Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Key Issues and Opportunities - Part 1 of 8 - Economic Development

This document outlines the major challenges currently faced by the Town of Franklin. These key issues, along with potential opportunities, are instrumental in understanding and shaping the Town’s Master Plan update. Additionally, they contribute to the formulation of the town’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next ten to twenty years.

Economic Development

ISSUES

Downtown Revitalization

Franklin has a vibrant downtown with restaurants and retail stores, yet faces various challenges including traffic issues, run down storefronts, limited accessibility by bike or foot, high commercial rents, and a need for additional shops and casual dining options. The town has already taken significant steps to support the revitalization of the downtown, and stakeholders identify a desire for continued planning, investment, and development in this area. By implementing recommendations from the Franklin For All Rezoning Project and MAPC Market Study, and continuing collaboration with groups like the Franklin Cultural Committee and Franklin Downtown Partnership, the town has the opportunity to make Downtown Franklin a vibrant, destination downtown.

Labor Force/Employment Base Mismatch

Franklin’s well-educated, highly skilled labor force largely depends on external/regional employment opportunities. While Franklin's employment base offers some high-wage employment, most local jobs exist in lower-wage industries that provide goods and services to Franklin’s residents, but not many opportunities for residents to work locally. Stakeholders state an interest in seeing commercial investments to expand job opportunities in town.

Sign Bylaw

Stakeholders find the sign bylaw difficult for businesses to understand. The MAPC Market Study noted the opportunity for Franklin to revise the sign bylaw to allow for more creative and varied signage in commercial and industrial areas to attract business and improve pedestrian wayfinding.

Need for Affordable Housing

There is a pressing need for affordable housing in Franklin, a concern echoed by stakeholders. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensure housing accessibility for all residents and to support the town’s economic development by providing a stable workforce.

OPPORTUNITIES

Downtown Revitalization

The downtown area presents significant development opportunities. There is strong resident support for additional planning, investment, and development in this area. By implementing recommendations from initiatives like the Franklin For All rezoning project and MAPC Market Study, the town can create a vibrant downtown. Measures such as establishing a facade improvement program and offering financial incentives for mixed-use development can stimulate economic activity and attract businesses and visitors.

Property Redevelopment and Façade Improvement

Redeveloping vacant, deteriorated, or contaminated properties in downtown Franklin presents an opportunity to enhance the area’s aesthetic and economic value. Implementing Façade Improvement Programs, supported by grants and loans, can attract businesses, and improve the overall appearance of the commercial district. Franklin for All recommended establishing a façade improvement program for small businesses and property owners in the Downtown.

Creating a program to provide loan or grant funding to small-businesses and property owners could provide an incentive for owners of existing buildings to make façade improvements like new signage, awnings, painting, lighting, and more. To fund this program, Franklin could use payments from the 40R Smart Growth District or from in-lieu fees generated through inclusionary zoning. A façade improvement program should be supplemented by design guidelines to ensure that upgrades match the desired aesthetic for Franklin Center. These can be the same design guidelines as those associated with the proposed 40R Smart Growth District, or they can exist as their own document.

Vacant storefronts in the downtown area can be attributed to high rental costs that make commercial spaces unaffordable, especially to small-business owners. Providing financial assistance to small-business owners could help incentivize desired commercial uses in Franklin Center. Filling these vacancies is important for downtown vibrancy and local economic development.

The Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program (MVSP) was created in 2018 to encourage new occupancy of vacant storefronts. Municipalities may apply to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) for certification to designate a downtown area as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After achieving such a designation, businesses or individuals can work with the municipal designee to apply to the EACC for refundable Economic Development Incentive Program tax credits of up to $10,000 for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district. Municipalities must provide a source of matching funds. Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding may be a good option for this local match.

Mixed-Use Development

Incorporating mixed-use development in downtown Franklin can attract more residents and businesses, fostering a lively community and supporting local commerce. Offering financial incentives to downtown businesses with well-integrated mixed-use development would keep people in the area, stimulate economic activity, and keep commerce local.

Tourism and Event Attractions

Franklin can leverage its cultural resources, historic sites, and performing arts scene to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity. Investing in cultural districts and promoting events can enhance the town’s appeal as a destination for residents and visitors.

Targeted Industry Recruitment

Franklin has the opportunity to attract key industries such as Life Sciences and Clean Energy, leveraging its existing strengths and competitive advantages to become a regional competitor.

