Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Welcomes the Marmol Family as Future Homeowners in Franklin

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce that the Marmol Family has been selected as the future homeowners of our current build at 762 Washington Street in Franklin.

Sally Marmol, a proud mother to Amelia (13), Evani (12), and Jonathon (10), grew up in Fall River and now works right here in Franklin. For Sally, owning a home represents much more than a roof over their heads — it means stability, security, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Marmol Family has been selected
as the future homeowners

“For my children and me, this home means so much more than words can describe,” said Sally Marmol. “We are so excited to become part of the Franklin community — to live, work, and grow here. I can’t wait to give back and be part of the fabric of this wonderful town that has already made us feel so welcome.”

Located at 762 Washington Street, the Franklin home is a beautiful 2,128-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath historic rehabilitation project. The restored home blends the charm of its original character with modern updates, creating a safe and comfortable space for the Marmol family to thrive.

“We are overjoyed for Sally and her family,” said Kimberly Thomas,

CEO of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. “This project has been a true labor of love — transforming a historic Franklin house into a beautiful, modern home where the Marmol family can build lasting memories. It’s a wonderful example of what happens when a community comes together to create affordable housing opportunities.”

Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re proud to support Old Colony Habitat for Humanity in bringing this meaningful project to life. The Washington Street home not only preserves an important piece of Franklin’s history but also gives a deserving family the opportunity to build their future here. The Marmol family will be a wonderful addition to our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Franklin.”

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity extends heartfelt thanks to the Town of Franklin for its partnership and support throughout the project. The build represents not only the organization’s mission to provide affordable housing, but also the spirit of collaboration that makes communities stronger.

Together, we’re building homes, hope, and a stronger community.

  

Let’s join in congratulating the Marmol family and cheering them on as

they take this exciting step toward their new home!

Talk Franklin: an update on the Old Colony Habitat for Humanity project at the South Meeting House (video)

I had the opportunity to sit in the Franklin TV Studio recently with Kimberly Thomas, CEO, of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. 

We talked about the progress at the South Meeting House. There will be a lottery selection later this year to award the house to a family.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K_jkKjSJTA

signs of work underway at the South Meeting House

work on the columns is underway at the South Meeting House

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity opens Family Service Applications August 15

Big news coming August 15!

Family Service Applications will be opening for our home build in Franklin August 15th. At Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, we believe in affordable housing for everyone — and we give a hand-up, not a hand out.

"Habitat partner family/families are selected based on the following guidelines and level of need as determined by: In order to qualify for our homeowner program, applicants must 

(a) have a need for safe and decent housing;  

(b) have lived or worked in our service area for at least a year; 

(c) attend homeownership / financial management seminars at our offices;  

(d) meet the HUD median income guidelines;  

(e) have secure employment, good credit, legal residency, no felony convictions, and no more than one misdemeanor;  

(f) be able to pay a down payment;  

(g) demonstrate an ability to pay a mortgage on time, in full, each month;  

(h) willing to partner with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity by completing the required sweat equity. The requirement is 250 hours of sweat equity hours."

Learn more here: https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/home-ownership/

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity opens Family Service Applications August 15

You may have the skills to help renovate the Old South Meeting House

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is transforming Franklin’s historic Old South Meeting House, located at 762 Washington Street, into a beautiful single-family home for a local family in need.

We are seeking local contractors, skilled tradespeople, and suppliers to join us on this meaningful project. Your contribution of labor, materials, or expertise will help preserve a piece of history while building a brighter future for a deserving family.

Please join us in giving new life to an old landmark and a new beginning to a deserving family!

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/whats-happening-with-south-franklin.html

Contact:

Steven Manni

Old Colony Habitat for

Humanity Construction Lead

📧 smmanni@gmail.com

View the brief video ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CJ5sh7sQp/

The ground breaking ceremonies were held on June 18, 2025 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/groundbreaking-ceremony-held-for-old.html

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s New Home Build in Franklin

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today (06/18/25) to launch Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s (OCHFH) next home build, to be constructed at 762 Washington Street in Franklin. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Franklin Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, State Senator Jeffrey Roy, and Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair.

The event was also attended by OCHFH Board of Directors and staff, local community members, as well as sponsors and representatives

group photo of Groundbreaking Ceremony (Old Colony photo)

OCHFH was granted the property through a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Town of Franklin to acquire the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House on Washington Street. This is a historic white church built in 1856 with imposing Doric columns. The property was deeded to the town of Franklin in 1972, and it has been unoccupied since 2007. 

Over the next 12-18 months, the structure will be transformed into a single-family home occupying two floors. The historic value of this property will be honored as it is developed into a new home with complimentary landscaping, using volunteer labor and donated materials. The non-profit relies on monetary contributions and sponsorships, donated building and landscaping materials, and volunteer labor to contain the costs of each home build, which allows them to serve as many families as possible.

Before the ceremonial shovels dug the first holes in the ground, OCHFH CEO Kim Thomas stated, “We are so grateful to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Select Board, and the Town of Franklin for their partnership and for providing this beautiful property, which will be shaped into a beautiful new home for a deserving family over the next year to a year and a half.”

