-author of the Education Reform Act of 1993 which created the MCAS, cautioned against switching from the long-standing test. Instead, the pair recommended working within the current system for better results.
After education reform went into effect, Birmingham said the state set and met new standards that have pushed school performance to the top in the nation. If Massachusetts signs on to the PARCC test, Birmingham said he worries standards will drop to accommodate students in other PARCC states that don't have tests as rigorous as those in Massachusetts.
“Before you outright jettison what has been coincident, at least, with our historic, unprecedented education success stories … I think you should bear in mind the words from the Hippocratic Oath, which is first, do no harm,” Birmingham said. “I’m fearful that if we do jettison MCAS and replace it with something else that is yet completely untested, we are inviting regression in terms of our education success.”
