"Housing Supply Action Plan is a step in the right direction"

Via Ed Cafasso: 

"The Biden Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan is an important step toward increasing the affordable housing supply, especially changes to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and to HUD financing. Can it get done in mid-term election season?"

https://twitter.com/edcafasso/status/1526999699248529411 

"Multifamily and financing industry officials said President Joe Biden’s newly released 13-page Housing Supply Action Plan is a step in the right direction to increase the affordable housing supply but questioned how much could be accomplished—particularly changes to the popular Low Income Housing Tax Credit program—without legislative action this year as the mid-term election season heats up."

Continue reading the article assessing the plan

https://www.multihousingnews.com/how-biden-administrations-housing-action-plan-impacts-multifamily/ 

Find the White House Housing Supply Action Plan online:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/16/president-biden-announces-new-actions-to-ease-the-burden-of-housing-costs/

Franklin TV: Franklin For All Forum - Monday, May 16, 6:30 PM

Rezoning downtown for economic growth & diverse housing

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/15/2022

There is a  public meeting scheduled for Monday, 6:30 PM at THE BLACK BOX.

Franklin For All is a community-driven process to establish a vision for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and adjacent neighborhoods, and make rezoning recommendations to best achieve the vision. This will unlock development to expand housing choices, support local business, take advantage of new infrastructure, and foster a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. There will be multiple engagement opportunities for the public to weigh in on their vision for Franklin Center and the proposed approach to rezoning.

The Project’s Timeline

Fall 2021 = Project start-up and analysis of existing zoning 

Winter 2021-2022 = Public engagement to set a vision for Franklin Center 

Winter/Spring 2022 = Context analysis and development scenarios 

Spring/Summer 2022 = Public engagement to review zoning recommendations 

Summer/Fall 2022 = Rezoning Franklin Center

Franklin enjoys a compact downtown with an MBTA Commuter Rail Station, a museum, a performing arts theater, Dean College, and a mix of restaurants and retailers. There are also events throughout the year, including the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, that draw large crowds to the area. Significant time and resources have been devoted to enhancing the area with a focus on improving traffic flow, safety and emergency response time, improving roadways, fostering a pedestrian environment, improving the overall appearance, and stimulating private sector investment.

Franklin For All seeks to build on Franklin Center’s existing assets and become a vibrant, mixed-use destination. More people living in a walkable downtown means more spending at local shops, fewer car trips and less greenhouse gas emissions, and more interactions amongst residents, fostering a stronger sense of community. Through rezoning, we can remove restrictions that hold back quality projects to encourage development that directly meets a shared vision for Franklin Center.

To learn more:  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

You can participate in person or via remote on Monday. To sign up for the remote participation, register here

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0td-mrrzMrE9AK0ufr5wI3nHVYjCRISTLJ

Franklin TV: Franklin For All Forum - Monday, May 16, 6:30 PM

Conversation with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo - 05/02/22 (audio)

FM #787 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 787 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo conducted in the Franklin TV/Franklin Public Radio Studio on May 2, 2022. 

We talk about Cobi’s recent conference trip and recent bike ride around Franklin. 

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cobi as we discuss the conference takeaways, housing, transportation, zoning, and how it applies to Franklin.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-787-conversation-with-cobi-frongillo-05-02-22

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Conference website -> https://yimby.town/ 

Session streaming links -> https://yimby.town/streaming/ 

Day 1 conference thread - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHt5Bl16d_q-ZwnBJ57VTI8dpIYIPHQP/view?usp=sharing 

Day 2 conference thread - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gson071ISyJ8NzmdYmigBeheJvDMjCRV/view?usp=sharing 

Day 3 conference thread -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lXmGwa7roYyLZ96LN33H-fycFGCgEY4I/view?usp=sharing 

Mass Housing Partnership’s “DataTown” highlights for Franklin

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12huqmolj_QI3GK1jOqQZGC4wQswTci2x/view?usp=sharing

Bike ride thread -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DG0iuZH0MmITC6GVDqL_zsZSV--9eq4s/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

 

one of the data points from the Mass Housing Partnership’s “DataTown” highlights for Franklin

"See how much the typical rental costs are in your town, according to Census data"

"Massachusetts renters ― like the state’s owners ― pay some of the highest housing costs in the nation, according to recent Census data.

