Strategies for Affordable Housing Production ** 2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft **

Strategies for Affordable Housing Production
 

Section 3 of this Housing Production Plan (HPP) includes a substantial number of Implementation Strategies, which for the most part are ways to incentivize the creation of affordable housing. The Implementation Strategies section provides an explanation of the specific strategies the Town will achieve its housing production goals. In addition, Section 3 provides a description of Regulatory and Funding Incentives that can be used to stimulate affordable housing or other desired development projects.
 

Strategies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Amendment of zoning regulations in order to increase the likelihood of creating Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) eligible housing developments
• Use an incentivized Inclusive Zoning bylaw to attract SHI unit developments.
• Utilize Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments (WH-STA’s), multi-year property tax exemption, as incentive to create middle-income housing.
• Perform an extensive assessment of the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 185 of Franklin Town Code. Specific attention will be shown to housing density, creating zoning related development incentives, assessing parking requirements, and other Zoning best practices.
• Advance projects under the Local Initiative Program to create the type and level of affordable housing best for the community.
• Consider creating a density bonus incentive program that allow more units of housing to be built than would be allowed under current zoning regulations, in exchange for a developer’s provision of affordable housing units or other public good.
• Actively engage with developers to further incentivize SHI development.

Plan Implementation
The HPP’s implementation will require the commitment of a variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards, commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned above the Town will implement the goals outlined in Section over a five-year implementation period. Department of Planning and Community Development  (DPCD) will provide an update the HPP implementation on a biennial basis, or as requested by the Town Administrator.

 

Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Info on the public comment period

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/2021-draft-housing-production-plan-open.html

Plan Development and Public Participation

 

 

What do housing choice and brownfields have in common?

There not a real direct link but now that I have your attention, there are two things to be aware of:

 

1 - MHP (@mhphousing) tweeted on Wed, May 12, 2021:

 

In this episode of The Rewatchables, listen from 11 to 29 min. when @MAPCMetroBoston Eric Hove goes over key features of #HousingChoice & multifamily near transit requirement. Detailed look at new laws & what needs ironing out. https://t.co/EK2FwgmAJ4 @massmunicipal @MassEOHED

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhphousing/status/1392555249907421186?s=03)

2 - MAPC (@MAPCMetroBoston) tweeted on Thu, May 13, 2021:

 

Join MAPC & @GroundworkUSA for a workshop on repurposing brownfields sites with solar energy installations!

You'll hear about models for B2B projects that advance equity & community benefits, & learn about a new tool to ID potential sites.

Register: https://t.co/ySZTyOS5ax  or here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvcu6vqzIrHtUEDaOjJ16fekHd77_S4Wru

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MAPCMetroBoston/status/1392877668631187462

 

workshop on repurposing brownfields sites

"we don’t build enough homes for everyone"

"PASSING AMBITIOUS LEGISLATION matters for obvious reasons, but so too does the rule-making process that follows a law’s passage. Final language often leaves state agencies with tremendous leeway, and real-world impact can vary widely based on administrative decisions that often get far less public scrutiny. Political scientist Leah Stokes calls this the “fog of enactment,” which opens the door for better-resourced interest groups and engaged insiders to water down the impact of landmark legislation.

Responding to years of advocacy for zoning reform, the Legislature recently passed a new transit oriented development law requiring cities and towns in the MBTA service area to create at least one zoning district that legalizes modest multi-family housing construction of at least 15 units per acre. The new law is a great opportunity to address our region’s housing crisis, but critical details remain to be worked out through a complex rule-making process involving the Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Transportation, and the MBTA – which could last for much of the coming year. Depending on where this process lands, this promising new law could, in practice, net thousands of new homes – or almost none. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/getting-the-details-right-on-transient-oriented-development-law/ 

Toronto's urban center "grappling with a housing shortage and affordability crisis"

Before I retired I had the opportunity to visit Toronto a few times. As Canada largest city, they have rejected a technology based development to take a more human approach. As Franklin continues the discussion on development and affordable housing, their work may provide some ideas we can use.

"Canada’s largest city is moving towards a new vision of the future, in which affordability, sustainability and environmentally friendly design are prioritized over the trappings of new and often untested technologies.

In announcing its new vision this week for Quayside, Toronto has backed away from many of the previous plan’s most futuristic promises, a move experts say reflects growing skepticism over technology’s role in urban planning decisions."

What is the new vision?

"Waterfront Toronto today launched an international competition to secure a development partner for the Quayside lands. The first step in this effort is to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify potential development proponents with the proven experience, design portfolio, financial resources, and shared vision necessary to bring Quayside to reality.  

“The people of Toronto have told us that they want to see a bold vision realized on the waterfront that reflects the confident, welcoming, and imaginative civic spirit of our city,” said Stephen Diamond, Chair of the Board for Waterfront Toronto. 

“We are looking for leaders in the development field that will share our ambition to create a place that fuses Quayside to the water, and provides more beauty, utility, and originality than previously imagined. We want Quayside to be timeless, adaptive, and to propel us into our rightful place among the great waterfronts of the world,” Diamond concluded. 

Quayside will usher in a new chapter in Toronto development. It will remind people of everything they want from living in the city and demonstrate what is possible when vision, passion, and design excellence are brought together. " 

Continue reading about the development planning for Quayside:

https://waterfrontoronto.ca/nbe/portal/waterfront/Home/waterfronthome/newsroom/newsarchive/news/2021/march/waterfront+toronto+launches+international+competition+for+quayside+development+partner

Opening quote from The Guardian gets into more of the background on the rejected development approach: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/12/toronto-canada-quayside-urban-centre

Affordable Housing Opportunity - 24 Shayne Road, Unit 111

Affordable Housing Opportunity

Franklin Heights Estates – First Come First Serve 24 Shayne Road, Unit 111 - Resale

$191,780

Garden Style Condominium, 1st Floor, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 1,000 sf, with Gas Heat and Central Air Conditioning

Includes: Refrigerator, Stove/Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Hard Wood Floors, Basement-Storage Unit

Taxes: $14.65 per $1,000, Condo Fee $174.00/Month Maximum Income Guidelines:

1 Person Household: $67,400 2 Person Household: $77,000 3 Person Household: $86,650

4 Person Household: $96,250

Maximum Household Asset Limit is $75,000.

First complete application received as of 3/12/21 will have the opportunity to purchase. You Must Be a First Time Homebuyer. For Application contact Maxine at 508-553-4890 or mkinhart@franklinma.gov or https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust page.

Shared from the Housing Trust page

https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust/news/affordable-housing-opportunity-24-shayne-road-unit-111

Recap of Town Council meeting Mar 3, 2021 - train station discussed, appt to ConComm approved, ambulance fees approved

Quick Recap:

• appointment to Conservation Commission approved, all committees/board now with full compliment of appointments
• Erin Rogers of Senior Center talks about the tax work off programs available from the State and from Franklin
• discussion on the condition and future of the downtown MBTA train station and exercise in futility. parking an issue downtown, apparently due to zoning changes made that can be/should be reviewed again
• vaccine not available for local clinic per State, teachers were added to eligibility as of Mar 11, 2021

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gN3Z5Y2wUxdXqBNa6

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #TC0303

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0303&src=recent_search_click 

