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

"The only way to keep rents low for everyone is to add more housing" (video)

“The evidence is clear: building a lot of new housing at all income levels keeps prices down—and reduces homelessness. This great new video by @jj_under will likely be the first thing I send people getting interested in the housing crisis.” 

https://x.com/mnolangray/status/1873785670755639367 

"building a lot of new housing at all income levels keeps prices down—and reduces homelessness"

“If we don't build housing to meet demand, it's not like people just magically disappear. The demand doesn't go away. Instead high income residents turn to older units and bid up the price. The only way to keep rents low for everyone is to add more housing. Only abundant housing supply relieves market rent.” 

Direct link to quote in video ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQW4W1_SJmc&t=1273s 

Start to watch the full video here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQW4W1_SJmc 

And who is Justine Underhill?

“When I graduated from college many people asked me, "What in the world are you going to do with a degree in economics, theater and math?" Well I can now proudly say I found the perfect combination for my studies-- I do my own investigative research (involving econ and math!) to tell stories that are off the beaten path. And I have definitely found a use for all of these skills as a writer, storyteller and journalist.”

Shared from Justine's LinkedIn page -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/justineu/

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) shares video on importance of housing (video)

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr.

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted  Fri, Dec 27, 2024:

As a former City Manager, I understand the importance of working with our local communities to build more #housing for every income. 

I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure everyone has a safe and dignified home. https://t.co/tGbrtBUlec

Video link -> https://x.com/MA_EOHLC/status/1872749300821967246

Reminder: Last chance to provide Feedback on the Master Plan 'final draft' which is due Dec 2, 2024

The Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the Town of Franklin to take over the next 10 years. 

Feedback is due to Amy Love by Dec 2, 2024. Send to alove@franklinma.gov 

With the action items now spelled out, we can see if we agree, or disagree, or if there is something NOT in there, propose to add it. For example, are the housing action items what we want & need? 

are the housing action items what we want & need?

Feedback on the Master Plan 'final draft' is due Dec 2, 2024

Master Plan page with education action items

The link to the "final doc" is shown here, as well as the video link to the feedback session held Thursday, Nov 14, 2024.

• 'Final draft' summary presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/final_master_plan_draft_presentation_11.14.24.pdf
• 'Final draft' doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf
• Franklin TV video replay of Nov 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqcphVHN84

U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss Announces Launch of Pro-Housing “YIMBY” Caucus to Tackle Affordable Housing Shortage

Today (11/21/24), U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Scott Peters (CA-50), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced the launch of the pro-housing “Yes In My Back Yard” (YIMBY) Caucus to promote the development of housing nationwide. The YIMBY movement focuses on encouraging new housing development, removing barriers to the construction of new homes, and investing in the infrastructure needed to unlock more affordable and walkable neighborhoods nationwide. 

The U.S. housing supply shortage, which sits between 4 and 7 million units, deprives young Americans of a strong start, pushes Americans into homelessness, and squeezes seniors on a fixed income. The co-chairs of this caucus will work to address these challenges at the federal level and convene regularly with local and state leaders who determine the bulk of housing policy. 

 

“The cost of housing is the greatest economic challenge facing Massachusetts. The answer: build more housing,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “At all levels of government, Americans need permitting & land use reforms that unlock more housing production.” 

 

Pro-Housing “YIMBY” Caucus to Tackle Affordable Housing Shortage

“San Diego is consistently one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and far too many people in our community cannot afford a home or are pushed into homelessness,” said Rep. Peters. “Back in 2018, I was one of the founding members of the San Diego Democratic YIMBY Club when it was a fledgling movement, and I am honored to be a founding Co-Chair of this effort in Congress. This caucus will be essential for fostering pro-housing growth policies that lower costs, help people achieve the dream of home ownership, and create vibrant, walkable, and transit-connected communities.”

 

“The cost of rent is far too high. We must act to expand affordable housing options,” said Rep. Garcia. “This is a long-term, structural problem requiring us to take bold steps to create the new homes our community needs. Embracing YIMBY-ism, building more housing units, and embracing mixed-use zoning will increase our housing supply and drive down costs for Americans. We need to get more ambitious with proposals to speed up housing production, including offering more financial incentives for states and local governments that welcome new construction.”

 

“Across the country, people are suffering under the weight of ever-higher housing costs,” said Laura Foote, Executive Director of YIMBY Action. “Our national housing shortage is pushing people down into poverty, away from opportunity, and throws a wet blanket on our economy. Building more housing near jobs has the ability to uplift millions of Americans and rebuild the middle class. We’re thrilled that a decade of YIMBY activism has led to this moment, and we’re grateful to the bipartisan leaders tackling America’s housing shortage head on.”

 

“The lack of housing supply and housing affordability are a national crisis affecting every region of our country,” said Laura Arce, Senior Vice President, UnidosUS. “We need comprehensive and commonsense solutions to build more types of housing in more places. UnidosUS commends the establishment of the YIMBY Caucus and stands ready to support its work to create a housing market that works for all families.” 