Partnership with Dean College

Collaborating with Dean College offers opportunities to meet the needs and interests of students while enhancing downtown Franklin’s nightlife and entertainment offerings. Strengthening connections between local businesses and the student population can drive economic growth and vitality. Dean College has been an extremely important partner for the Town (for example, hosting monthly FDP meetings). Strengths identified were that Dean College brings in a younger, more diverse population to Franklin. College students find Franklin Center to be clean, safe, and its shops to be welcoming. The Harvest Festival is seen as a boon for Franklin and bringing in younger crowds. Dean College roundtable participants also feel that the Franklin meets their needs in grocery stores, pharmacies, and hairdressers. Local stores that are frequented by students include Little Shop of Olive Oils, Elizabeth's Bagels, and Birchwood Bakery. Participants stated that the town could and should utilize its green spaces for students, in particular the Town Common could be used for more outdoor events and food trucks. They also stated there is a disconnect between local businesses and the student population's needs, and that pizza shops seem to be the only types of restaurants that thrive in town. There is little knowledge about what the town has to offer the student population. Students generally frequented chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and pharmacies, and that there is a lack of entertainment in town outside of Dean College. Dean College roundtable participants generally stated that Franklin was weak in men's apparel, bookstores, independent coffee shops and clubs/bars. Dean College roundtable participants thought that Franklin Center lacked cultural attractions, gathering places, and outdoor and nightlife activities.

Redevelopment of Underutilized Properties

The town has opportunities to redevelop underutilized commercial and industrial properties and superfund and brownfields sites. For example, in 2023, Franklin was awarded $500,000 by the EPA to support remediation of the former “Nu-Style Property”; a critical step towards eventual redevelopment of the site and continued investment of the Grove St. corridor.

Capacity for Economic Development

The town has the necessary infrastructure and resources to facilitate economic development, including capable town staff, dedicated committees, and completed economic development initiatives. Continued collaboration and strategic planning will further enhance Franklin’s economic opportunities. 

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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gtnxpyp39SnfKinQcUlp2U7M1Sas3cdB/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Key Issues and Opportunities - Part 2 of 8 - Housing

Housing

ISSUES

Intermediate Housing

Amid the ongoing housing crisis across the state, there is a significant shortage of affordable intermediate housing options, posing challenges for Franklin natives, prospective residents, and middle to lower-income families in securing housing within their budget. Intermediate housing caters to middle-income households who find themselves excluded from subsidized housing yet priced out of market-rate options. This housing type ensures affordability through government assistance, income restrictions, and comparable strategies, making it an attractive choice for potential buyers.

Housing Insecurity

Individuals without a place of residence, or on the verge of losing their housing, are largely individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or facing financial constraints. While organizations like the Franklin Housing Authority and New England Center Homes for Veterans aim to prevent homelessness for vulnerable populations, they often lack sufficient resources and capacity. Securing the necessary support to house these individuals presents a significant obstacle.

Affordable Housing

Ensuring a community has a sufficient affordable housing stock is important to its well-being. Incorporating affordable housing units in Franklin caters to the needs of the lower-income population, enabling residents who wish to remain in the town to do so feasibly. Affordable housing choices also play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, vital for the town's sustained economic and social development. High housing costs often compel workers to endure long commutes or seek residence in more affordable communities, resulting in labor shortages and fewer small business opportunities. By expanding affordable housing opportunities, Franklin can bolster local businesses and industries while maintaining an inclusive community.

OPPORTUNITIES

Zoning

Town officials in Franklin are actively considering zoning amendments to promote additional mixed-use development across commercial and residential districts. These developments, which typically feature a variety of housing options such as apartments, townhouses, and condominiums, cater to the diverse needs of individuals and families. By offering a range of housing types, Franklin can foster socioeconomic diversity and inclusivity within the community.

The Franklin for All initiative, led by a residential steering committee and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), is currently in the planning phase, exploring strategies to boost downtown residency and introduce inclusionary zoning with denser development areas. One strategy currently being considered for implementation for Franklin’s zoning is a Chapter 40R Smart Growth Overlay District in the downtown area. This district would strike a balance between density, high-quality design, and the need for affordable housing, while also meeting the Section 3A housing requirements.

Age-Friendly Housing

The Town of Franklin and the Council on Aging actively support the concept of age- and ability-friendly preparedness to address the needs of its aging population. They advocate for housing solutions that enable residents to remain in Franklin even when changes in health or physical ability require additional assistance for standard living while maintaining independence. Town officials are presently engaged in efforts to expand the housing options for this population.  For more information on Massachusetts’ 3A housing requirements, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/section-3a-guidelines

 

Public Education

Educating the public about the advantages of affordable housing along with the financial assistance, grants, and subsidies that support and promote it, can create a more inclusive community. Affordable housing and multifamily developments often face stigma due to misinformation. Through public education and awareness, Franklin can cultivate broader public understanding and support of these housing types.

