Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Town Council approves initial funding of CPA funds (video)
Monday, June 20, 2022
Community Preservation Act funding scheduled for Town Council approval - June 22
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTIONa. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdfb. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdfc. Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf
- Jan 4 - public hearing - recap & audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-community-preservation-committee.html
- Jan 18 - public hearing - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-community-preservation-committee_01161699892.html
- Apr 5 - recap & audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/community-pres-cmte-discusses-first.html
- Jun 7 - recap & audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/community-preservation-committee_02031190524.html
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 22, 2022 - 7 PM
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.
i. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.
Monday, June 6, 2022
Reminder: Historical Museum cupola, Red Brick School, Franklin Ridge housing among the items targeted for CPA funding
The Community Preservation Committee gets to view, discuss, and vote on the first plan for how to use the CPA funds available to Franklin at Tuesday's meeting.
The vote Tuesday will bring the recommendations to the Town Council for their approval. The CPA funds will help Franklin with a variety of projects and allow the operating budget to provide other critical needs.
Purpose | Amount |
Historic Preservation Reserve Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation | 15,000 |
Historic Preservation Reserve Historical Museum Cupola | 70,000 |
Historic Preservation Reserve Red Brick School House - Exterior Preservation | 200,000 |
Community Housing Reserve Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project | 320,000 |
Budgeted Reserve Nason Street Tot Lot | 300,000 |
Total | 905,000 |
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - June 7 = 7 PM |
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Pantherbook - series on "History of Franklin"
History of Franklin: America’s First Public Library
"Considered “America’s first public library”, the Franklin Public Library is located in Franklin, MA and was named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. In exchange for the library being named after Franklin, he was asked to donate a bell for the town’s church. Rather than donating a bell, though, Dr. Franklin decided that in return, he would actually donate books for the citizens of Franklin to use. Later on, there were many disputes over who should be allowed to use those gifts. In 1790, the people of Franklin voted to let the books be free for anyone to borrow. This was the vote that had established the Franklin collection of books as the first public library in the US. "Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/10/15/a-history-of-franklin-americas-first-public-library/
History of Franklin: The Red Brick School
"In the nineteenth century, school was quite different than it is now. Children, flushed red in the cheeks from their wearisome trudge through the fickle New England weather, gathered in a one-room schoolhouse clutching a bundle of wood, a thin slate, and perhaps an apple to slice with their friends over lunch. They relied on the glowing flames of the fireplace, and later the wood-stove, as their heat source. "Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/10/20/history-of-franklin-the-red-brick-school/
History of Franklin: The Ladybug Story
"To those who have never heard of “The Ladybug Story,” the several ladybug decorations around Franklin may seem like mere ornaments, or perhaps contributors to an obscure joke that only townies understand.
However, the red-and-black bugs hold much more significance than what meets the eye. Whether they be represented in kindness rock gardens or in sculptures downtown, ladybugs make clear to passersby that they are a significant aspect of Franklin’s cultural fabric. "
Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/entertainment/2021/10/29/history-of-franklin-the-ladybug-story/
One of the Ladybugs around Franklin is at the Library |
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Community Preservation Committee meeting - 10/05/21 (audio)
FM #621 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 621 in the series.
This shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; committee members present were in the Council Chambers, along with some public participants and the Town Administration staff. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge.
Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about eighteen minutes (~:18) . Let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting for Oct 5
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Meeting agenda (including connection info) ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-10-05_cpc_agenda_1_0.pdf
My notes captured via Twitter and shared here
Getting ready for the Community Preservation committee meeting at 7 PM #cpc1005
Meeting opens, motion to approve minutes for three prior meetings, seconded, passes (# to be confirmed) #cpc1005
Discussion on public hearing to gather project ideas, possible Dec time frame, no application yet for projects or funding, anticipate to follow the budget process and then see what the match is available for projects available #cpc1005
Two week notice on lead time for public hearing, Attny Cerel is the CPC Chair for Medway. Staff needs to put form together. Recommendation on two hearings, 4th and 18th of Jan, 2022. Meeting on Dec 7, 2021 would still be for prep. #cpc1005
Google form for ideas, submit anytime. Review during Dec 7, application form is separate to apply for funds. #cpc1005 Town Admin and staff will develop apps for town properties, application would be for private entities to apply
Could use the Feb meeting to review ideas and submissions. March possible for review of the combined listing of projects. Ideally FinCom in April would get review before the Town Council budget hearings and approval #cpc1005
Red brick project, recreation project one or two (i.e. Nason St. tot lot) #cpc1005 would be likely, committee should have town view on projects to consider along with whatever comes in from the 'public'
Catching up to the meeting ending with motion to adjourn. An elapsed time of ~18 minutes. #cpc1005
--------------
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!
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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"
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 5, 2021
Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes for 9/21/21, 9/29/21 and 10/1/21.
