Gus Brown & I talk inspections, permits, line of sight, and the need for smart building (audio)

FM #1256 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1256 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Building Commissioner Gus Brown. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

We talk about 

• His road to the Building Commissioner role

• Inspections department scope and permits

• Key info for residents (on permits, pools, line of sight, etc.)

• Need for smart building to keep growing revenue

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1256-town-of-franklin-gus-brown-07-18-24/

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Building & Inspections page => https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department   

Permit information page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/22/files 

Online Permits page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department/pages/line-permitting 

Town of Franklin business guide -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_business_guide_5_0.pdf 

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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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee seems to reach consensus on land lease, keeping building (audio)

FM #1235 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1235 in the series. 

This session shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Subcmte meeting held on Monday, June 10, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

They had not met this year awaiting the receipt of Expression of Interests in the building/property. Five were confirmed received by the due date, May 31. 

After much discussion including hearing briefly from 3 of the 5 who happened to be present, the committee reached consensus on keeping the building intact, exploring a lease arrangement for the land, liking the mixed use proposals that may include housing.

 

The recording runs about 1 hour and 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1235-davis-thayer-bldg-reuse-subcmte-mtg-06-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV5S5rdihD0

The agenda and links to the proposals and appraisal:

1. Property Appraisal Review

a. Real Property Appraisal Report, Shepherd Associates, LLC - May 1, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024_davis-thayer_real_property_appraisal_report.pdf

2. Expressions of Interest

a. Matthew Zajac  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/matthew_zajac_davis_thayer_music_mecca_proposal_1.pdf

b. Dean College  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

c. Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

d. HFA and TMC Properties  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

e. Camford Property Group, Inc.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sdxZAwZejdks44Wd9QcQCw5HhQ7IErC/view?usp=drive_link

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee has 5 Expressions of Interest to consider - June 10 at 7 PM

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee seems to reach consensus on land lease, keeping building (video)

The Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee met on Monday, June 10, 2024 as scheduled. They had not met pending receipt of Expression of Interest in the building/property. Five were confirmed received by the due date, May 31. 

After much discussion including hearing briefly from 3 of the 5 who happened to be present, the committee reached consensus on keeping the building intact, exploring a lease arrangement for the land, liking the mixed use proposals that may include housing.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV5S5rdihD0

The agenda and links to the proposals and appraisal:

1. Property Appraisal Review

a. Real Property Appraisal Report, Shepherd Associates, LLC - May 1, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024_davis-thayer_real_property_appraisal_report.pdf

2. Expressions of Interest

a. Matthew Zajac  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/matthew_zajac_davis_thayer_music_mecca_proposal_1.pdf

b. Dean College  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

c. Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

d. HFA and TMC Properties  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

e. Camford Property Group, Inc.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sdxZAwZejdks44Wd9QcQCw5HhQ7IErC/view?usp=drive_link

 

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee has 5 Expressions of Interest to consider - June 10 at 7 PM

 

Franklin grease trap policy proposed to be formalized in Town bylaw (audio & video)

FM #1193 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1193 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Economic Development Subcmte Meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  The meeting was held at the Municipal Bldg and conducted in a hybrid manner. Chair Melanie Hamblen, Councilors Brian Chandler & Cobi Frongillo were in the Council Chambers. Councilor Sheridan was absent.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 5:45 and actually started at 5:55 (not 6:55 as is announced by Chair Hamblen). There was technical difficulty with the Zoom video but not with the YouTube video or any channel audio. Turned out to be a setting in the meeting set up that turned the video off for this session. (Duly noted for future sessions).  

Quick summary

• Current policy across Health Dept, Building Inspection and DPW calls out the requirements for grease traps for commercial use. Those policies would be combined into one Town bylaw to formalize and remove possible confusion or contention as to which one takes precedence.

• The draft bylaw was recommended to be moved to the Town Council for their review and approval. This one would not need to include the Planning Board for review.

The meeting runs about 26 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1193-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-01-24

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Economic Development Subcmte page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee 

Meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-05-01_edc_agenda_packet.pdf 

Franklin TV video on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/live/YKganfWutTA?si=EJQ77tsztrptv4Mi&t=100

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

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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

Franklin grease trap policy proposed to be formalized in Town bylaw (audio & video)

First communities in Mass. to ban gas appliances get final state OK

"After years of deliberations, negotiations and regulatory rollout — and some well-publicized “agita” in the corner office — a handful of Massachusetts cities and towns can now significantly limit the use of fossil fuels in new building projects.

The state’s Department of Energy Resources gave seven communities the final green light to begin a groundbreaking experiment: they will require new construction and major renovation to embrace fossil fuel-free infrastructure for uses like heating and cooling.

They include Acton, Aquinnah, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington, which can now effectively mandate that most construction or significant renovation projects within their borders abstain from oil and gas hookups.

