New Public Hours at The Municipal Building begin Monday, Jan 4

New Public Hours at The Municipal Building

Beginning Monday, January 4th, the Municipal Building will be open to the public Monday - Thursday from 8 AM - 2 PM and on Fridays from 8 AM - 1 PM.

All departments are available during regular business hours via email and by phone.

Visit our website at www.franklinma.gov for all contact information. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/new-public-hours-municipal-building

New Public Hours at The Municipal Building begin Monday, Jan 4

Franklin, MA: Board of Health meeting recap - Dec 2, 2020

Quick Recap:

• discussion and overview of a prescription pharmacy being developed for pilot to assist seniors with chronic health conditions to gain a better diet; coordinating with Senior Center, Food Pantry and Winters Farmers Market, additional communications scheduled when ready for pilot
• discussion on possible enforcement items; rooster at residence where not allowed, chickens also there not covered by required permit; building demolition committed to by owner at Jordan Road site; paperwork on Title 5 septic system sizing for another residence discussed
• working with a dance studio on possible competition trip out of state that could results in fines if travel order not complied with
• COVID-19 cases increased again this week but we're still in yellow status as positivity rate dropped from 4+ to 3+ (if over 5, would revert back to a prior level)
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rshQADQdd8wXhq5r7

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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  #BoH1202
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BoH1202&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting #boh1202
• Intern working to develop a pilot for a Prescription pharmacy coordinating with the Senior Center, food pantry, farmers market, etc to prescribe a set of foods to help a person have a better diet …
• And help people use diet to address chronic health conditions; diabetes for example. Using a prescription (known format) to help coordinate with the orgs for the person with a health conditions #boh1202
• Person with rooster (unauthorized) has been notified but not responded
• Also has chickens on site that are not permitted. Apparently owner ignoring notifications to this point. #boh1202 titled 5 system has capacity for more than what the house has bedroom, capacity for.
• Owner has agreed to either demo or rebuild the building on Jordan Rd (subject of fire couple of years ago). #boh1202 aware via parents of a dance studio competition in NH, would be violating the current travel order and disregard the ban. Potential fines to be faced
• Obtained letter verbiage from DPH to obtain student/family info so she can cross reference the travel order. If they don't comply, potential fines to be faced per individual in violation. #boh1202 Board approves course of action. DLS could fine $5k for not working with the board
• Number of COVID cases climbing, over 200 positive, still yellow per positivity rate; discussion on notifications to businesses and Community if we were to change, and capacity would reduce as we step back #boh1202
• If we reached more than 5% positivity rate we'd change status, had been 4 and dropped to 3.
• Motion to adjourn, voted 2-0 to adjourn #boh1202 catch you later (Town Council meeting at 7 PM) 

 

screen grab of process for prescription for health diet

Franklin Food Pantry Names Capital Campaign Committee

Hires Local Architect Firm and Project Manager to Renovate Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry has announced members of its Capital Campaign Committee. The Capital Campaign Committee, led by Franklin Food Pantry Board member, Suzanne Gendreau, consists of local leaders and Pantry staff and will work to raise funds to renovate 138 East Central Street into a vibrant functioning Food Pantry. In April of 2020, The Pantry purchased the building to better serve its neighbors. In addition, The Pantry has hired Franklin-based Brad Chaffee of Camford Property Group as its project manager and Kuth Ranieri Architects as its architect to design the plans of the new Pantry.

Suzanne Gendreau

Along with Gendreau, the committee members include: Lynn Calling, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry; Kim Cooper, donor relations manager; Ingrid Cornetta, public relations professional; Jeff Ellis, CPA;  Glenn Jones, town council member; Susan Morrison, realtor; Donna O'Neill, food pantry volunteer; Laura Often, communications manager; Jeff Roy, state representative and Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters editor. For more information about the committee visit the Franklin Food Pantry website (https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/campaign/).

"We couldn't be happier with the group of people who have stepped up to help us raise the money we will need to make our dream of a new building a reality," said Lynn Calling, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "The Franklin Food Pantry is more than just a food pantry, it is a place to build community, provide resources and help our neighbors improve their quality of life. By moving into a larger building, we will be able to store more food and hold places for our neighbors to meet together to better share resources as well as offer a safer place for our neighbors, volunteers and staff."