Leveraging OCHFH expertise and collaboration with a selected family and community volunteers, the non-profit organization will transform the property into a beautiful, safe, and comfortable home for a deserving family. After a competitive application and selection process, the family selected for the home will be expected to pay a down payment, assume a mortgage, and contribute 250 hours of sweat equity labor toward the build – with the objective of providing a deserving family a “hand up” toward affordable home ownership.

Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator said, “I could not be more thrilled to have Habitat for Humanity join the Franklin Family. Many said this building should be knocked down. But due to the power of the Community Preservation Act and a community dedicated to preserving history and providing affordable housing, this is a project the community will cherish for generations."

The property will become a 2,128 square-foot single-family home occupying two floors and will house 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Thomas continued, "This important step would not be possible without the generous funding support from the CPC funds from the town of Franklin, the Community Health System Foundation, Bristol County Savings Bank, Plainridge Park Casino, Webster Bank, Bluestone Bank, Wood Palace Kitchens, Pinette Plumbing, O'Koren Electrical, ad Banner Enterprises. and Jeff Bragg, My Local Video. Their commitment to our mission has made it possible for us to move forward and begin the work of bringing new life to this cherished part of the Franklin community.”

To help with the project or donate please email dir@oldcolonyhabitat.org

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable housing to families in need. It currently serves 24 towns in Norfolk and Bristol counties, including Franklin.

This Town Council "Quarterbacking" session condenses the 11/30/22 meeting to about 28 minutes (audio)

FM #891 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 891 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Nov 30, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Dec 1, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-891-town-council-quarterbacking-12-01-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Town Council accepts Elk Riders donation, sets tax rate, approves sale of South Meeting House and more (audio)

FM #890 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 890 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Pellegri) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.

Quick summary of meeting:

• Accepted donation from Elks Riders for the Veterans Services and Veterans Fund

• Held the Tax Classification Public Hearing prior to approving the single rate at 12.58%. Overall residential assessments rose approx 17% resulting in the drop of the rate from 14.05 to 12.58. There were a series of votes to complete the formal process to set the rate for this Fiscal Year 2023

• Approval to sell the Old South Meeting House to the Habitat for Humanity to convert to a single family affordable housing was granted by the Town Council to allow the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork and actions for the transaction

• Formal approval to purchase the new kiosks to be used in the town parking lots to implement the parking bylaw changes approved in the prior meetings was granted

• The Town Council approved as amended the calendar year 2023 meeting schedule. The one change was from Apr 9 to Apr 26. The document also included the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee proposed meeting schedules for reference. Those groups need to respectfully approve their own schedule

• The policy to formally call out the process and approvals required for naming any public property was approved. It had been referenced many times that such a policy existed but when it was looked for it could not be found, hence this is now in place.  

The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on November 30, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-890-town-council-mtg-11-30-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document (one correction, on the vote for the single tax rate my notes said the no vote was cast by Chandler when it was really Sheridan. Twitter doesn’t allow for editing tweets hence this note of acknowledgment.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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"

Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Town Council meeting recapped & more as we join TC Quarterbacking with Talk Franklin for this session (audio)

FM #888 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 888 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the combined Town Council Quarterbacking session with our "Talk Franklin" conversation. I am grateful for the alignment of the schedules to have Town Council Chair Tom Mercer along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Asst Administrator Alecia Alleyne. We conducted our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

• Becki Carloni - Franklin Fire Department 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

• Presentation: Recreation Department, Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation

• Discussion: Davis-Thayer Reuse Committee   

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

• raise to minimum wage & 

• Increase in opportunity for veterans to take advantage

• If a disabled veteran, can have a family member do the work for the benefit

• budget adjustment prior to tax rate hearing

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

• Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Process   

Town Council teasers

• Tax hearing coming Nov 30

• Old South Meeting House

• Annual license renewals

The conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom, Jamie, and Alecia

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin-with-the-Town-Council-e1rfsjn

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Town Council page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council 

Nov 16, 2022 agenda -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-16.html

Nov 30, 2022 agenda ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

And the Doug Flutie anniversary was indeed on Nov 23, 1984 (the day after we recorded this session)  https://www.boston.com/sports/college-sports/2019/11/22/doug-flutie-hail-mary-miracle-in-miami/ 

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

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 meeting recapped & more as we join TC Quarterbacking with Talk Franklin for this session (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for Nov 30, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 30, 2022 - 7:00 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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Items: 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._elks_riders_presentation.pdf 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-76: Gift Acceptance - Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-76- Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-76_gift_acceptance_vets.pdf

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-77 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-77_tax_classification_residential_factor.pdf

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-78 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-78_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-79 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-79_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption.pdf

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-80 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-80_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption.pdf

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-81 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-81_-_tax_classification_senior_means_tested_exemption.pdf

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin

Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-82 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._22-82_old_south_church_w_proposal_redacted.pdf

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-83 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._22-83_parking_kiosks.pdf

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-84 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9i._22-84_tc_schedule.pdf

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-887: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Lincoln Street and

Lincolnwood Drive (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw 22-887 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-887_bylaw_amendment_zoning_changes_0.pdf

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-85 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9k._22-85_naming_policy.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House