"aren’t building enough housing to keep up with population growth"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As the demand for more housing surges across Eastern Massachusetts, some communities are grappling with how to meet that need without damaging the quality of life. 

Dedham recently approved a temporary moratorium on new mixed-use development projects; Saugus instituted a moratorium on multifamily dwellings; and Arlington recently delayed action on zoning proposals that would ease restrictions to promote housing growth. 

“Like many cities and towns, there is a concern about growth and the ability to absorb that growth, whether it’s traffic, schools, or the infrastructure,’’ said Dedham Town Planner Jeremy Rosenberger. 

Multifamily housing accounted for nearly all new housing permits issued in Suffolk County between 2000 and 2017, and the majority in Middlesex and Norfolk counties, according to a recent report by the Boston Foundation. Single-family housing continued to predominate in Essex and Plymouth counties."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/globelocal/2019/08/01/too-much-too-fast-towns-hit-pause-big-projects/w7hfobk9LgLVH2gqfc8tFM/story.html

The complete Boston Foundation Report:
https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/reports/2019/june/greater-boston-housing-report-card-2019

On Page 93: the table of "Municipalities with the Highest Affordability Indices" shows Franklin in the top 20 sitting in the 12th position. Compared to the other top rankings Franklin has received, this is not one we want to be on.

the table of "Municipalities with the Highest Affordability Indices" shows
Franklin in the top 20 sitting in the 12th position

Franklin (MA) Town Council - May 8, 2019 - meeting recap

Catching up to some of the meeting summaries that I missed posting, here is the recap for the May 8, 2019 meeting

• A  bunch of residents from the Skyline Drive neighborhood complained about the shrinking the road surface and reduction of sidewalks in their neighborhood.
• Roberta Trahan was appointed to the Cultural District Committee
• La Cantina received approval for their liquor license to be used at the Farmer Market
• A presentation and overview of the senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place.
• The legislative delegation: Senator Spilka, Senator Rausch and Representative Roy appeared to provide updates on legislation and the State budget process.

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting

• Live reporting: Legislation for action
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
• Live Reporting: Legislative Update - Spilka, Rausc...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-legislative-update.html
• Live reporting: Senior Housing Project
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-senior-housing-project.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - May 8, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-town-council-may-8-2019.html

Senator Spilka, Senator Rausch and Representative Roy appeared to provide updates on
legislation and the State budget process

senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place

“There’s a great need”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A proposal for an affordable housing facility for seniors will be in front of the Zoning Board early next month. 

The 40B project has been in the works for over a year and will go to a public hearing at the Zoning Board meeting on June 6. 

The project, named Franklin Ridge Senior Housing, will be constructed on Veteran’s Memorial Drive off Panther Way near Eaton Place Apartments. The proposed three-story building will contain 60 dwellings for residents over 60 years old. 

The building will be placed on 6.5 acres of town-owned land. It will have 45 single-bedroom units at 700 square feet and 15 two-bedroom units at 900 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190520/proposal-for-senior-development-goes-before-franklin-zba-next-month

building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

Affordable Housing Lottery - 35 Palomino Drive

Resale unit is 1541 square feet and includes 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, central air conditioning and a one car garage

INFORMATION SESSION:
March 27, 2019 6:00 PM, Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

LOTTERY:
May 1, 2019, 6:00 PM, Municipal Building, Council Chambers

Affordable Housing Lottery - 35 Palomino Drive, Franklin, MA 02038
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/affordable_housing_lottery_-_35_palomino.pdf

Application
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/application_2019.pdf

35 Palomino Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

AVAILABLE - 96 Grey Wolf Drive - Over age 55 Housing

"Meadowbrook Heights is located on Grey Wolf Drive in Franklin, Massachusetts 02038. The unit for sale is 96 Grey Wolf Drive. The unit is an affordable housing opportunity through the Local Initiative Program (LIP) and will be sold to first-time homebuyers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. The resale price for 96 Grey Wolf Drive is $178,241. 

Deadline for applications is May 14, 2018 at 4:00 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. This unit is available 1st Come, 1st Serve unless more than one eligible purchaser is found, then a lottery will be held. 

The unit includes two bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, central air conditioning, refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal and a one car garage. 

96 Grey Wolf Drive is subject to a deed restriction that will be recorded with the mortgage and deed. The restriction limits the amount that the home can be resold for or refinanced for and requires that it be resold to another affordable buyer. The deed restriction is in perpetuity."

Additional information can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/available-96-grey-wolf-drive-over-age-55-housing

Additional details
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18a_iH0sAeiSZxW2SWB8GUi72LzBD-0JR

Age restriction application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18nyZNyT8ximHpCvv0oAuMknTYNfyeUCk

Affordable Housing For Sale - $196,600 - 47 Leanne Way, Franklin

Franklin Heights is off of Lincoln Street in Franklin, Massachusetts 02038. The unit for sale is 47 Leanne Way. The unit is an affordable housing opportunity through the Local Initiative Program (LIP) and will be sold to first-time homebuyers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. The price for 47 Leanne Way is $196,600. 

The unit includes two bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms , Central Air Conditioning and a gas fireplace. Includes washer/dryer, stove, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. One car garage. 

47 Leanne is subject to a deed restriction that will be recorded with the mortgage and deed. The restriction limits the amount that the home can be resold for or refinanced for and requires that it be resold to another affordable buyer. The deed restriction is in perpetuity.

The information sheet
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_heights_info_0.docx

The application
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/application_2017_not_age_restricted_0.doc

The listing sheet



Where is 47 Leanne Way?

47 Leanne Way - Affordable Housing For Sale - $196,600

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/47-leanne-way-affordable-housing

Town Council hears an update on the SAFE Coalition

The recap of the Franklin Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 12. The highlight of the meeting was the presentation and discussion on the great work being done by the SAFE Coalition. One topic was noticeably absent from the entire meeting. So pay attention and see if you can figure out what it was.

Staci Dooney was approved as a member of the Conservation Commission. There are now 4 open spots on standing board/committees looking for volunteers, in addition to the newly formed Cultural District Committee which is looking to fulfill its slate of 7 members. For the current listing of open positions: 
http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/boards.php

Richard Henken,  President of The Schochet Company, addressed the Council as owner and manager of the Glen Meadow apartments as of May. The Schochet Company is specifically focused to operate, manage, and develop affordable housing. The Glen Meadow apartment complex had dropped off the listing of affordable housing bringing Franklin below the critical 10% threshold. With the purchase and reinvestment by Schochet Company, it is now back on the affordable housing listing bringing Franklin to above 11%. Franklin is now not forced to do an affordable housing 40B development. More about the Schochet Company can be found on their webpage http://www.schochet.com/

Richard Henken,  President of The Schochet Company

The S.A.F.E. Coalition presented and discussed their efforts to help address the substance abuse issues that troubles Franklin and much of MA (as well as the entire US).

I will share the video replay once it is available from Franklin TV and encourage you to view it to get the fullness of the discussion. 

The video replay is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=477

The document used for the presentation is here:

SAFE Coalition - July 12, 2017 from Franklin Matters

Some of the key takeways:

• All Franklin 1st responders are now equipped with NARCAN
• Training and distribution of NARCAN to the community exceeded expectations
• Support line established (call 508-488-8105 for support, but not for emergency situations)
• Additional communications and education events planned
• Franklin Police provide real time overdose tracking for Franklin residents 
• SAFE has a YouTube channel with informative videos

SAFE Coalition presentation to Town Council, July 12, 2017

On the Legislation front, there were only two measures up for vote. One to ratify the Town Administrators new contract and one to accept a donation to the Franklin Fire Dept. Both passed unanimously via roll call vote as Councilor Tom Mercer was participating via phone while on a business trip.

The Town Council Actions Taken document can be found here or on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_july_12_2017.pdf




My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here

• Live Reporting: Legislation through to Closing
• Live reporting: SAFE Coalition - presentation
• Live reporting: Town Council - July 12, 2017

And for those paying attention, the incident with a Town Councilor over the 4th of July weekend that created such a stir was not mentioned.

Affordable Housing Lottery: 32 Brandywine Road - Application Due Jun 19

Friendly reminder that the application for this lottery is due Monday, June 19

Brandywine Village Lottery: 32 Brandywine Road, $247,000. 3 Bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms Central Air, Gas Heat, 2 Car Garage. 

Information Session to be held on Wednesday, May 31 at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers. 

Application deadline is Monday, June 19, Late or incomplete applications will not be entered into Lottery. 

Lottery will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 10:00 AM.

Information page and lottery application
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/32_brandywine_information_package_and_application_1.pdf

Affordable Housing Lottery: 32 Brandywine Road

The reminder was shared from the Town of Franklin page

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/events/125173

Affordable Housing Lottery: 32 Brandywine Road

Brandywine Village Lottery: 32 Brandywine Road, $247,000. 3 Bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms Central Air, Gas Heat, 2 Car Garage. 

Information Session to be held on Wednesday, May 31 at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers. 

Application deadline is Monday, June 19, Late or incomplete applications will not be entered into Lottery. 

Lottery will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 10:00 AM.

Information page and lottery application
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/32_brandywine_information_package_and_application_1.pdf

Affordable Housing Lottery: 32 Brandywine Road

Affordable Condominium Home for Sale - 9 Leanne Way

Affordable Condominium Home for Sale- 9 Leanne Way
For information: https://t.co/aivAmahGZn pic.twitter.com/hjU6R7g9IA

— Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) January 10, 2017

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/818827544011087872

“I’m worried about the density”

"One week after a developer pitched a 21-story apartment building for Coolidge Corner, selectmen have asked state officials to back a temporary moratorium on the review of future projects proposed under the state’s affordable housing law. 

Brookline has 10 separate projects seeking waivers from local zoning that would add hundreds of new units under Chapter 40B. 

The latest is a proposal from developer Chestnut Hill Realty that would bring 320 apartments in a complex on Waldo Street. Under the plan, 64 apartments would meet affordability rules and the rest would be market rate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/12/07/brookline-officials-want-moratorium-new-affordable-housing-developments/QKlw5g5xAQq7Ep8mBtpH6H/story.html

For resources on MA.GOV for 40B  http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/40b-plan/

The Zoning Board of Appeals handles the 40B applications in Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals

Affordable Housing - 5 Mark's Way

5 Mark's Way - Completely updated

Building Description:

• Style: Colonial
• Year Built: 1994
• Building Grade: Good
• Finished Area: 1300 sf
• Number of Rooms: 6
• Foundation Type: Concrete
• Number of Bedrooms: 3
• Number of 1/2 baths: 1 Full Baths: 1
• Flooring Type: Hardwood
• Basement Floor: Concrete
• Heating Type: Forced Hot Water
• Heating Fuel: Gas

House completely updated with granite counters, new appliances, gas stove, new cabinets, hard wood floors, fire place and mantle, 1.5 bathrooms updated

This property contains 0.120 acres of land mainly classified as one family with a colonial style building, built about 1994, having vinyl exterior and asphalt shingle roof cover, with u unit, 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1 half bath

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

You Must Be a 1st Time Home Buyer

• Applications available in Town Administrator’s Office at 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
• Applications available at: Municipal Affordable Housing Trust 
• Contact Maxine at 508-520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us

Another affordable house is available for Franklin residents

Another affordable house is available for Franklin residents. The application details can be found here:  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/5%20Marks%20Way/





http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024B202A-000F8513

5 Marks Way, Franklin, MA

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

• $146,200
• 2 Bedroom, 1 ½ Bath, Electric Heat

Maximum Income Guidelines:

1. Person Household: $51,150
2. Person Household: $58,450
3. Person Household: $65,750
4. Person Household: $73,050

Maximum Household Asset Limit is $75,000.

You Must Be a 1st Time Home Buyer. 

Administrator/Municipal Affordable Housing Trust or Contact Maxine at 508-520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us

• Additional information including the application can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Affordable%20Housing/2%20Benjamins%20Landing/

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

"particularly excited about no longer having to visit the laundromat"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Seniors in Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School's carpentry, electrical, and plumbing and hydronic heating programs received a sweet ending to their Franklin home construction project on May 27. 

The group received a large sheet cake and thank you notes from the family who purchased the home, located on Beaver Court in Franklin. Maxx, the 4-year-old who will be living in the home, listed all of the reasons why he is grateful for his new residence. He was particularly excited about no longer having to visit the laundromat with his family."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160604/tri-county-regional-seniors-build-house

Franklin officials honored Carpentry students and instructor Jeremy Barstow  for their
construction of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom Ranch on Beaver Court.

• Tri-County students recognized by the Town Council for their work on the house

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/franklin-town-council-honored-students.html

• Article marking the completion of the house (with photos)

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/this-class-has-left-indelible-mark-on.html

Franklin Awards Two Affordable Homes to New Families

On April 6, 2016 the Town of Franklin conducted an affordable housing lottery for two homes at 15 Beaver Court and 48 Arlington Street. The homes were awarded as part of the Town of Franklin’s commitment to maintain a diverse housing stock for families of all incomes and to provide improvements to neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of properties. The homes within this program are managed by the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

The Trust Fund was established on May 18, 2015. The Trust has capabilities to receive, hold, invest or expend funds for the rehabilitation, renovation, construction, financing or refinancing of property within the Town of Franklin. The Fund has an open request for proposals every month for individuals looking to sell their property in Town. In some cases, homes may need small or larger renovations, in which the Town may purchase a home, make the renovations, and bring the home up to building code and resale through a public lottery. 

The Fund makes these residential properties available to low and moderate income families looking for a home. The homes are deed restricted and must maintain a level of affordability according to state guidelines. Monies put into the Trust Fund are mostly from mitigation of other development projects in the community. 

For the April 6th lottery, the Town had nine applicants in all for both properties. Held in the Town Council Chamber, the public lottery selected each applicant to provide an order or priority. Two families were awarded the opportunity to obtain a mortgage from a bank to purchase the home. 

Both families have thirty (30) days to secure their mortgage. Please stay in touch with the Town website, Facebook page and Twitter account for any further announcements, application deadlines and other opportunities. Residents may also call Maxine Kinhart in the Town Administrator’s Office with any questions at 508-553-4887. 

one of the homes in the lottery was this one on Beaver Court built by Tri-County students

AFFORDABLE HOUSING available in Franklin, MA

• 48 Arlington Street, RESALE PROPERTY - $165,000

6 Rooms, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 1223 sf, forced hot air and oil heat

• 15 Beaver Court - NEW CONSTRUCTION - $165,000

5 Rooms, 1368 sf, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Large Kitchen with granite counters and
an 18x20 family room, heated by gas

15 Beaver Court

Lottery Date 

– 03/30/2016 held at Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA, 6:00 pm both

Application Deadline: 3/25/2016, 1:00 PM

Household Income Limits: 

• 1 Person - $ 48,800 
• 2 Person - $ 55,800 
• 3 Person - $ 62,750
• 4 Person - $ 69,700 
• 5 Person - $ 75,300 
• 6 Person - $ 80,900

Applications and Information available at the Municipal Building, Franklin Public
Library, 118 Main St., and at www.franklin.ma.us, Affordable Housing. Contact Maxine
(508) 520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us.

----------


The Beaver Court house was the one previously reported as being built by students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/tri-county-students-continue-with.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/franklin-town-council-honored-students.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/this-class-has-left-indelible-mark-on.html

"we respect those concerns, they're legitimate concerns"

"Affordable housing: Not everyone’s favorite topic. It means constant juggling for local municipalities - balancing the needs of current residents with future residents, deciding what is best for the town and attempting to attract younger people and more taxpayers. And making sure at least 10 percent of their housing stock is deemed "affordable" as required by state law. 

Nowhere is this more evident than in a recent study done by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The council recently released a study projecting house needs and demands for MetroWest and the Milford area for 2030. 

The study calls for at least 20,752 housing units to be added by 2030 to meet projected population and households changes. 

One trend among these projections includes a shift of those 55 and older into more rental units instead of owning their homes. Likewise, there is an increased demand in rental units for those younger than 35 and an increase in demand for single-family homes for those aged 35 to 54."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160110/more-affordable-housing-needed-for-future


Additional info on Chapter 40b can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/40b-plan/

More about the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) can be found here
http://www.mapc.org/

280 units coming to West Central St via 40b

Related affordable housing posts

• 280 unit apartment housing coming to Franklin via 40b

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/280-unit-apartment-building-at-1330.html

• Franklin offers affordable housing for 55+

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/affordable-housing-for-55-37-grey-wolfe.html

• Lottery for affordable housing in 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/franklin-municipal-affordable-housing.html

Affordable Housing for 55+ - 37 Grey Wolfe Drive

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Franklin, MA

37 Grey Wolfe Drive

Meadowbrook Heights, An Adult 55+ Community

Located on Grey Wolf Drive (off of Longhill Road) in Franklin, MA

Two Bedroom Town Home Priced @ $174,818

Household Income Limits: 1 Person - $ 48,800 2 Person - $ 55,800 3 Person - $ 62,750

At least one household member must be 55 years of age or older at time of submission.
Approx 1,850 s.f. units. Includes air conditioning and one-car garage. 1st Floor: Kitchen,
Dining Room, Family Room, Master Bedroom with Full Bath, Laundry Room and 2nd
Floor: Bedroom, Bathroom and Loft.

Applications and Information available at the Municipal Building, and at
www.franklin.ma.us Town Administrator’s Page, Affordable Housing. Contact Maxine
(508) 520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022B14B2-000F8513


An image for 37 is not available via Google but assuming the development is the same, here is one for 95 Grey Wolfe Dr

Tri-County students continue with interior carpentry work at Beaver Court

A recent walk took me by Beaver Court to grab a photo of the house that the Tri-County students have built for Franklin. The students were recognized by the Town Council for their work on this affordable housing project.

affordable house being built by Tri-County students

Students began installing kitchen cabinets this past week. 

Tri-County Facebook photo of cabinets being installed at Beaver Court house

For additional photos of the work being done, check out the Tri-County Facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.773075882813839.1073741875.620249754763120&type=1