The Pantry has also selected Camford Property Group's Brad Chaffee to project manage the build out and named Kuth Ranieri Architects as its architect. The Franklin Food Pantry has conducted focus groups with staff, volunteers and neighbors to learn what they are looking for in a Pantry and the designs will reflect those suggestions and ideas.  "Brad's leadership will ensure that the project is both cost-effective and organized. With Brad, we selected Kuth Ranieri Architects because of their experience with civic projects and dedication to improving communities," continued Calling. "They also bring a local connection to the project so we know they will take extra care in ensuring that the building reflects the values of The Pantry and the Franklin Community."

The Franklin Food Pantry will launch a public capital campaign later this year. In the meantime, donors can visit here to make a donation to the campaign or can set up their own fundraising page here. For more information visit: www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,400 individuals. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Between June 2019 and July 2020, 287,691, pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

Town of Franklin, MA: Business Drop Box available for Mail in Ballots

"Welcome a newly designed official Town of Franklin Business Drop Box which will also service Mail in Ballots.

This is the only location for an official ballot drop box in Franklin.

Stay tuned here for more election updates through November!"

https://t.co/FGG0E35x71

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1311378530371018761?s=03

Town of Franklin, MA:  Business Drop Box available for Mail in Ballots

FM #343 Town Council - Building Dept Update - 9/02/20 (audio)

FM #343 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 343 in the series. 

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. After 

• A statement on the election results of Sep 2
• Two citizens comments
• Approval of minutes of 7/29/20 meeting
• Public hearing for lot line changes

Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, presents an update on the work his department conducts in coordination with Inspections, Zoning Board of Appeals and others. The segment includes the Council comments and questions following the presentation.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document.

This meeting segment runs just about 56 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the Building Department

Audio file:  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW4JwKLK

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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html 

Building Dept presentation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/important-meetings-today-wednesday-sep-2.html

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/town-council-recap-sep-2-2020-building.html 

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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/

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"

 

FM #343 Town Council - Building Dept Update - 9/02/20 (audio)

Town Council Recap: Sep 2, 2020 - Building Dept update, plot line changes approved, gifts accepted

Recap: The Town Council heard from the Building Commissioner, Gus Brown as he provided an update on the work of the department and coordination with Planning, Planning Board, ZBA, Inspections, etc. The presentation included photos of the variety of projects worked on recently.

This is one of a series of department updates to the Town Council to increase awareness of the work being done by some of the 'less known' departments. Board of Health coming up next.

The 4th set in the series of plot line zoning changes was covered in a public hearing and then ultimately moved to a second reading. Over time a particular plot of land may have ended up straddling 2 or in some cases 3 or more zoning categories. This clean up moves the plot into a single zone. 

The Town Council approved a series of donations. They also accepted a sewer line extension for a single property off Daniels St not currently served by sewer and where the ground can not handle a septic system.

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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 #tc0902
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0902?src=hashtag_click 