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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gtnxpyp39SnfKinQcUlp2U7M1Sas3cdB/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Affordable Housing & Aged Housing Maps

Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WzJ2V4FqX5K7Pjdi-LfTGaCak2hoKaJ-/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

What does “affordable housing” actually mean?

"Affordable housing is one of the most misunderstood categories in real estate.

People hear the label and often picture a stereotype.

But affordable housing is not one building type, one resident profile or one government program.

It’s a real estate product shaped by income levels, financing, design, public-private partnerships and real community needs.

Part 1 with @evanholladay of Holladay Ventures looks at what “affordable housing” actually means and why the conversation changes when people see the actual project.

All project images shown are real affordable housing projects by Holladay Ventures."

View Part 1 of the story in pictures - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbbYODXm-RR/

Part 2 is not yet available.

A housing idea returns in Vermont: "state officials are reviving the idea of the catalog home"

A housing idea returns in Vermont: "state officials
are reviving the idea of the catalog home"

"In order to build the housing of the future, Vermont is hearkening back to a tool from the past.

A century ago, companies like Sears sold mail-order blueprints for modest homes that proliferated across the country and in some corners of Vermont. Now, state officials are reviving the idea of the catalog home in a bid to smooth the construction process and boost Vermont’s housing stock.

While cities such as South Bend, Indiana, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, have taken on similar initiatives in recent years, Vermont is the first state to do so, officials say.

“We want to give folks easy access to open-source construction plans,” said Alex Farrell, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. And, he added, “We’re wanting to give these people … some assurance that as long as you’re choosing one of these designs, you’re going to get your permit.”

The state does not have a target for how much the home designs will cost to construct, but officials are trying to make them “as efficient and affordable as possible,” Farrell said.

Read the full story from @vermontpublic/@vtdigger housing reporter Carly Berlin at the link in our bio. Photos by Glenn Russell/VTDigger"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqDg9TDELa/

The link to the article referenced - https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-02-11/vermont-develops-catalog-of-prevetted-home-designs-for-faster-building

Boston Globe Editorial: "Getting to yes on housing in Massachusetts"

"Over the next decade, state housing officials estimate that Massachusetts will need another 222,000 homes. These homes are necessary to attract young professionals, to prevent families with young children from leaving, to empty the homeless shelters, and to let seniors age in their communities.

"Getting to yes on housing in Massachusetts"

More housing is also needed to mitigate climbing prices that are hurting not only lower-income residents, but even those who are solidly middle class. The median price of a single-family home in Massachusetts this year, as of November, was an astonishing $640,000, according to The Warren Group.

Zillow ranked Greater Boston as the fifth most expensive rental market in the country, with average rent hovering just under $3,000 a month, according to the Boston Foundation’s 2025 Housing Report Card."

Continue reading the editorial with this shared link -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/28/opinion/housing-reforms-massachusetts/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Getting to "yes" on housing is a key issue for Franklin. Basic supply / demand economics are at play. Unless, and until, we increase the supply to meet the demand housing costs will continue to rise making it less affordable. 

Consider the Building Equitable Neighborhoods For Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) group. They want to understand zoning to advocate for the right changes to make to enable sustainable and affordable growth.  Find out more at https://ben4franklin.org/

The Guardian: "It's still not OK boomer: younger Americans are flailing – and mad as hell"

"Almost every couple that I know in their 20s, 30s or even 40s has had the same argument with their parents before getting married.

The Guardian: "It's still not OK boomer:
younger Americans are flailing – and mad as hell"

The parents say to open a wedding registry. The couple responds that they do not want one. They don’t expect gifts from wedding guests (their “presence is enough”), and they have been cohabiting for years and already have plates, bedsheets and a blender. In fact, since they live in a small rented apartment, they barely have room for the plates that they do have – let alone a set of china.

Perhaps, they will timidly suggest, guests who really want to give a gift can donate to a honeymoon fund? Or better yet, make a small contribution toward a downpayment on a house?

The parents get upset. Asking for cash, they say, is “tacky”, and also puts people in the difficult position of having to choose an amount to give. The young couple will point out that they are not asking for cash, just giving an option for those who want to mark the occasion."

Continue reading the article -> "It's still not OK boomer: younger Americans are flailing – and mad as hell" | J Oliver Conroy https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/dec/07/boomer-millennial-gen-z-housing?CMP=share_btn_url

Banker & Tradesman: Why 2026 Could Be the Turning Point for Housing in Massachusetts

"After decades of stalled reforms, entrenched local resistance, and a political culture that treated housing scarcity as an unfortunate inevitability, Massachusetts appears poised to enter a new phase.

Banker & Tradesman: Why 2026 Could Be
the Turning Point for Housing in Massachusetts

The conversation on Beacon Hill has become sharper and more candid, new polling shows voters want deeper, faster action on housing affordability and local elections are sending pro-housing candidates into office. For the first time in decades, political leadership and public sentiment are aligned, creating a rare moment where transformational housing reform doesn’t just seem possible, but increasingly expected by voters.