Effective dates vary by community. In several cases, the rules will take effect within three months, though Lincoln’s will not kick in for roughly six months and Aquinnah’s appears to have already started on Jan. 1."

Continue reading the article at the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/05/business/massachusetts-gas-bans/

New construction in Cambridge and at least six other cities and towns in Massachusetts will be largely free from fossil fuels under a new pilot program approved by state energy regulators last month.LANE TURNER/GLOBE STAFF

"Beyond slashing carbon emissions, the grant-funded work will make living in these renovated units more comfortable"

Miriam Wasser (@MiriamWasser) posted on Tue, Nov 21, 2023:

"The first installment of Massachusetts' $50m grant to decarbonize affordable housing developments went out today.

The money will be used to electrify and retrofit over 700 units across the state. "

Full article -> https://t.co/sypqvNKjgq

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MiriamWasser/status/1727087328181751961

MASS.gov press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-27-million-to-decarbonize-affordable-housing-across-massachusetts

Mass. awards $27 million to help ‘decarbonize’ hundreds of affordable housing units

Boston Globe: "Boston’s plan to ban fossil fuels in new buildings goes up in smoke"

"Wu’s decision not to apply for the program came as a surprise to environmental advocates and legislators who have been trying to move the state away from heating and cooling new structures with fossil fuels. Constructing buildings that are only powered by electricity is considered among the low-hanging fruit of plans to decarbonize. Buildings account for roughly 70 percent of Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The decision marks an abrupt departure from the mayor’s recent statements, delivered in press conferences and radio interviews, that the city intended to participate in the program and lead by example.

Wu said, “it breaks my heart,” but that the city was not applying for the state program because it appears it was not actually intended for a city as complex as Boston, with its large population and already-strained electric grid. She said she had gotten “clear indications that Boston would not be chosen for the one available spot.”

Maria Hardiman, a spokesperson for the state Department of Energy Resources, said the challenge for Boston is that it’s “electrically similar” — meaning the age of the infrastructure and demands on the system are comparable — to several other cities or towns that have already been selected for the program, including Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, and Arlington. Those similarities “would have presented a challenge in the selection process” because the pilot program is aimed at getting data from a diverse group of communities."

Continue reading the article online ->    https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/11/13/science/boston-will-not-apply-to-ban-fossil-fuels/

Shared from Sabrina Shankman (@shankman)->    https://twitter.com/shankman/status/1723830814788518112

Boston Globe: "Boston’s plan to ban fossil fuels in new buildings goes up in smoke"

Sun Chronicle: "'It is falling apart': Supporters say new Tri-County building project sorely needed, vote scheduled for Oct. 24"

"Holes in walls. Leaky plumbing. Aging systems. Outdated educational facilities.

These are just a few of the issues supporters say plague the nearly 50-year-old Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, a facility tasked with training students in modern, high-tech vocational education.

Not only is the school district’s original building outdated for educational purposes, the facility and its systems are well beyond their life expectancy and need $165 million-plus in repairs, school officials say.

Voters in the 11 school district communities, including North Attleboro, Plainville, Wrentham, Norfolk, Seekonk and Franklin, will vote on a planned new $286 million school at a special election Oct. 24."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/it-is-falling-apart-supporters-say-new-tri-county-building-project-sorely-needed-vote-scheduled/article_33e86abb-b22f-5caa-91f7-d702884cf60b.html

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1713603503795368019

Tri-County Superintendent-Director Karen Maguire says the nearly 50-year-old Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School building is in need of replacement. “The facility is failing,” Maguire said.  MARK STOCKWELL/THE SUN CHRONICLE

Watch to the Tri-County New Building Information Session - 10/03/23 (video)

The Franklin TV recording of the information session held Tuesday, Oct 3 at the Franklin Public Library is available.

Tri-County School Committee members Peter Wiernicki and Jen D’Angelo presented, assisted by a Facilities Representative.

• The current school is 'broken', per the MSBA process the building did evaluate options to renovate, renovate & create an addition, or rebuild. The rebuild option was selected as the most viable 

• The cost today is shown as 284M, MSBA will reimburse 29%

• Oct 24, 2023 is scheduled date for approval of the Tri-County school replacement project approval by the 11 community members of the Tri-County district

• The October 24 vote will be conducted across the 11 communities at the same time, from 12 PM to 8 PM. The vote will be counted in aggregate and a 50% +1 is required for passage

• The 11 individual communities can make their own decision on how to fund the expense of the new building. Franklin has chosen to do a debt exclusion to raise the money separately from the operating budget. That vote is schedule for the Nov 7, 2023 election ballot

Watch the session -> https://youtu.be/SWhZxW8AtNo

or Listen to the audio of the info session, approx. 47 minutes

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1070-tri-county-rvths-new-blgd-info-session-10-03-23

  Jen D’Angelo and Peter Wiernicki 

Tri-County New Building Info Session - Oct 3 at Franklin Public Library