Rents in Massachusetts are sixth highest among states, according to the data released last month, with the median renter paying $1,336 per month. That’s an increase from $1,006 in 2010. Lexington had the highest rental costs in the state at $2,431, followed by Brookline at $2,305, and Cambridge at $2,293.

The data, which cover a time period of 2016 to 2020, also offer a snapshot of the share of renters vs. owners. In Massachusetts overall, 33 percent of housing units were occupied by renters. Zooming into the city/town level, Chelsea has the highest share of rental housing, with 69 percent of units occupied by people who rent, followed by Lawrence at 66 percent, Somerville at 62 percent, and Cambridge at 58 percent."

Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/05/metro/charts-see-how-much-typical-rental-costs-are-your-town-according-census-data/ 

table view of Franklin specific data

Map view of Massachusetts data

Map view of Franklin data

FM #765 - Franklin Housing Authority Mtg - 04/04/22 (audio recording)

FM #765 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 765 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Monday, April 4, 2022 in the Common Room at Central Park Terrace. 

Participating were:

• GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR 

• CHRIS FEELEY

• PETER BRUNELLI

• ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE

• Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent

The recording of the meeting runs about 50 minutes.  (note - as the meeting was held in the common room, there is a TV in the back of the room that a resident was watching. You may hear it in the background from time to time.)

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-765-franklin-housing-authority-mtg-04-04-22

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

Meeting agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/fha_4-4-22.pdf 

 

Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ySy3mgUO8JY0OO3-8lxR9JD5uAJO5Cg/view?usp=sharing 

Franklin Observer’s recap of the meeting

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/73048/high-marks-housing-authority 

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

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"

 

Franklin Housing Authority

Reminder: Community Preservation Committee - scheduled to review draft of initial project list

Community Preservation Committee 
Meeting April 5, 2022 - 7 PM

Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes

a. January 4, 2022

b. January 18, 2022

2. Discussion: Community Preservation Master Plan Sketch Draft v. 1

Please find the agenda and links for the meeting here:     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-06-05_cpc_meeting_agenda.pdf

From the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Project Recommendations (beginning page 18)

Open Space

Maple Hill purchase

Historic Preservation
Red Brick School House - Lead Paint Removal, Preservation and Paint

Affordable Housing
Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project

Budgeted Reserve

Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation 
Historical Museum Cupola
Nason Street Tot Lot

pickleball courts at King St Memorial Park

Climate Ready Housing: An MHP/MassHousing Program in Partnership with DHCD

"The goal of the Climate Ready Housing Program is to support projects that dramatically reduce carbon emissions. We seek to transform affordable housing to be super energy efficient, all-electric, powered by clean renewable energy, and renovated with low-embodied carbon materials. 

Such work prioritizes the health of residents through better ventilation and the removal of combustion appliances; reduces long-term operating costs; ensures building durability; improves resiliency; and positions affordable housing to comply with new carbon regulations that are already in place or anticipated in the future. 

MassHousing and Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) are administering the program on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). MassHousing and MHP have engaged with LISC to further assist with program administration."

For more on this program and description of funding opportunities
https://www.lisc.org/boston/our-work/green-homes/climate-ready-housing-program/

 

Housing Up's Weinberg Commons, the first apartment building retrofit to Passive House standards in the United States. Once a derelict complex with mold issues, Weinberg Commons now provides healthy, luminous, and comfortable residences for 36 families in need of affordable, quality housing (Photo Credit: LISC).

Tip of hat to Karen Kelleher for sharing the link via Twitter -> https://twitter.com/kkelleher76/status/1508629783793618947

Boston Globe: 2 opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing

Two opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing. 

"For too long, affordable homes have been out of reach for people across the Commonwealth. But a tool exists that can help communities solve this persistent problem: a real estate transfer fee.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking the Legislature’s approval of a home rule petition for a transfer fee of up to 2 percent on real estate sales of $2 million or more in the city. The money would pay for new affordable housing and provide tax cuts for low-income seniors.

Like Boston, Somerville, Concord, Cambridge, Arlington, Brookline, Nantucket, Provincetown, and Chatham have already passed local home rule petitions calling for transfer fees. The Legislature should approve the proposals and also consider legislation giving all communities across the state the option of imposing transfer fees. "

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/one-tool-help-create-affordable-housing-real-estate-transfer-fees/ 

"What can be done? Housing activists and those in the business of building homes should get on the same page and support policies that will increase supply. Highly restrictive neighborhood zoning needs to be changed to reflect the fact that Boston needs height and density to house more of the people who want to come here or remain here when they retire.

The City of Boston’s legendarily long permitting cycle also should be revised. Permitting a new apartment building takes years when it needs approvals from Boston agencies, including Planning and Development, Zoning, Boston Civic Design Inspectional Services, Transportation, Water and Sewer, Air Pollution Control, Conservation, Public Improvement, Public Works, and others. And that doesn’t include state and federal hurdles."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/transfer-fees-arent-solution-bostons-housing-crisis/

The Parker under construction in July 2021 on Lagrange Street, will feature condos.SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

"A full-time worker needs to earn an hourly wage of $24.90 on average to afford a modest, two-bedroom rental home in the U.S"

"The hourly wage that a household must earn (working forty hours a week, fifty-two weeks a year) in order to afford the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom rental unit, without paying more than thirty percent of their income. "

The National Low Income Housing Coalition report for 2021 has the numbers by state for the US. The MA high level numbers are shown here. Additional pieces of the report get into greater detail.  https://reports.nlihc.org/oor/about

MA is among the leaders in least affordable housing

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

• Chair, Melanie Hamblen, Town Council 

• Beth Wierling, member of the Planning Board

• Cobi Frongillo, member of the Town Council

• Bruce Hunchard, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals

 

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation about the Franklin For All project and process. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22

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Respond to the survey by April 1 => https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce  

Franklin For All Forum - March 7, 2022

• Transcript =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WEsjmEFESie06Bx4bAOSxhMbhpY45gsL/view?usp=sharing

• Audio recording => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-748-franklin-for-all-forum-03-07-22

• Video recording =>  https://youtu.be/9fewoumulN4 

 

Franklin For All project page ->  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/ 

 

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

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"

 

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights

Town of Franklin awarded $75,000 grant for zoning audit "with a substantial public engagement process"

MA EOHED (@MassEOHED) tweeted Thu, Nov 04, 2021:

The Baker-Polito Administration recently awarded a total of $1M through the #OneStop to 16 communities for technical assistance related to land use, including help with the development of a Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, and Zoning Review & Updates. 

https://t.co/XCJoxmIOcK  or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-planning-grant-program-awards

https://t.co/xZlUTzLGZf  or   https://twitter.com/MassEOHED/status/1456304892088303626

This appears to be the grant talked of being applied for that would fund the downtown zoning analysis. 

• Franklin, $75,000
• The Town will complete a zoning audit with a substantial public engagement process, and develop zoning bylaw amendments to modernize and update their zoning bylaw.  The Proposed Project will assure Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw reflects current best zoning practices and planning concepts and increase economic activity and the number of affordable housing units in the project area.

Town of Franklin awarded $75,000 grant for zoning audit

Recap: Community Preservation Committee - historical tour scheduled, housing and zoning discussed

Quick Recap:

• 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

Questions on housing being answered by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen