Showing posts with label building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building. Show all posts

Saturday, June 20, 2015

What's happening with the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House?

The South Franklin Meeting House has been sitting unused since the Historical Museum left it in 2007. What to do with the building has been an on-again, off-again conversation and Franklin has just published a report by an architect outlining some of the more practical options.

Did you know
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House 
Constructed in 1861, the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House (SFCMH) also known as Union Evangelical Meeting House originally functioned as a Congregationalist church. The building is designed in the Greek revival style with 4 Doric columns along the north façade. The building is rectangular in footprint and is approximately 2 stories tall with an attic and bell tower. 
Located within what is currently designated as the greater South Franklin Area, the church was originally intended to provide the Congregationalists of South Franklin a place to commune when inclement weather or the harvest season made worshiping at the main Congregationalist church in the center of Franklin difficult. When religious services were not in session, the building also served as a debate hall for the South Franklin area. 
In 1972, the Federated Church deeded the building to the Town of Franklin. The building housed the Franklin Historical Museum from 1975 until 2007 when the museum relocated. 
The typical exterior wall construction is wood framed with painted clapboard siding and corner  boards on the exterior and painted lath and plaster on the interior.
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House


You can read the full report here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02135427-000F8513

You can also find the same copy here (while the Town of Franklin website has been known to change their links from time to time - this link won't change)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOVNSRWRGTEdlVHc/view?usp=sharing


Sunday, April 12, 2015

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 15, 2015


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This session will not be recorded by Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Zoning Board of Appeals - David J. Lamberto

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
» Hamra Noodles, LLC, D/B/A Noodles & Company – New License
» Gill N Sidhu,LLC – Chinese Mirch - Change of DBA
» Maguro House- New Officer and Director, Transfer of Stock and New Stockholder

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Curbside Collection – Brutus Cantoreggi

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-15:Appropriation and Authorization to Borrow for Purchase and Renovation of Improved Property for Franklin Recreation Department
2. Resolution 15-16:Purchase of Property at 275 Beaver Street for Franklin Recreation Department’s Use
3. Bylaw Amendment 15-746: Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 2nd Reading
275 Beaver St - street view
275 Beaver St - street view

275 Beaver St - back building
275 Beaver St - back building

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN

The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/04152015.pdf

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Beaver St building proposed as new home for Recreation Dept

The Finance Committee heard of plans for the purchase of the building and land at 275 Beaver St to serve as the new home for the Recreation Dept. The Recreation Dept has been housed in the 150 Emmons St property which is in the process of being sold

Emmons St building - under agreement for sale by Franklin
Emmons St building - under agreement for sale by Franklin


The two documents handed out at the FinCom meeting are shown here. 

They are also part of the Town Council agenda package for the meeting scheduled Apr 15th.

The memo from Jeff Nutting outlining the purchase plans




A summary of the Recreation Dept including revenues and expenses from 2011 (actual) to the current 2015 year (projected)




Saturday, March 21, 2015

Property lines, permits, and erroneous enrollment numbers were key topics Wednesday

The quick summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday is as follows:

  1. The Council approved acceptance of several roads that have a a defined road plan and property lines. Some of the early developments had property lines where the ownership went to the middle of the road. In those cases, for the town to take responsibility for the road, it would need to reach agreement with all the home owners; which can be a tedious if not almost impossible task. There are several developments where these road plans are being worked and these tonight were the latest in the series where progress has reached a good point.
  2. Ownership and property lines also arose from a citizen comment. The resident had purchased a home 40+ years ago, had water problems reportedly from the street which the Town at the time corrected with a pump and drainage. Turns out the land never really should have been built upon, the town workers then should not have spent public money for a private benefit. The pump recently failed which the town did replace but also said that this was the last time they were doing anything about it, leaving the homeowner in a real quandary. Fortunately, all parties will work together to see if they can reach a satisfactory conclusion.
  3. Gus Brown, the Building Inspector, provided an overview on the work of his department. The presentation doc can be viewed below.
  4. The School Budget got some good news this week. What had been a $600K shortage due to the Charter School funding and reimbursement process turns out to not be the case as some erroneous enrollment numbers were used which caused the problem in the first place. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be reworking the numbers to use the proper set of enrollment and this situation should be resolved. 
  5. The Town is still awaiting the arbitrators decision on the fire fighter union. This decision would affect the budget as the union has not had a contract for 3 years. The decision has been planned for by putting away some funds to cover but how much will be covered will be dependent upon the decision and then whether the Town Council accepts the decision. Hence, the overall FY 16 budget process is starting real slow this year. One thing is sure, there will be a balanced budget before June 30, 2015. Stay tuned for further developments in this space.




Magnolia Heights, a 140 unit development at Chestnut Ridge, RT 140
Magnolia Heights, a 140 unit development at Chestnut Ridge, RT 140

For additional info on Magnolia Heights, one of the developments underway that the Building Inspector is visiting regularly, check their webpage
http://www.seniorlivinginstyle.com/p/independent_living/amenities_11072/franklin-ma-02038/magnolia-heights-gracious-retirement-living-11072



You can find all my notes reporting live during the meeting here:


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Live reporting: Presentations


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS


  • FY 16 Budget
Jeff Nutting, apparently the charter school enrollment is incorrect which should help the budget forecasted as the proper numbers roll through

Awaiting the fire fighters arbitration award

Once the last numbers come in, will go through the process, beginning with the Finance Committee


  • Gus Brown - Building Commissioner
3 years as building commissioner

review and process residential and commercial permit applications
interpret and enforce zoning

totals of permits on one slide (hopefully will be posted later)

140 unit at Chestnut Ridge under construction

Starbucks and 3 other businesses in the one building

picture of a fire inspection: due to the sheet rock in the garage, the fire stayed in the garage and did not enter the building

there are no unregistered cars allowed unless you are a registered dealer

State offering a program to help manage abandoned homes
the property can be repaired through a court ordered receiver process

136 Chestut St - part of the Affordable Housing Trust

15 Beaver Court - being constructed by students at Tri-County
the framing was done at the school, moved to the site and now the working to complete the house is being done inplace on site

housing zoning starts with Building Commissioner and gets routed through to the Zoning Board of Appeals

Q - on solar panels
A - recent surge, checking for the ability of the roof to support the solar panels especially with snow

Q - what is the outlook on permits
A - it has evened out, several projects on Grove St are coming along
a tenate will potentially use the section of the building wil use the rail connection

Q - Pfeffer - kudos to Gus for working with the Housing Trust

Q - Padula - are the students taking it through to the finish?
A - yes, Glenn Jones is working on the electrical and is doing a great job. If you get a chance to see the kids operating, it is a joy to watch

Q - Bissanti - as far as the vacant homes, are you getting this money?
A - yes, we are. You are not dealing with the home owner, you are dealing with the other entity and they sometimes think that you are trying to buy the home. we don't want to. We want to kept up to keep up the neighborhood.

Q - are you collecting the fees?
A - yes, we are. With out this being in place, they could fly under the radar, now that can't hide.

Q - Dellorco - are we going to have other projects for Tri-County?
A - yes, but we are inline, other towns are seeing what is being done by the students and they want some of that too!

Nutting - I get so many comments about the professional courtesy of he and his staff

Gus - you can't put a price tag on having Mark here to answer questions



Sunday, August 24, 2014

high school training and demolition

Saturday morning's walk found the FHS boys and girls cross country team doing a workout on the Town Common.

FHS cross country workout on the Town Common
The walk included checking on the demolition of the old high school building. Looking towards where the field house used to be. It is gone, the small gym is gone and most of the two wings directly behind.

old high school building coming down 1
old high school building coming down 1
 What is left of the entrance to the field house and the main corridor shows here

old high school building coming down 2
old high school building coming down 2
 The section that the DPW used is partially gone.

old high school building coming down 3
old high school building coming down 3
What does remain are piles of steel collected here and there for recycling.

old high school building coming down 4
old high school building coming down 4

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Emmons Street Discussion on Wednesday Town Coucil Agenda

An email from the Downtown Partnership
The downtown Emmons Street property discussion is on the agenda for both the 5:30 Economic Development meeting and the 7:00 Town Council meeting this Wednesday. 

A citizen's group called the "Gateway Committee" will be presenting their letter regarding suggestions for the RFP for this town property. 