• Real time reporting about to begin for Town Council meeting #tc0303 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda 
• Meeting opens, Chair runs thru the standard protocol statement on meeting conduct #edc0303 a small group at opening.
• #edc0303 meeting is announced for phone callers  One (member) remote, other 8 in Chambers
• #tc0303 (yup, 2nd time tonight used prior meeting to tag a tweet, oops) no citizen comments
• Motion to approve Jan 3 minutes, second, Chandler announces that the minutes are in great order, compliments to Judy L for doing them. Passes 9-0 via roll call. Motion on Feb 17 minutes
• Second, passes via roll call 9-0, #edc0303 appointment to conservation commission, Bissanti recuses, motion and second, after tonight, all vacancies are now full. Passes 8-0-1 1 recused (Bissanti)
• No hearings, no license transactions; moving to presentations, Erin Rogers from Senior Center on the tax work off program, if taxes are more than 10% of income, if renter and taxes more than 25% of income. Need to file with state, meet income guidelines. #tc0303
• #tc0303 anything we can do to help residents with their taxes, talk to their accountants and to the senior center for the form. If people qualify for this, they should also apply for the DPW for a credit against the water, sewer, etc. Storm water if it comes, may would need to
• Suggestion for something on the webpage for assistance available. #tc0303 clarification, you can do both it is not double dipping. State program is one and there is also the Franklin program.
• Other than web page, send elsewhere (i.e. newsletter) as some seniors don't go to the website. #tc0303 legal ads we spend 40K annually with Milford Daily News, also appearing as PSA with Franklin TV. http://Ma.gov webpage takes you right to DOR page and info
• #TC0303 moving to downtown Franklin MBTA station and parking lot. Was on evaluation and goals, a paper trail was included in the meeting docs. Kudos to Frank Falvey who has been a persistent advocate for addressing this item see page 17 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/3-3-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 
• Maps of the station from package  #tc0303
• Continuing discussion on the station, a frustrating situation. This is a T issue and with pandemic they are in lots of trouble with revenue. #tc0303
• They are extending the line double track and going around the station. Also would need to take care of the bridge
• If you're in for a penny, you're in for more than a pound. #tc0303 we offered to but it from them, and they turned us down. Zoning changes recently increased parking requirements downtown and there is no space available. "This like beating a dead horse"
• #tc0303 lighting is brutal, and the bike racks are always full, can't they add some?
• Best opportunity may be the transit oriented development the Legislation that was recently passed called for.
• Let's think of the downtown and consider changing the zoning when the guidance Jamie mentions comes out. #tc0303 
• Budget meeting 3/17 at 6 PM, EDC just met tonight. Some things coming to council for consideration. Draft of business guide reviewed. Coming soon
• Moving to legislation for action, second reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._als_bls_web.pdf #tc0303 for ambulance service fee adjustments for this year.  Motion and second, vote via roll call (BLS basic life support, ALS advanced life support.) 9-0
• #tc0303 next up Quarterly PEG funds, the flow through of cable fees to Franklin TV per MGL, as an approved transaction  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._peg_-_web.pdf motion, second, passes via roll call 9-0 (Bissanti not going to yell at cable tonight)
• #tc0303 St Patrick's day serving dinner to seniors via the curbside cafe. Make reservations! Phase IV part 1 the library will be opening March 22, incredible innovation, popular curbside pickup; COVID school staff eligible as of Mar 11, schedule via portal
• No local clinic anytime soon, legislative delegates advocated but we're not getting supply. #tc0303 insufficient doses available in March to meet requirements. Per Gov Baker's press release. Happy to answer questions.
• Moving on. #tc0303 consensus on addressing downtown zoning now
• Kudos to the sports teams, great work! Great to hear of the town's work on a national podcast. Buses moved from former Kegan space to use King St until the Panther Way property is ready, helping the schools
• Yesterday was Franklin's birthday, and it wasn't noticed. 3/2 is the birthday. 243 years young. 
• Agendas and packets for CPC will be online #tc0303 excited that the library will be open. Don't let the guard down, we are almost there.
• Thanks to the community for doing what it takes, numbers are down, keep it that way. #tc0303 motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 
• That is all for tonight, thanks for following, catch you next time!

train station discussed

New York Times: "Where Have All the Houses Gone?"

"This picture is a product of the pandemic, but also of the years leading up to it. And if half of what is happening in the for-sale market now seems straightforward — historically low interest rates and a pandemic desire for more space are driving demand — the other half is more complicated.

“The supply side is really tricky,” said Benjamin Keys, an economist at the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. “Who wants to sell a house in the middle of a pandemic? That’s what I keep coming back to. Is this a time you want to open your house up to people walking through it? No, of course not.”

A majority of homeowners in America are baby boomers — a group at heightened risk from the coronavirus. If many of them have been reluctant to move out and downsize over the past year, that makes it hard for other families behind them to move in and upgrade."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/upshot/where-have-all-the-houses-gone.html

As a "baby boomer", we (my wife and I) are looking to downsize and the problem we find is that there is not an acceptable smaller option for us readily available in Franklin, or even in MA. While some of what I would like is available in the South (North, South Carolinas, etc...)  I don't want to go there. 

The article touches on this in mentioning baby boomers but doesn't get into the nature of the supply problem: What kind of inventory do we have? (Whether it is available or not is a separate piece for now). Do we have inventory that would meet the needs of the marketplace and the population now and near term?

Instead of building apartments why not serve the growing sector of the market (i.e. the aging boomers). The Town used the demographics to expand the Senior Center. How come the developers are not using those demographics?

New York Times:  "Where Have All the Houses Gone?"

"The town, using Community Preservation Act money, bought the lot"

Via the Community Preservation Coalition:

"Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity wants to build a cluster of up to 20 homes on a sliver of town-owned land off Route 41 in Housatonic.

The project would create the town’s first homes designated as affordable — nearly half of the units would be reserved for households making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income.

The town acquired the 7.5-acre parcel, known as the Alden property, last year for $175,000, and entrusted its development to the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Habitat proposal was the only one submitted for the site.

The formal vetting of the plan got underway Friday, when the board heard details about the plan via Zoom. Habitat is proposing 14 to 20 homes at varying costs, to be built in phases, said Carolyn Valli, Habitat’s CEO. It would begin with seven homes, and more would be added gradually, in collaboration with Construct Inc. and the community."

Continue reading the article at the Berkshire Eagle: https://t.co/LHiuyNR0YQ

"the Biden plan proposes increasing the tax credits to lower health premiums or even “eliminate” them"

 

"Tucked into President-elect Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan is a one-sentence provision that could drive billions in federal subsidies to help people afford to buy health insurance.

The proposal would do two things: make upper-middle-income Americans newly eligible for premium subsidies on Obamacare marketplaces, and increase the financial help that already goes to lower-income enrollees. Taken together, some experts expect these changes to drive more sign-ups for Healthcare.gov plans after they fell in the Trump era.

Democrats have spent much of the last two years pressing for these policies, outlining ideas in candidate platforms and fine-tuning them in congressional legislation. The House even passed a similar proposal this past summer, but none of it had a shot at becoming law with President Trump in office and a Republican majority in the Senate.

Now, control of the White House and a slim majority in Congress mean the first real prospect of significantly strengthening Obamacare since it became law in 2010. President-elect Biden’s inclusion of policies to shore up the health law in his first major legislative package has raised those hopes further. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/16/upshot/biden-obamacare-stimulus.html

Boston Globe highlights housing changes coming if Gov Baker signs new law

The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) tweeted on Mon, Jan 11, 2021: "New law would require high density housing near T stations https://t.co/cRAFw4Yf7V"

"For years, housing advocates have argued that one of the smartest ways to tackle Greater Boston’s housing crisis is to make cities and towns that are served by the MBTA build more housing near subway and train stations.

Last week, their wish was granted. At least for now.