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0902 Chair Tom Mercer opens with the meeting statement and protocol. Meeting is available via local cable Verizon/Comcast and live stream via Town website
• Statement from Town Clerk on a number of early voting ballots not counted as of last night, the matter is being addressed and the results will be shared when available #tc0902
• Citizens comments: Dale Kurtz reminding bricks on sale for veteran walkway #tc0902 Laura Stevens speaking about kitchen use when she doesn't have a commercial grade kitchen. Can't use shared space due to COVID-19 requirements.
• Moving to approval of minutes from July 29, motion to approve via roll call 8-0 (1 absent - Earls) #tc0902 opening public hearing on lot line changes along Beaver and Oak St, 4th of this session. Previously voted on by planning board and EDC
• Most of the property owned by Town where FHS and school complex is #tc0902   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf Abutters and owners notified prior
• Bissanti raises concern on reducing amount of Res 4 zoning. Zoning doesn't really apply to town property, usage or value doesn't change. Simplifies the zoning map as part of the overall plan. #tc0902 motion to close hearing, second, via roll 8-0 (1 absent - Earls)
• Gus Brown, building commissioner to provide update. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._building_department_09-16-2020_tc_presentation_0.pdf  doc linked here. #tc0902
• FYI over 30 participants for the Zoom portion of the meeting, also available via cable via Verizon and Comcast as well as live streamed via Town web site #tc0902 Bruce Hunchard of ZBA speaks to their role
• Viewpoint online permit process implemented in July 2019 if not the building permit process would really have stopped during COVID-19 #tc0902 thanks to multiple folks by Gus for their help in getting online.
• Examples of work done #tc0902
• More examples #tc0902
• First of series of presentations scheduled for TC update, Board of Health coming up next. #tc0902 unregistered cars are not allowed on private property, some say one is, not ever is Gus' time has one been allowed.
• "Change is a tough process but sometimes it is for the better" #tc0902 virtual inspections performed, pictures were taken and reviewed thoroughly, going back out now to sites where they do have pictures to confirm.
• Pellegri can't remember a complaint during the time she worked with him as town clerk #tc0902 vacant property bylaw (not blight) did get money via fines from some of the banks, property owners for vacant property
• Solar project in on Spring st will be paved to the new parking lot for access to both SNETT and Town forest trails. The rest of Spring st will be decommissioned sometime #tc0902 Jamie provides updates on solar project
• Audience opportunity, no one takes it up. Gus makes closing comments thanks Jamie for leadership and Council for guidance #tc0902 
• Moving to subcommittee reports; budget meeting 9/16 . EDC met earlier tonight recorded and broadcast Chandler joined to take Earls place
• Motion on gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-51_-_veterans_department_gift.pdf  #tc9902 seconded, passed 8-0 (1 absent) Attny Cerel chimed in that with all Council present no need for roll call This closes VFW info for the walkway, xfers funds to Town; ledger coming to help with location
• #tc0902 motion on change of date from Nov 11 to the 4th https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-52_updated_2020_tc_schedule.pdf  Motion carried 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 regular transfer of cable funds to cable group https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-53_-_peg_funds.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 motion to accept gift for senior center https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-54_gift_acceptance_-_senior_center.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 acceptance of deed and easement https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-55_roadway_easement_-_rossi.pdf   motion passes 8-0 (1 absent) housekeeping issue, easement referenced but not formally declared previously compensation was made 20 years ago
• #tc0902 zoning bylaw for the plot line changes for the public hearing earlier in this session. Move to 2nd reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf   Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 sewer system extension proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20g._bylaw_amendment_20-859_-_sewer_system_extension_100_daniels_street.pdf Motion to move to second reading, seconded, passes 8-0 (1 absent) property owner has no other options. Owner will maintain line; consider a public extension? Would require pump station for public
• Town administrator report, all set. Requesting item for beer, wine licenses for consideration during this pandemic. #tc0902 Councilor comments, Chandler thanks for EDC Davis Thayer study? Jamie to forward link. Chandler censured on facebook for first time. Hamblen grants coming
• Pellegri questions on report of museum, good reminder report should be forthcoming. Time spent initially on getting the vendor contract signed. CPA info session coming up Sep 8. #tc0902 unfunded mandates from schools? Jones asked before and hasn't seen yet.
• Mercer on south meeting house, light on? Can we turn it off? Or for safety? #tc0902 Gus Brown came back to thank the town folks and contractors for their patience. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0. That's all tonight, catch you next time

Town Council agenda doc  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html

Photos captured during the virtual meeting broadcast   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Fc56adksVZyJvt1A 

Building Commissioner Gus Brown

Important Meetings today - Wednesday, Sep 2

The Board of Health - 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-sep.html

Economic Development Subcommittee - 5:45 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

Town Council - 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html

On the Town Council agenda, an update from the Building Commissioner, Gus Brown

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._building_department_09-16-2020_tc_presentation_0.pdf

Building Department Presentation from Franklin Matters

https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/building-department-presentation

Important Meetings today - Wednesday, Sep 2

Attention Franklin: Town Inspections to Resume July 20

Please find information on our town inspections procedures attached here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/town_inspections_7-17-2020.pdf

Attention Franklin: Town Inspections to Resume July 20

FM #265 Franklin Food Pantry New Building 5/04/20 (audio)

FM #265 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 265 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry and Tina Powderly, Chair of the Board of Directors. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home to look forward to. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for over 10 years, their needs have outgrown the space.

Lynn talks about the current operations during this pandemic. Tina provides some background on the building search and closing. Work remains to be done before they move. There will be a capital campaign to help fund the mortgage and buildout.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I am committing to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn and Tina. Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20

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Prior recording with Lynn Calling at the end of March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-230-lynn-calling-franklin-food.html

The Franklin Food Pantry current needs
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry in front of the new building at 138 East Central St

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

Hello Franklin,

Our COVID-19 Information Portal is updated regularly with the latest information and resources. You can find it HERE.

Please find our Department Re-entry Updates attached below and visit our website and/or social media frequently for news and announcements.

Have a good weekend!

"Based on the escalating global COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Baker’s most recent Executive Orders, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public and most employees through May 18th, 2020. We are following the guidance coming from Governor Baker. We are working on a measured plan to initiate baby steps toward re-opening limited services that cannot be performed remotely, while keeping the safety of our employees and community at the forefront.