Both meetings will be held at Town Hall.  The Economic Development meeting will be in the conference room or lecture room.
Emmons St early this year in snow
Emmons St early this year in snow

Dear Mr. Vallee: 
The future redevelopment of 150 Emmons Street, the site of the former Municipal Building in
downtown Franklin, is located at one of the key gateways to Franklin Center. The property has a rich, longstanding history. For these reasons, we as interested citizens would like to see the redevelopment of the site remain a key gateway into downtown Franklin, which will maximize short-term and long-term benefits to the Town and its residents. 
We would like to go on record, however, that this committee strongly urges the Town Council to wait on any development of this property until we can assess the true and real impact of the upcoming Streetscape project that will include a new two-way traffic pattern both on West Central Street and Emmons Street. 
As a committee and a community, our overarching priority is to preserve the quintessential New England character and charm that downtown Franklin provides by including conditions in the future request for proposal that will define how the gateway to downtown will be developed. The following conditions help marry the principles that the Town has defined for the commercial district by creating a neighborhood identity that promotes pedestrian activity, human interactions, safety and livability. 
This parcel is in the heart of the proposed Franklin Cultural District. A community green space would offer economic benefits to the town by encouraging foot traffic and bringing people downtown to shop or dine. Additionally, this space could provide a venue for a multitude of cultural activities, for example outdoor art exhibits, an artisan marketplace, or music and theatre performances. 
● We request that approximately 20% of the property, roughly 8,000 square feet, be retained by the town of Franklin, specifically the southwest parcel of land, in
perpetuity, to be used as community green space. Maintaining the corner of this
parcel would allow the Town of Franklin to control the initial welcoming impression of visitors to the downtown area.
● We fully concur that a statue or monument in honor of Horace Mann is  appropriate and needed, and we support this measure that has been broadly talked about in discussion of the future use of this space. We recommend that the statue and green space project be designed and managed by a community committee in conjunction with the Town, rather than an outside developer, so the statue is done to the community's specifications. We suggest securing state funding for this important project.
● We suggest that the building frontage to Route 140 have limited setback, after landscaping provisions, to continue and enhance the New England style main street appeal that exists in the downtown area.
● We request that parking be sufficient and adequate for the building use but not a
primary focus of the development, with consideration given to the streetscape project and traffic pattern changes that have yet to occur.
● We explicitly request that no drive-through of any sort be permitted in this
development.
We feel strongly that these conditions above,incorporated in the request for proposal,
together with the long-term planning recommendations above, will lead to a welcoming
private/public investment to the gateway of downtown Franklin. 
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signed, the Supporters of the Franklin Gateway Committee

Del Arnold, Michael Lucier. Karen M Young
Sue Bencuya, Christopher Lucier, Pamela Williams
Hannah Close, Amanda Lucier, Bruce Wood
Vicki Coates, Stephanie Miksis, Deborah Ryan
Jane Curran, Lisa Maxwell-Rounds, Raye Lynn Mercer
Alec Danz, Maxwell Morrongiello, Hallie Wetzell
Stacey David, Lisa Piana, Connie Jones
Gary Donelan, Nancy Rappa, Roberta Trahan
Gail Eckberg, Guy Rezendes, Lisa Carlucci
Barbara Evans, Joanne Roche, Karilyn Hammer
Tom Fahey, Rev. Carol Rosine, Selena Cousin
Alan Mercer, Marjorie Sardella, Maura O’Brien
Richard Fotland, Carl Scheinman, Claire Griffin
Denise Schultz, Theresa McDougall, Thomas G. Curran
Paul Guarino, John Sheridan, Wayne McDougall
Tina Guarino, Sue Sheridan, Robert Piana
Daydre Hamilton, Jean Sirois, Richard Guardabascio
Jim Kupfer, Chris Sternadore, Suzanne Sayward
Maria Lucier, Lynn Wetzell, Lisa Buccella
Kathleen M. Kirchmyer, Bill Buccella, Virginia Gillis
Claire Malette,. Kathleen Nosek, Rebecca Skinner
Jim Hill, Erica Luttazi, Bob Hamilton
Brenda Hutchinson, Kelly Luttazi, Rita Fahey
Joshua Close, Julie Dolan, Paul Peterson
Judy Luttazi, Katie Buccella, Sam Pasquantonio
Patricia Prewitt, Steve Luttazi, Terri Frank
Kevin Dolan, Kim Rezendes, Carolyn Marr
Tina Powderly, Bob Hamiilton

Friday, December 27, 2013

Annual Report 2013: Building Inspection Department

Continuing our series sharing sections from the Annual Report 2013 of Franklin, MA  we have the Building Inspection Department.

The Building Inspection Department is a multifunction office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:
  • Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR
  • Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185
  • Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR
  • Mass. Plumbing and Gas Code – 248 CMR
  • National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002
  • Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98
  • Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of OperationThe Building Inspection Department’s hours are
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.,
Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m. 
For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklin.ma.us/inspections. This site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals. Shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.  
Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown
Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney
Asst Wiring Inspector: James Laughlin
Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick
Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill
Sealer of Weights & Measurers
Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards
Staff Assistants
Barbara J. Curran
Nancy Danello/Zoning
Judy Demers 
Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.  
Fiscal Year 2013 brought many changes to the department. In August Stephen O’Neill was hired to the fill the Local Building Inspector position and Nancy Danello became the Zoning Board Administration Secretary and Building Department staff assistant in September.  
Building Permits
Fiscal year 2013 was a continuation of strong permit activity, with the new high school being at the top of large projects that we oversee. Agastini Construction is the contractor building the new high school and they are on schedule. New home construction was up by 10 units and alterations of homes and businesses also increased.  
This year the Building Department issued a total of 1257 building permits and the revenues collected were $449,987.00  
The following is a breakdown of the past years building permit activity:
Single Family Residence 35
Attached Town Houses 7
Apts. Or Stacked Condos 24
New Building Commercial 6
Building Misc. $671.00
Accessory Dwelling Units 5
Addition(s) 30
Alteration(s) 672
Amended Permit(s) 1
Deck 64
Swimming Pool(s) 23
Garage(s) 3
Shed(s) 13
Foundation(s) Only 2
Demolition(s) 11
Tent(s) 17
Sign(s) 55
Woodstove(s) 32
Carnival(s) 2
Fence 3
Earth Removal 2
Repair(s) Rehab 107

Certificates of Inspection
Inspection and certification of specified use groups shall be inspected annually in accordance with Table 110 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. This year the staff issued 82 certificates of inspection and the fees collected for the certifications amounted to $18,240.00. 
Certificates are issued for all public and private schools, churches, day care centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, bleachers, restaurants, alcoholic beverage establishments, multi-family dwellings (3or more units), movie theaters and other places of assembly. The Fire Department has assisted our department in assuring compliance with the Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of these inspections are to ensure the public safety and well being of the general public. 
Certificates of Occupancy
The Building Inspection Department issues a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. All buildings/structures shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy is issued.  
This department has issued a total of 118 certificates of occupancy and the total fees collected amounted to $8,250.00
Electrical Permits
The total number of electrical permits issued was 963, the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $103,640.00. 
Plumbing Permits
The total number of plumbing permits issued was 859, the total fees collected and deposited
amounted to $109,439.00. 
Gas Permits
The total number of gas permits issued was 874 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $34,767.00 
Division of Weights and Standards
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, Division of Standards provides this service on behalf of the Town of Franklin. The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for providing the services of testing, adjusting, sealing and handling all complaints regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices within the Town of Franklin. The department investigates consumer complaints regarding unit pricing laws; spot-checking prepackaged items for compliance with all weights and measures laws.  
Inspections were conducted by the State and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $8,393.00 Total Revenues Collected: $733,387.00  
This past fiscal year was my first as a building commissioner and the help from my staff, citizens and town workers made the transition a great experience. I look forward to continuing to serve the Town of Franklin. 
Respectfully, 
Lloyd Brown
Commissioner of Buildings
Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at


Monday, November 25, 2013

The exterior of the new FHS building is almost closed up

Sunday was a windy and cold day to walk but the sun was fully out providing good light to take pictures. The new high school building appears to have only a few bricks left to place and some openings to close up. The construction was reported to be on schedule and on budget at the last update by School Building Committee Chair, Tom Mercer.

FHS_Profile_2
from the distance

FHS_Profile_1
getting closer

FHS_Profile_3
and closer still to see the details


FHS_Profile_4
the gymnasium section exterior is almost enclosed

FHS_Profile_5
an angle view across the front and main entrance

FHS_Profile_6
closer to the front and main entrance
This will add to the series of updates to show the progress on construction. You can find all the updates here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Annual Report 2012: Building Inspection


The Building Inspection Department is a multi-function office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:
Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR
Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185
Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR
Mass. Plumbing & Gas Code – 248 CMR
National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002
Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98
Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation
The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m. For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklin.ma.us/inspections. This site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals. Shed/barn instruction manuals, complaint forms, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown
Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney
Asst Wiring Inspector: James Laughlin
Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick
Sealer of Weights & Measurers: Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants
Barbara J. Curran/Zoning
Eileen A. DiGiacomo
Judy Demers

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries. Inspectors and staff continue to be trained on the changes with the new codes. David Roche has left the Department and is now working for the Town of Needham. We thanked David for his 14 years of service and all that he did for the town. The remainder of the staff continues to take on additional work load and responsibilities while still maintaining normal business hours open to the public. I also thank all of them for the continued excellent work they perform every day for the Department and the Town of Franklin.

Building Permits
Remodeling construction remained steady for the year with new home starts closer to normal, and subdivisions continue to be constructed. Commercial construction and tenant fit-up of existing buildings remain strong. This year the Building Department issued a total of 1185 building permits and the revenues
collected were $471,395.96

The following is a breakdown of the past years building permit activity:
Single Family Residence(s) 25
Attached Town House(s) 9
Apts. Or Stacked Condo(s) 2
New Building Commercial 6
Building Misc. 6
Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) 5
Addition(s) 42
Alteration(s) 463
Amended Permit(s) 1
Deck 48
Swimming Pool(s) 35
Garage(s) 3
Shed(s) 7
Foundation(s) Only 9
Demolition(s) 17
Tent(s) 13
Sign(s) 31
Woodstove(s) 24
Carnival(s) 1
Fence 0
Earth Removal 2
Repair(s) Rehab 384

Certificates of Inspection
Inspection and certification of specified use groups shall be inspected annually in accordance with Table 106 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. This year the staff issued 82 certificates of inspection and the fees collected for the certifications amounted to $18,240.00. Certificates are issued for all public and private schools, churches, day care centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, bleachers, restaurants, alcoholic beverage establishments, multi-family dwellings (3or more units), movie theaters and other places of
assembly. The Fire Department has assisted our department in assuring compliance with the Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the public safety and well being of the general public.

Certificates of Occupancy 
The Building Inspection Department issues a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. All buildings/structures shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy is issued. This department has issued a total of 76 certificates of occupancy and the total fees collected amounted to $5,500.00.

Electrical Permits
The total number of electrical permits issued was 998 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $94,224.00

Plumbing Permits
The total number of plumbing permits issued was 589 and the total fees collected and deposited Amounted to $61,529.00

Gas Permits
The total number of gas permits issued was 600 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to
$28,004.00

Division of Weights and Standards
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, Division of Standards provides this service on behalf of the Town of Franklin. The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for providing the services of testing, adjusting, sealing and handling all complaints regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices within the Town of Franklin. The department investigates consumer complaints regarding unit pricing laws; spot-checking prepackaged items for compliance with all weights and measures laws. Inspections were conducted by the State and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $12,023.50

Total Revenues Collected: $655,152.96

The Building Commissioner would like to thank his staff, the various town departments, boards
and officials for their support and assistance throughout the year.

Respectfully,

Lloyd Brown
Commissioner of Buildings


From the Town clerk page on annual reports. This comes from the 2012 report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Friday, December 30, 2011

Franklin, MA: Inspections and Building Dept


Department's Mission:
All the functions of a Building or Inspection Department can really be summarized as a simple seven (7) part process. While the amount of information is sometimes overwhelming and there are hundreds and hundreds of pieces to our work, the overall process is simply seven (7) steps:

The Department:
1. Receives information (permit applications, plans, specs, complaints, etc.);
2. Reviews the information for compliance with a legal standard (Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Zoning Codes, etc.);
3. Issues approvals or list of corrections (permits, notice of deficiencies, cease & desist orders, etc.);
4. Inspects in the field for compliance with the approvals;
5. Signs off or issues corrections notices;
6. Stores, and makes available upon request, all of the foregoing as public records, and lastly;
7. Follows the State and Local financial processes for the Department.


Additional information on the work of this department can be found on their page within the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Inspections/index


Page 129 of the 2011 Franklin Annual Report lists the activity for the prior year
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/Desktop/FRANKLIN%202001%20TR-WEB%20COPY.pdf (Note the page reference is to the PDF version, Page 124 would be printed version)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

"We will put those numbers out to the public as soon as they're available"


"I think it's a really well thought-out and efficient design," said Sabolinski, adding that the building will also save money in heating bills and other operational costs. "We're not building something just for today. I think it's very utilitarian and it ... will also stand the test of time." 
The first suggestion the School Building Committee gave was that space, including larger classrooms, be added throughout the design, since Whitman-Hanson has 1,350 students, and Franklin has 1,650. 
The School Building Committee-approved modification that received the most discussion was the gymnasium, which would replace the current field house. The field house is 30,000 square feet, Ai3 principal architect Scott Dunlap said, although it has only 22,000 square feet of usable space. The gymnasium in the proposed new school could have 23,000 square feet of usable space.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1656492899/Franklin-committee-makes-new-high-school-design-its-own#ixzz1Z90wD2rA



Thursday, July 28, 2011

"for a lot of reasons it's the best choice"

Town officials originally thought to make repairs to the high school, which has so many problems that a national school accreditation agency put Franklin on warning status. To make the necessary repairs, workers would need to gut the school as the whole building would need to be brought up to the current building code. 
A new building is expected to be constructed atop the current tennis courts, a baseball field and a softball field, putting the school closer to the football field and track. 
Construction would take two years; renovation would have required four years of work, officials have said. 
School leaders have said a key benefit of a new school would be that students could make use of the existing structure while a new one is being built. 
"I think for a lot of reasons it's the best choice, not the least of which (is) there will be no disruption of the educational process," said Thomas Mercer, chairman of the town's School Building Committee.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1704351515/State-accepts-Franklin-into-model-school-program#ixzz1TOKtr2D9


Thursday, July 21, 2011

"The state will cover 58 percent"

"It seems like an absolutely slam-dunk no-brainer," said Town Council Vice Chairman Stephen Whalen, of building a new high school instead of renovating the current structure. 
The town will make use of the state's model-school program, in which the building committee would pick one of four state-approved options for a school that's already been designed. Building a new school under the model-school program will cost the town roughly $40 million, only about $3 million to $4 million more than gutting and renovating the existing building. 
"The most telling endorsement we got was from the architect who's going to lose his job if we get accepted into the model-school program," said Chairman Scott Mason, who also serves on the building committee. "For him to stand up and say, basically, this is a no-brainer, says a lot."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510860843/Franklin-councilors-OK-with-plan-for-new-high-school#ixzz1SjQIZLhC

Thursday, May 5, 2011

We need your help for Build Day!


Hello everyone,
The first ever Franklin Community Garden is happening and we are full steam ahead.  We are building the 46 beds this Saturday, May 7th and we need your help! We will build them and then fill them up with that gorgeous soil!  There are two 3-hour shifts to choose from unless you want to help the whole day!  No amazing "building skills" required.  All the wood will be pre-cut, so if you know how to hold a piece of wood, then you are skilled enough to come help!
Hope to see you this Saturday to help make Franklin an even greener place!
In health and sawdust,
Franklin Community Gardens
--

Subscribe to the blog!
Yes, we are on Facebook.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Franklin residents urged go to meeting about school plans

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 4/25/11


School officials are encouraging residents to attend tonight's School Committee meeting to learn about the options being considered for renovating or building a new high school.


Things you can do from here:

Thursday, March 31, 2011

School Building Committee - documents from 3/30/11

The handouts from the School Building Committee meeting on Wednesday 3/30/11.


  • Page one shows the calculations for the four options discussed.
  • Page two shows the differences primarily between options one and two
  • Page three covers the pros/cons of the options.
  • Page four provides the financial impact to the Franklin's taxpayers.



School Building Committee - Docs 3/30/11


The meeting notes (including photos from the meeting) can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-school-building.html


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the documents

Franklin, MA

Public Hearing Scheduled: Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives

The Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 7:10 p.m. to solicit public comments on a draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives for the Town of Franklin owned property (know as the former Nu-Style property) at 87 Grove Street, in Franklin Massachusetts. The following activities are currently being considered related to the Town of Franklin owned property: removal of hazardous materials within the vacant two story former manufacturing facility, demolition of said manufacturing facility, and partial remediation and or disposal of contaminated soil. The project is funded in large part by a $200,000 EPA Brownfields Clean-up Grant. The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

Written comments and suggestions related to the draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives and proposed project may be submitted to the Town of Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Deadline for comments is 12:00 p.m. Monday May 2, 2011.

A copy of the draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives has been added to the Information Repository for this project. The Information Repository, which is a collection of Nu-Style project documents including a Community Relations Plan and environmental assessments, has been established at the office of Planning and Community Development at the Franklin Municipal Building, and is available for viewing during normal business hours. In addition the draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives is available for viewing on the Town of Franklin’s Community Links web page:

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/NuStyle.

The Town encourages a broad spectrum of participation by residents and other interested parties in order to better understand and serve the needs of the community. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for the hearing impaired, please contact the DPCD at (508) 520-4907 no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011.



Franklin, MA


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Live reporting - School Building Committee

Kaestle Boos Associates, inc
Daedalus

about 30 people attending (good participation from Council and School Committee)

The meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters

Committee members (to be filled in later)

The architect normally brings forth three options, tonight we will see a fourth option. The committee makes a recommendation for the MSBA. The MSBA does see all the options and makes a final decision.

housekeeping

Mike McKeon making the presentation

One change to discussion from prior meetings, the space allocated to BICO

Option 1
bus entrance top right of layout as shown in picture

SchBldgComm: Option 1 - overview

small addition for administration to accommodate the entrance
less impact on site

major changes inside the structure
note these are conceptual drawings

SchBldgComm: Option 1 - 1st floor

central space, student commons, open to media center gallery open above (to second floor)
black box theater, cant get a traditional auditorium in the building but did need some space for approx. 400 seats
large courtyard, small courtyard in central entrance space
seating for the black box theater can be folder up and stored in a space along the wall
cafe and kitchen will remain where they are but be heavily renovated
media center important to the culture of the school
field house and gyms will remain in location, structural upgrade for support planned

the upper floor, attempting to bring light into the middle of the building
four clusters on second floor, four clusters on first floor, total of eight clusters

SchBldgComm: Option 1 - 2nd floor

the corridors don't look like much on the drawings but they are complex
one issue being addressed is that the levels are about 30" off, so they are proposing to reconstruct within the existing ceiling to correct the high difference

SchBldgComm: Option 1 - views

no place within the building to hold more than one class (approx. 400 students)

we don't have group areas within the cluster but they are adjacent to it

after a review of the floor plan options, they will review the dollars associated with each and the pros/cons

the lecture space is about 6500 sq ft, about the same size as the small gym

Option 2
adding a fifth tennis court, replace more sidewalks
drop offs same as in #1

SchBldgComm: Option 2 - overview

no small addition for science rooms in this option
the open space remains, but becomes a cafeteria
cluster concepts remain

SchBldgComm: Option 2 - 1st floor

art courtyard shifts from one side to another (by gym)
science moves to the other side (where art was in #1)
main entrance shifts to the main open space as in #1
the current 'main entrance' becomes the 'public entrance'

2nd floor locker room becomes mechanical room

SchBldgComm: Option 2 - 2nd floor

SchBldgComm: Option 2 - views

Option 3
'new building' done before at Westwood high
leaves field house in place, puts a new building on the fields
then takes down the existing building to create the athletic fields

SchBldgComm: Option 3 - lower level

the new building provides more opportunity for levels, going up and down
Panther Way becomes straighter through the property

SchBldgComm: Option 3 - main level

the track and football field would remain
in term of student impact, this is the better option

lower level has cafe and media center, option for outside dining
2 clusters at this level

main level with main entrances also has three clusters
windows to look down into the 'black box' etc. on lower level

SchBldgComm: Option 3 - upper level

upper level has another three clusters (total of eight)
two story space in media center, lots of light

SchBldgComm: Option 3 - views


Dollars

50-58% of the funding will come from the MSBA
encouraged re-use of model designs

(detail copy of estimates found here)

Option 1 - $73,100,000 - Franklin cost = $30,800,000
Option 2 - $96,400,000 - Franklin cost = $40,800,000
Option 3 - $97,900,000 - Franklin cost = $45,600,000
Option 4 - $91,600,000 - Franklin cost = $38,500,000

the page two sheet needs to be considered if you do Option 1

-----
updated

questions to clarify the options
Option 3 vs. 4, why is the site work double?
the model school would go out more into the filled area of the soil closer to the track/football field than Option 3 would be hence the higher removal/remediation cost.

Whitman-Hanson is one of the model school examples
they have a double gym with an elevated track

Option 4 would take us off the time line (not answered yet as to how far)
The renovation options numbers were coming in so high, what else can we do?

Option 1 vs Option 2 is really comparing apples and oranges due to the changes in the center and around the cafe/kitchen

time frame phases differ
24-36 months for option 1 and 2, more like 24 months for options 3 and 4

is customization allowed in the model school program?
yes, especially for the slope of the ground

controls would be put into place to prevent exposure to hazmat issues for the students and school personnel

Plymouth North one of the model schools is fully air conditioned

The model school program  has been wildly popular

Why would they make us do the model school and not allow us to keep the field house?
The construction design would have to be customized so the savings for the field house would be offset

What do we get for $54M for the renovation?
All new MEP, new electrical, HVAC new, elevators,
we have an estimate, I think the estimate is conservative
the model school program has bids in to compare to, we don't know what will be bid on this

pros/cons sheet handed out (to be added later)

what will the operational costs be?
Franklin High is a very efficient building, so the new building will be somewhat more expensive
a smaller building will be more efficient, less space to heat and cool

Option 3 and 4, are smaller foot print and a third floor
the difference space wise is only 20,000 sq ft amongst the four options

sustainable is re-using what you have, compared to a new building, the renovation of Option 1 is definitely more sustainable

8% contingency for renovation projects, so you may use 5 of it
new custom design carries 5%, and you may use 3% of it
with the model school, it is already been built so the contingency is usually carried at about 3%

the recent bid projects have been coming in under budget

$200-220/ sq ft for renovations, and $260/ sq ft for new constructions
the model schools tend to get more competitive bids (Natick and Norwood recent examples)

Option 3 and 4 cost include the abatement and demolition of the existing building

Jeff Nutting handed out a projection on what it would mean to the taxpayers
level funded as opposed to a higher burden in year one and declining over the terms

the average tax bill would be $230 for a $35M value and $260 for a $40M
the difference is $30/year between a brand new building and a renovation

What is the process for the committee to proceed?
There is no decision being made tonight, I would like to get a consensus from the committee on where to go from here. With the model school option before us, it would be wise to visit one or two of the schools. Get back together again in 3-4 weeks, to come to a decision on which option to recommend for MSBA.

Realistically Option 3 is not likely to be selected
per architect Option1 fits the FHS program better than Option 2

They actually put together the Option 2 first, then after seeing the sticker prices, backed into Option 1

Is there a preference in running the building between 1 and 2?
2 fits the program the best per the FHS
Option 3 and 4 are quicker with no disruption

Classroom sizes are currently smaller than the MSBA requirements, going with the new building we would get larger class rooms

Prior to this week, they were on the agenda for May, likely to be pushed off to July, this would not affect a fall vote. Will give enough time to prepare the due diligence for the presentation to MSBA

Propose to put Option 3 aside
Look at adding from sheet 2 to Option 1 to come up with an Option 1, Option 1.5, Option 2 and Option 4
the sheet 2 stuff are aesthetics and outside grounds

Whitman-Hanson, Hudson, Ashland

You need to bring three options to MSBA and give a recommendation
one of the options may be mute, but there is no negotiation with the MSBA, they will just pick an option

issue with parking, a long walk from the parking
limited with where we could go due to the land adjacent

a more details document of the pros/cons would be needed by the MSBA
the entrances we have been highlighted for students
the public would still maintain the entrances in the front or through the field house

if going to the black box for a performance, I would come in through the front and walk through the corridors not seeing much of where the money went

There is some negotiation even with the model school option after the MSBA has picked
model school is structured more to the enrollment

These numbers are still preliminary!

5 districts have chosen the Whitman-Hanson model, only 1 chose Ashland, 2 chose Hudson

MSBA starts with the ed-spec, then gets into the discussion on scope and site work (can't be more than 8% for site work)

SchBldgComm: Inside entrance Option 1

the goal of all the options was to achieve the same program (visioning exercise)

presentation portion is now complete, closing up

The document handouts from this meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/school-building-committee-documents.html


Franklin, MA