Multiple recent opinion polls point to this public shift. A November survey from WCVB and UMass Amherst and a September poll from Abundant Housing Massachusetts both found that housing is now the most important issue for voters statewide."

Continue reading the article By Jonathan Berk ->   https://bankerandtradesman.com/why-2026-could-be-the-turning-point-for-housing-in-massachusetts/

Boston Globe: "The Boston Foundation’s annual Greater Boston Housing Report Card outlines how the region’s housing crisis may only get worse"

"The cost of buying a home is growing for everyone

Home prices around here have been rising for decades, but the last few years have been particularly bad.

First, home prices soared in a pandemic-driven housing market frenzy. Then, when interest rates began to rise in 2021, the market effectively froze, driving prices higher still.

Prices have gone up everywhere and across the price spectrum. It’s in the communities where home prices were the lowest before the pandemic that prices have grown the most. In Brockton, for example, the median sale price of a single-family home has risen 72 percent since 2015. In Lawrence, it has more than doubled."

Franklin From 2015 to 2025, the median sale price of a single-family home rose 35%.

Median sale price for a single-family home in 2015 (adjusted for inflation): $510,002

Median sale price for a single-family home in 2025: $688,000

Continue reading the Boston Globe article -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/11/business/housing-prices-rental-construction-boston-foundation/

The Boston Foundation 2024 report is available for download. The 2025 is not yet available for public download.   https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/reports-and-covers/2024/gbhrc-2024/2024gbhrc-digital-sm.pdf

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Affordable Condo Resale Opportunity

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted  Fri, Oct 24, 2025:

Announcing an affordable condo resale opportunity - available now! 24 Shayne Road, Unit #327. 

This is a 988 sq ft, 2-bed/1-bath unit with restrictions. 

See flyer for details and contact info. https://t.co/m9RKTVEY8O

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Affordable Condo Resale Opportunity

Agenda for the Economic Development Subcmte meeting on Weds, Oct 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 15, 2025 = 5:45 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes

a. 2021: March 3, June 16, July 21

b. 2022: April 6

c. 2023: January 4, January 25, February 22, March 1, March 22, May 3, June 7, June 21, August 16, August 23, September 6, October 18, November 1

d. 2024: January 31, March 13, April 10, May 1, May 23, September 18, October 16, November 13, November 20, December 11, December 18

e. 2025: January 8, February 26, May 21, July 16

2. Friendly 40B Policy

3. Standard Housing Index Percentage

4. Councilor Comments

5. Adjourn

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1954

Agenda for the Economic Development Subcmte meeting on Weds, Oct 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM

Housing recap Via Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

one of several slides in the reel

 

"Why is housing so expensive?  

We break it down in 60 seconds and show three things the Healey-Driscoll Administration is doing about it right now."

View the Instagram reel from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities ->

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOoETNok6MX/

another one of several slides in the reel

Making it easier for MA residents to find housing help

Making it easier for MA residents to find housing help

via The MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities 

"We’ve redesigned some of our core webpages to make it easier for MA residents to find housing help.

• Simpler navigation
• Clearer eligibility info
• Step-by-step guides
• 24/7 support via Mass 211"

Explore the updates: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/housing-assistance-for-massachusetts-residents

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 14, 2025 ??

Thursday, August 14

Library & Senior Center events

7:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (The Newport Harbor Hotel)

9:00pm Brian Cabral (live music) (3 Restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - no meeting (next meeting is 9/11/25)

Thursday, August 14 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/466?fileID=5560 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - BOT Mtg

Thursday, August 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1845 

Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA - no meeting (next meeting 8/28/25)

Thursday, August 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1842 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Boston Globe: "See the latest rent estimates and trends for cities and towns in Greater Boston"

"When you live in Greater Boston, it can feel like the rent never stops climbing. Each year, the price of signing a new lease, or resigning an old one, grows more expensive — whether it be by $50 or $200 — than it was last year.

Indeed, there’s some truth to that.

In many metropolitan areas across the US, rents have trended down over the last year or so, particularly in places where an abundance of new housing has come online.

Not Greater Boston.

See the latest rent estimates and trends

Rent in this housing-starved region has grown more expensive in nearly every community over the last year, according to a new monthly rent tracker launched by the Globe that compares rental trends at the local level"

Shared from -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/12/business/greater-boston-apartments-rent-price-tracker/ 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 ???

Tuesday, July 1

Library & Senior Center events 

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:30pm Smart Phone Trivia (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Tuesday, July 1 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/437?fileID=5188 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar