Town Council gets updates on Franklin Ridge, 40b status, & moved to 2nd reading ADU bylaw changes (audio)

FM #1352  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1352 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All 9 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• 2 public hearings on the accessory dwelling unit bylaw changes were opened and closed after discussion. Later the legislation for action approved by 9-0 vote to move both measures to second reading

• 2 public hearings on sign bylaw changes as proposed were opened and continued to the Jan 22 meeting without further discussion. Later in the legislation for action, those two measures were also rescheduled to the Jan 22 meeting by 9-0 votes

• Presentation on Franklin Ridge, a senior affordable housing project update was provided that with the recent funding made available on 2 front for Town work and for the private development of the 60 units, given the current schedule, ground could break in June 2025. Bryan Taberner, Director Planning & Community Development provided the update.

• Bryan continued with a second presentation on the sustainable housing inventory (SHI) or informally called the 40b requirement. Bottomline we are currently at 10.86% (above the critical 10% threshold) with approximately 1,000 units currently permitted or in the pipeline of approvals. If all of those units were indeed built (could be some # of years) we could increase to about 12-13%. Question then becomes, what should our goal be (besides remaining above 10%)?

• 2 items approved to enable the respective water and sewer connections for the Franklin Ridge project as mentioned earlier.

• The last item in legislation was acceptance of additional fund for the Senior Center etc.

• Interesting point in the Town Administrator's Report. The home rule charter request to exempt the town from paying for legal notices in print newspapers was signed by the Governor. We have an email alert process for any one with an email address to enable notification of such legal notices

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1352-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-08-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/7dQWhWlHRW0?&t=208 

The agenda and released documents for this meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf 

My full set of notes (in one PDF) can be found online

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S-qr25XiQvmFi_gBNBvjrwUaeoK2ZukH/view?usp=drive_link 

Screen grabs of the presentation on housing (40b) ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/pR2DTs2eaifKxWFo9 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

key summary from presentation on housing (40b)

Town Council gets updates on Franklin Ridge, 40b status, & moved to 2nd reading ADU bylaw changes (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 with all 9 councilors present in Council Chambers.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/7dQWhWlHRW0?&t=208

The agenda and released documents for this meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf

Quick recap

• 2 public hearings on the accessory dwelling unit bylaw changes were opened and closed after discussion. Later the legislation for action approved by 9-0 vote to move both measure to second reading
• 2 public hearings on sign bylaw changes as proposed were opened and continued to the Jan 22 meeting without further discussion. Later in the legislation for action, those two measures were also rescheduled to the Jan 22 meeting by 9-0 votes
• Presentation on Franklin Ridge, a senior affordable housing project update was provided that with the recent funding made available on 2 front for Town work and for the private development of the 60 units, given the current schedule, ground could break in June 2025. Bryan Taberner, Director Planning & Community Development provided the update.
• Bryan continued with a second presentation on the sustainable housing inventory (SHI) or informally called the 40b requirement. Bottomline we are currently at 10.86% (above the critical 10% threshold) with approximately 1,000 units currently permitted or in the pipeline of approvals. If all of those units were indeed built (could be some # of years) we could increase to about 12-13%. Question then becomes, what should our goal be (besides remaining above 10%)?
• 2 items approved to enable the respective water and sewer connections for the Franklin Ridge project as mentioned earlier.
• The last item in legislation was acceptance of additional fund for senior Center etc.
• Interesting point in the Town Administrator's Report. The homerule charter request to exempt the town from paying for legal notices in print newspapers was signed by the Governor. We have an email alert process for any one with an email address to enable notification of such legal notices

My full set of notes (in one PDF) can be found online

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S-qr25XiQvmFi_gBNBvjrwUaeoK2ZukH/view?usp=drive_link

Screen grabs of the presentation on housing (40b) ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/pR2DTs2eaifKxWFo9

key summary from presentation on housing (40b)

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting on January 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 8, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 18, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units.

i. Legislation for Action #9c

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses

i. Legislation for Action #9d

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) To be continued. (Motion to Continue Public Hearing of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to January 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm - Majority Vote)

i. Legislation for Action #9e

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.) To be continued. (Motion to Continue Public Hearing of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to January 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm - Majority Vote)

i. Legislation for Action #9f

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Affordable Housing Project Update - Bryan Taberner, Director Director of

Department of Planning and Community

b. Residential Development & Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI, aka Chapter 40B) Update - Bryan

Taberner, Director Director of Department of Planning and Community

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-922 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Amendment to Water System Map - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-923 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the

Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units. - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-923 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at

Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses - First

Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the

Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) First Reading to be continued. (Motion to

Continue First Reading of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to January 22, 2025 - Majority Vote)

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the

Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.) - First Reading to be continued. (Motion to

Continue First Reading of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to January 22, 2025 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 25-01: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,672), Veterans Department ($3,125)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-01 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. 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

Complete agenda doc on Town page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf

Accessory Dwelling Units

Public Hearing on MA ADU regulations - In person or via Zoom - Jan 10 at 10:00 AM

Public Hearing on MA ADU regulations 

"Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) draft regulations have been created to provide clarity on the new ADU law. EOHLC is looking for comments and feedback on the draft regulation starting December 20 until January 10. 

A public hearing, with options for in-person or remote participation, will take place on January 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM. The public hearing will be held at 100 Cambridge Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA or virtual via ZOOM. 

Please register in advance to attend in-person or online. Please visit: Mass.gov/ADU.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DD0C86TKv13/

Comment Period Opens on Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations for Mass

Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations for Mass

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted  Mon, Dec 09, 2024:

#EOHLC is excited to invite you to comment on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations.  

We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on this important tool to help meet our growing #housing needs. 

Please visit https://t.co/5BJc6SsKWX for more information.

Shared from -> https://t.co/EX15aa5rTx

For more info on ADUs -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accessory-dwelling-units

Economic Development Subcmte reviews multiple bylaw adjustments & recommend referral to Town Council (audio)

FM #1316 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1316 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

Three members of the subcommittee participated; 2 in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo). Chandler was absent.

Quick recap:

• Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session 

• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ...  Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.

• Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates. 

• Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year, 

• We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025. 

• Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. 

• Separately voted on definition and use table 

• On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential. 

• Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council 

• Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin. 

• Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this. 

• Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call 

• Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call 

• Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time

• Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6 

• Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design 

• Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call 

The recording of the meeting runs just over 1 hour.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1316-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-11-13-24/

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY 

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf  

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link 

Additional info on the branding process can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Option A left, Option B right

Town Council approves Accessory Dwelling bylaws, hears from State legislative delegation (audio)

FM #1025 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1025 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino     iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1025-town-council-mtg-07-19-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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"

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch