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

State of Housing in MA: "housing costs are out of control"

State of Housing in MA:  "housing costs are out of control"

via Abundant Housing MA

The new State of the Nation’s Housing report from @Harvard_JCHS confirms what we already know: housing costs are out of control.

Massachusetts must act NOW to legalize more housing, build near transit, and invest in homes that people can afford.

Read Molly’s Recent Blog Post ➡️https://www.abundanthousingma.org/the-state-of-the-nations-housing-why-massachusetts-needs-bold-action-on-housing/


Check out the report ➡️ https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_The_State_of_the_Nations_Housing_2025.pdf

Read our policy priorities to build a Massachusetts for everyone ➡️ https://www.abundanthousingma.org/2025-2026-priorities/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXWmorO7MV/

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

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

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

group photo of Groundbreaking Ceremony (Old Colony photo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appreciation Event celebrates the collaboration that returned a single family home to franklin housing stock (video)

State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lXcfc3-nNbI

Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers

Event background:

The Franklin Housing Authority has acquired the ‘long-time vacant’ property located at 813 Summer Street, Franklin. The beautifully renovated three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and the property will remain in the Town’s affordable housing stock through perpetuity.   

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates.

 

Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT’s Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Speers, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT’s Trust Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.

Read full article: 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-housing-authority-preparing-to.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 10, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 10

 

* Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Open Mic Night (Birchwood Bakery)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

April 10, 2025, 3:00 PM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04102025-1664 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings

April 10, 2025, 2:00 PM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5145/April-10-2025---Agenda?bidId= 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

April 10, 2025, 7:30 PM = No meeting, next meeting is April 24

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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-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, March 13, 2025 ???

Thursday, March 13

• "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Open Mic & Spoken Word (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

7:00pm Franklin Cultural Council Grant Awards (Dean College Guidry Center)

For additional details on Senior Center & Library events ->    

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Bi-County Collaborative Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, March 13, 2025 9:00 AM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03132025-1631

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings

Thursday, March 13th Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/318?fileID=4197

Charles River Pollution Control District

Thursday, March 13th 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03132025-1623

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Thursday, March 13th  Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03132025-1626

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, March 13th Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Zoning-Board-of-Appeals-31/?#_03132025-1615

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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-calendars