2. Discussion on the following topics:
a. Schedule required public hearingsb. Development of the required Community Preservation Act Planc. Discussion on process, timeline and forms to solicit public input.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-10-05_cpc_agenda_1.pdf
cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum, a possible future project for CPC funds |
Thursday, September 23, 2021
FM #609 - Community Preservation Committee Meeting - 09/21/21 (audio)
FM #609 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 609 in the series.
This shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; committee members present were in the Council Chambers, along with some public participants and the Town Administration staff. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge.
Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about fifty minutes (~50 mins). Let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting for Sep 21
** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/083c2b2f-c461-41ca-8e6a-0e7a3c453b74
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Meeting agenda (including connection info) ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/agenda/cpc-agenda-4
My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-community-preservation-committee.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"
Questions on housing being answered by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen |
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Recap: Community Preservation Committee - historical tour scheduled, housing and zoning discussed
- Tour of Red Brick and Historical Museum scheduled for Sep 29, Oct 1, formal agenda with details to be published soon to cover open meeting requirements
- Update on 215 Prospect St with appraisal by town provided to owner/developer this week. They may accept or choose a 2nd view
- Amy Love, Town Planner, provides update on housing plan as shared in this past summer's meeting
- After roundabout discussion on zoning and development and affordable as a component of, meeting adjourns
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live via the Zoom conference bridge.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #cpc0921
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cpc0921&src=typeahead_click
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/agenda/cpc-agenda-4
- Community preservation committee meeting. live reporting underway #cpc0921
- Tour of Red Brick and Historical Museum scheduled for Sep 29, Oct 1, formal agenda with details to be published soon to cover open meeting reqmts #cpc0921
- Update on 215 Prospect St with appraisal by town provided to owner/developer this week. They may accept or choose a 2nd view. #cpc0921 stay tuned as this develops
- Affordable housing update for tonight key item, links available in agenda doc #cpc0921 https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/agenda/cpc-agenda-4
- Franklin ridge project single biggest affordable housing priority for Town #cpc0921
- Amy Love, Town Planner, provides update on housing plan as shared in summer meeting #cpc0921
- July meeting and audio link on housing plan for reference -> https://franklinmatters.org/2021/07/fm-580-community-conversation-on.html?m=1 #cpc0921
- Questions on housing being answered by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen #cpc0921
- Another tease of MAPC participating in Oct 2 Harvest Festival to solicit input for planning purposes. Prior one was in last week's EDC meeting #cpc0921
- After roundabout discussion on zoning and development and affordable as a component of, meeting adjourns #cpc0921
- Hopefully CPC is now more informed and armed for good questions as this housing discussion will continue The HPP is up for Planning Board public hearing on 9/27, and at sometime to Town Council for their hearing and approval before sending HPP to state #cpc0921
- Check out the HPP. Does it have enough for Franklin to address our housing needs? https://franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/preliminary-final-2021-housing-production-plan #cpc0921
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 21, 2021
Agenda:
2. Historical Tours Dates Discussion
a. September 29th from 4-6PM at the Franklin Historical Museum and Red Brick Schoolhouse.b. October 1st from 9-11 AM at the same venues.
4. Affordable Housing Update - Town Administration and Community Development and Planning Offices
a. Draft 2021 Housing Production Plan (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/preliminary_final_housing_production_plan_-_august_2021.pdf)b. Affordable Housing Update (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/maht_december_14_2020.pdf)
c. 2020 Town Master Plan Update (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-09-21_cpc_agenda.pdf
Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 23, 2021 |
Thursday, November 7, 2019
“We live in the hub of the robotics universe”
"The site of a long-vacant drug manufacturing plant on Otis Street is getting a new life.
Amazon.com Inc. announced plans on Wednesday to construct a $40 million Amazon Robotics Innovation Hub at the former AstraZeneca site at 50 Otis St. and bring 200 new jobs to town. The 35,000-square-foot facility will be in addition to the Amazon Robotics facility in North Reading that will together serve as the e-commerce giant’s epicenter of robotics innovation.
“We are going to completely re-do that site,” said Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics chief technologist, in a phone interview with the Daily News. “I can guarantee it’s going to be a world-class, state-of-the-art facility.”
The innovation hub will feature corporate offices, research and development labs and manufacturing space. The new location will allow Amazon Robotics to grow its engineering, manufacturing, support and test teams in the state. Crews will design, build, program and ship robots all under the same roof that will improve delivery speeds for customers around the world, said Brady."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191106/amazon-to-build-robotics-innovation-hub-at-former-astrazeneca-site-in-westborough
This is good news. There are robotics groups in local schools. There is also the robotics group that has moved into the Red Brick School to utilize that facility for their robotics activities.
For more info about 4H Alarm Robotics 2079 visit their page https://www.alarmrobotics.com/
"The Alarm 2079 robotics team is a competitive high school robotics team" |