Tucked into the 101-page economic development bill passed by the Legislature at the end of its session in the wee hours of Jan. 6 was a measure that would require municipalities served by the T to allow denser housing in at least one district near a station. It’s a measure that could eventually create thousands of apartments and condos in Boston-area suburbs, if it gets Governor Charlie Baker’s signature."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/11/business/new-law-would-require-high-density-housing-near-t-stations/ 

Direct link to legislation document awaiting signature

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250

The move should be approached cautiously to avoid unintended consequences (like gentrification). This was highlighted at least in 2014 with this Boston Globe article:

"Trains can make neighborhoods, by connecting residents to jobs and enabling an intensity of development that isn’t possible in places where residents are handcuffed to their cars. But trains can also break neighborhoods, because gentrification often comes hitched to the back of a rail car. If a city greets new transit with indifference, the most vulnerable residents around a new station don’t stand a chance of remaining in their neighborhood.

Boston is facing that dynamic because subway-like rail service will soon come to the Fairmount Line. The city is scrambling to find a way to harness the Fairmount’s economic potential without triggering runaway gentrification."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/07/15/making-fairmount-line-gentrification-proof/KB568Ymham1MCS6iY7bPgM/story.html

 

Community Preservation Act (CPA) For Franklin Discussion - 10/22/20 (audio)

FM #374 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 374 in the series.

This session shares the conversation about the Community Preservation Act. The conversation was conducted on Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The voices you will hear in order of appearance will be that of mine, Monique Doyle, Roberta Trahan, and Susan Speers.

The show notes contain links to the Community Preservation Act webpage and other social media links. 

The conversation runs about 22 minutes.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1F15s2K

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Community Preservation Act web page  https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/ 

Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/cpaforfranklin 

Instagram account  https://www.instagram.com/cpa_for_franklin/ 

Twitter account  https://twitter.com/cpa_franklin 

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

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/

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"

Community Preservation Act (CPA) For Franklin Discussion - 10/22/20 (audio)

Community Preservation Act: Frequently Asked Questions - answered by CPAForFranklin

Question of the Day: 

"Is there really any open space left to save in Franklin?"

 https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-is-there-really-any.html

 

Question of the Day: 

 “I don’t mind paying more on my taxes for saving open space, but I don’t want to pay more for the other uses. If money raised gets split up, will it really ever be enough to do anything with?”

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-will-there-be-enough.html

 

Question of the day:

"Does adopting the CPA mean there will be an additional tax when I sell my home?"

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-does-adopting-cpa-mean.html

 

Question of the day: 

"How is the CPA amount calculated? Will the CPA surcharge be figured as 2% of my property value under the CPA?"

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-how-is-cpa-amount.html

 

Question of the Day: 

"Doesn’t the Town have enough affordable housing for those who need it?"

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-doesnt-town-have-enough.html

 

Question of the Day: 

“How many communities have adopted the CPA? And have any revoked it?” 

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-how-many-communities.html

 

Question of the Day:  

How is the allocation of local funds prioritized? 

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-how-is-allocation-of.html

 

Questions of the Day:  

1 - Who decides how Franklin’s CPA funds would be spent? 

2 - How will Franklin decide which projects will be funded? https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-two-questions.html

 

If you have a question about how the Community Preservation Act (CPA) works, please email CPA4Franklin@gmail.com.  

 

As additional questions are asked and answered they will be posted to the page here https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/p/frequently-asked-questions.html

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Invisible People: "‘American Dream’ Takes Final Blow"

"Our nation is on a trajectory to experience exponentially more homelessness. Yet this didn't occur overnight. 

Over the past 40 years, unequal income distribution has allowed the top 1% of earners to take roughly $50 trillion from the bottom 90%. "

Read more https://t.co/BAXtZvX55F

Invisible People: "‘American Dream’ Takes Final Blow"

Boston Foundation Housing Report Card

"Some fascinating (and troubling) data being shared by @sassermodestino at the new @bostonfdn Housing Report Card webinar. Mass. being hit hard - especially communities of color - what will it mean for housing stability? Her new report is up now at https://t.co/zP5HSLhLui."