 

“The exclusionary land use regulations that caused California’s housing shortage and affordability crisis are not unique to California -- and the housing crisis has spread to every jurisdiction that copied California’s approach,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “We need strong, pro-housing leadership at all levels of government to bring back the American dream of affordable homeownership, and to give renters a break on their housing costs. The creation of the bi-partisan House YIMBY caucus sends a powerful message: We must remove the barriers to housing abundance.”

 

 “America’s affordable and homelessness crisis demands urgent action by all levels of government to address its two main causes: the severe shortage of homes affordable to people with the lowest incomes and the wide gap between incomes and housing costs,” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “I applaud Representatives Robert Garcia (D-CA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) for creating the bipartisan YIMBY caucus to help advance housing solutions at the scale needed to help end this crisis once and for all.”

 

“BPC Action applauds Reps. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) for creating and co-chairing the bipartisan House YIMBY Caucus,” said Michele Stockwell, President, BPC Action. “At the heart of today’s housing affordability crisis is the acute shortage of affordable rental homes and entry-level homeownership options. We look forward to engaging with the YIMBY Caucus to identify common sense federal, state, and local actions that could be taken to ease regulatory barriers to increase our nation’s housing supply.”

 

“A critical shortage of apartment homes at all price points continues to impact communities across every corner of our country,” said National Apartment Association (NAA) President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “Following an election where housing was at the forefront of conversation, now is the time for bold, bipartisan action. NAA applauds the formation of the Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) Caucus and looks forward to collaborating on sustainable solutions that boost housing supply and improve affordability for generations of renters to come.”

 

“State and local leaders across the country, from both political parties, are taking significant steps to ease restrictive regulations that limit housing growth,” said Alex Armlovich, Niskanen Center Senior Housing Policy Analyst. These efforts span various areas, including zoning and land use rules, permitting processes, procedural reviews, and multifamily building codes. The launch of the bipartisan House YIMBY Caucus marks a watershed in Congress’s recognition of the housing shortage and the need for stronger federal support to bolster state and local initiatives. Niskanen Center’s housing team applauds the founding YIMBY Caucus members—and looks forward to collaborating on innovative, bipartisan solutions to address the housing crisis.”

 

“As voters in the recent election cycle made clear, we need real solutions to our nation’s housing affordability crisis,” said Sharon Wilson Géno - President, NMHC. ”People on both sides of the aisle agree that we need to build more housing in communities across the country to ensure greater affordability and opportunity for all. NMHC is proud to support the creation of the bipartisan YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) Caucus. We look forward to working with the caucus to enact actionable solutions that will result in more housing choices for all Americans.”

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Option A left, Option B right

Economic Development Subcommittee agenda for meeting Weds, Nov 13, 2024

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

November 13, 2024 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 355 East Central Street 

Agenda: 

1. Housing Bond Bill Discussion 

a. Affordable Homes Act Bill Summary 

b. State House News Service article summary 

2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Changes to §185-3. Definition: Accessory Dwelling Unit 

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendments (2): Changes to §185-20. Signs 

4. Marketing and Branding Project 

a. Design Revisions - Presentation & Discussion 

5. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee agenda for meeting Weds, Nov 13, 2024

InvisiblePeople.TV: "With Rent Increases Outpacing Wages, More Families Are Falling into Homelessness"

"22.4 million households are crushed by rent burden, and homelessness is rising fast. Learn how corporate greed and housing shortages are driving the crisis—and how we can fight back."

Skyrocketing rent burden across the U.S. is driving more working individuals into homelessness, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing and policy reforms to prevent further economic devastation.

"Nationwide rent burden has hit an all-time high, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Learn how skyrocketing housing costs are fueling homelessness—and what you can do to protect yourself and your community before it’s too late.

“You have a full-time job. Where do you sleep?”

“I still sleep on the streets,” said Charlie, a homeless man engaged in an eye-opening interview with Invisible People.

“It doesn’t matter if you have two full-time jobs. It’s hard,” Charlie continued, acknowledging the need to pay for other things besides rent, such as food and transportation."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://invisiblepeople.tv/the-crushing-weight-of-rent-how-americas-housing-crisis-fuels-homelessness/?

📰 BEN's Bulletin: New Format, MBTA Communities

Key meetings, events, and resources!

BEN's Bulletin (07/08/24)   We've launched and now we're shaping up! This is the new format of our newsletter, where we'll be sharing information on key meetings, events, and resources. Please feel free to provide feedback. As always, we meet every THIRD THURSDAY at Franklin TV (unless otherwise noted). Our next meeting is July 18 at 7 PM. All are welcome! Our agenda and previous minutes will be shared in advance of the meeting. Key Agenda Items It'll be a relatively quiet season for meetings, but BEN's keeping an eye on MBTA Communities Act compliance and the Master Plan.  For live links and photos, see the items on our Google Doc. What We're Reading Starter homes begin with starter lots (Commonwealth Beacon) How Creative Design Can Turn Strict Zoning Codes Into Success Stories (Strong Towns) The senior struggle to age in community (Commonwealth Beacon) Reach out with any comments or questions. Thanks! The BEN Brigade Know someone else who may be interested in this content? Please share! Newsletter Sign Up Ben 4 Franklin, https://ben4franklin.org/ Send free email today