 

"Although economists are predicting a gradual recovery of the U.S. economy beginning sometime in the third quarter of 2020, forecasts show that the labor market will not return to pre-pandemic levels until the end of 2022.1

In Massachusetts, where unemployment is significantly higher than the national rate, it could take even longer to recover all of the jobs lost during the COVID-19 recession due to the initial severity of the pandemic and the exposure of key industries like education and health care.

Against this backdrop, residents face reduced unemployment insurance benefits that will constrain their ability to continue making their housing payments in full. Coupled with the eventual expiration of state and national eviction moratoriums, the cumulative impact of deferred rental and mortgage payments has the potential to lead to large increases in housing displacement in 2021."

Read the full report online:

https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/reports/2020/september/greater-boston-housing-report-card-equity-and-resilience-20200923

 

There are also links to watch the webinar and to download the presentation copy

 

Tweet from Ted McEnroe (@tmcenroe) https://twitter.com/tmcenroe/status/1308772716548362240 https://twitter.com/tmcenroe/status/1308772716548362240?s=20 https://twitter.com/tmcenroe

 

ttps://twitter.com/tmcenroe/status/1308772716548362240?s=20 

 

Boston Foundation Housing Report Card

 status/1308772716548362240?s=20  https://twitter.com/tmcenroe/status/1308772716548362240?s=20
https://twitter.com/tmcenroe/status/1308772716548362240?s=20.com/tmcenroe/status/1308772716548362240?s=20 

"Unfortunately, the need is likely to be still greater"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin.

"WITH COVID-19 DEATHS and infections remaining low here, enhanced federal unemployment benefits continuing through July, and the state’s emergency freeze on evictions still in effect, it’s possible to believe that Massachusetts is rebounding better than the rest of the country. 

But this is only the eye of the hurricane. The second half of 2020 risks becoming an unfolding catastrophe unless state leaders take decisive action before the end of July. 

The key is to stabilize housing, now. 

So far, the 30,000 undocumented workers in the state who were laid off during the pandemic have borne the brunt of the crisis. Without access to federal assistance, their families have been in dire circumstances. They are scraping by through the heroic efforts of friends, families, neighbors, charitable groups, and churches. 

But on August 1, the problem escalates exponentially, when enhanced federal unemployment benefits end for hundreds of thousands of workers. Even with most employees returning to work, perhaps 120,000 households in the state will have trouble making their housing payments. A survey from the MassINC Polling Group revealed that 29 percent of all renters surveyed had already missed a full or partial payment by the end of May. Young people, communities of color, service workers, and part-time employees have been hit particularly hard."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/the-eye-of-a-housing-hurricane/?

MMA to hold Conference to address housing challenges in small, rural communities

"The Massachusetts Housing Partnership will hold a conference on April 16 in Hadley to address the housing challenges faced by small and rural communities in the central and western parts of the state.

The Western Massachusetts Housing Conference, co-sponsored by the MMA, will focus on using data to support housing needs, housing rehabilitation, affordable home-ownership opportunities, distressed and abandoned properties, senior housing and community outreach and coalition building. It will also address the findings in last October’s Rural Policy Plan, prepared by the Rural Policy Advisory Commission to identify rural areas’ needs and the specific challenges they face.

The conference is geared toward officials, volunteers and municipal and nonprofit employees. Event sponsors include the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

It will be held at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The cost is $30 for municipal planners, volunteers and nonprofit employees, and $50 for people from for-profit organizations. Breakfast and lunch will be provided."

Link to more information and registration
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07egwfo5d509ce092f&llr=myxae4jab

Shared from the MMA page:
https://www.mma.org/conference-to-address-housing-challenges-in-small-rural-communities/

FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

FM #191

This internet radio show or podcast is number 191 in the series for Franklin Matters now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This recording shares the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting held on Monday, January 13, 2020 in room 205 at 9:00 AM at the Municipal Building.

Agenda:

• Jon Juhl of JNJUHL & Associates will give an update on Franklin Ridge Senior Housing
• Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development, to discuss the Housing Production Plan

The link to the proposal document for Franklin Ridge Senior Housing to follow along
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fEIDh_9lPWMMLpmE_vilz9E0YMODrwf-/view?usp=sharing

After the presentation, the folks in the room do a round of introductions as this was the first time meeting in awhile. I had stepped out of the room to arrange for a copy of the presentation so did not participate in the round.

The current Housing Production Plan referred to can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ahs.pdf

Additional info on the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust

The meeting runs about 75 minutes, so without further ado here is the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting of Jan 13, 2020.


Audio link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXFgV7SX


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Overall:
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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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FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

Your input is needed for this Short Housing Survey

Short Housing Survey

1 - Please take a few moments to respond to our short housing survey. You can find it HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11ntyxG2AYmXct2kvHRct1r_UioDqQjh6KQrAV2LKmjs/viewform?


2 - In addition, if you have not yet responded to our Economic Development Survey, please find it HERE: https://forms.gle/6SJpXeWPvg2H37A96

Both surveys close on December 13.

Thank you in advance for your time and input!

 

Your input is needed for this Short Housing Survey

Affordable housing - What can Franklin do?

Yes, Franklin is sitting above the 40B line at 11.89% per Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. The percent has been known to vary. With additional residential building underway, the number can and will change. 

At the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday (coincidentally), a proposal for 100+ apartments was discussed for the former Keigan auto dealership with no affordable housing as part of the proposal.

Affordable housing should be part of the "What will Franklin look like in 2028?" discussion. Will today's children growing up here, be able to come back after college (assuming they choose that one of many routes), and afford to live here?

Franklin is not alone in this situation, a report in the Milford Daily News today shows the median home price across MA is now approaching $440,000.

"Massachusetts home sale agreements shot up 9% in July, compared to a year ago, and the median price of a single-family home put under agreement last month rose to almost $440,000."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190814/median-mass-home-price-is-nearly-440k

 Maybe Franklin can begin like Salem has.

"The city of Salem has released a four-part video series to help residents better understand the housing shortage and the importance of creating affordable housing policies for the culturally and economically diverse city.

“Homes for Salem,” produced by the city with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, is a part of a larger community conversation about housing challenges and possible solutions, said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.

“It’s making people stop and think about what is happening in the community, especially those who may not be directly impacted,” Driscoll said. “It puts a face on the housing challenge by having those affected tell their story.”

https://www.mma.org/salem-video-series-raises-housing-challenges/

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/5ikt11DXzCw
Part 2 - https://youtu.be/BH7cHgUogv8
Part 3 - https://youtu.be/KEBgh6BUleM
Part 4 -  https://youtu.be/0417u4hhqLY

Quick Summary: Economic Development Meeting - Aug 14, 2019

I chose to use Twitter to capture the highlights of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Assuming the audio recording works out, I'll share that later. In the meantime, the two main topics were discussed in the approx hour and 20 minute session.

I managed to grab a photo of both the draft site plan drawing and a rendition of a proposed building for the former Keigan location. Understand that both are 'draft' and may change during the life of the proposal.  

Economic development committee meeting starting #edc0814 pic.twitter.com/5NhgDeFExb

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 14, 2019

Full EDC membership for meeting with 20 plus others in attendance this evening to discuss plastic bag ban proposal. Idea of a subcommittee to look at overall solid waste issue in lieu of this proposal brought forward #edc0814

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 14, 2019

Draft proposal for former Keigan lot is a mixed use development with restaurants and apartments. Issue is with the 100+ units and it not including affordable housing puts us on the path of jeopardizing the 40B percentage we achieved #EDC0814

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 14, 2019

from the back of the Training Room, almost a full house with 20+ folks

camera snapshot of the draft plans for the former Keigan location

camera snapshot of the photo rendition shared at the meeting, the rendition may change as the proposal works its way through the process