On May 11th, the following departments will be re-opening with limited staff and services as an initial phase in. Careful decision-making and return to work procedures will take place in the coming weeks, with safety as the top priority.

● The drive through window at the Municipal Building will be re-opening for service on May 11th for regular business hours. The window will serve as the point of contact for all municipal services for both the Town Clerk’s Office and the Treasurer/Collector. Cash will not be accepted at this time. The public will not be able to access the building in any way other than the drive through.
● The Library will be reopening with a skeleton crew for online orders and no contact pickup/dropoff of requested materials. Patrons can place material holds online or by phone. (limit of 5 items over the phone) Search our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit the collection location to Franklin. Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library entrance at School Street. Hours will be Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm. Please stay tuned to the Franklin Public Library websites for children's programming and other offerings that will be available to residents remotely.
● The DPW and Facilities Departments will begin with a soft opening on May 11th, with limited employees returning to work to assess and plan for the weeks ahead. Beginning May 18th, the DPW and custodial staff will be fully open, with work crews returning in one man vehicles where necessary. The DPW Administration Building will remain closed through May 18th.
● The Senior Center is aiming to develop a curbside lunch program for members to access Cafe prepared grab-and-go meals. The goal is to have this service available beginning June 1st, with the hope of adding the same service for breakfast in the future. More details will be released as they become available..
● On May 11th, we will begin a very limited phase in of staff at the Municipal Building. The building will not be open to the public.
● The Recycling Center is currently open regular business hours, with the addition of noon - 3pm on Thursday May 14th for yard waste only. Beginning May 18th, the Recycling Center will be open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted. All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment. The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site.
● Curbside Clothing Recycling restarted the week of April 27th on your normal trash day. Please have bags out prior to 7am for pickup.
● All municipal parks and playgrounds will be closed to the public. Nature trails are OK to use.
● All public and private schools are closed through the end of the year. Childcare facilities (other than emergency centers for first responders) will be closed until June 29th.
● Trash and Recycling Pickup will continue to be picked up on their normal schedule.

While the Municipal Building and most other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov. For an emergency, please continue to dial 911."

Additional details on the Re-entry Updates: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_8.pdf

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

In the News: Franklin Food Pantry lands new home; MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

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

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home

"After three years of searching for a new home, the Franklin Food Pantry has finally found it - and it’s not too far from where it is now.

On Monday, the Franklin Food Pantry announced that it had purchased the former Dante’s Motors Inc. building at 138 East Central St. and that it intended to make that location its new home. The existing pantry is at 43 West Central St., just a mile away.

“It works - it’s close to where we are now and it’s an empty shell,” said pantry Executive Director Lynn Calling of the new building. She said it allows the pantry to continue serving those who find the current location convenient. The new location is just as accessible and has sidewalks leading to it, she said.

The price to acquire 138 East Central St. was $465,000, according to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The building is 5,360 square feet, according to real estate website Loopnet.com. By comparison, the current space where the pantry operates is 3,600 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/franklin-food-pantry-lands-new-home-after-decade-at-current-space

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home

MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

"A regional planning agency has developed a new tool to help communities streamline the way they catalog greenhouse gases emitted in their communities.

The Boston-based Metropolitan Area Planning Council has launched its so-called “Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool” - an Excel document that provides a template for municipalities to track greenhouse gas emissions by sector and year.

Accompanying the Excel document is one that outlines how municipalities can use it.

The agency hopes that by providing centralized documents that outline the state’s approach to calculating greenhouse gas emissions, municipalities will be better equipped to accurately, consistently and uniformly track how residents are emitting greenhouse gases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/tool-to-help-communities-get-grip-on-greenhouse-gases

The tool and guide are available at the organization’s website
https://www.mapc.org/planning101/community-ghg-assessment/

MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

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

Town of Franklin Building and Inspections Dept - online permits starts July 1

Starting July 1st, the Town of Franklin Building and Inspections Department will be accepting Permits on-line!

Read the full announcement
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/viewpoint_is_here.pdf

Visit the Online Licensing and Permit Applications 
https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

 

Visit the Online Licensing and Permit Applications

Town of Franklin Building and Inspections Department can process Permits on-line

Reminder: Training closes the Municipal Building Weds Apr 24 from 8 to 11 AM

Franklin Municipal Building will be closed on Wednesday, April 24 from 8 AM to 11 AM for internal training

Franklin Municipal Building

Community Garden build day - April 13

The next Build day is scheduled for April 13 at the Community Garden, King St Fields. Some of the garden beds not redone during the 2017 fall season still need to be redone. 

Currently scheduled for 9:00 - 4:00 or earlier if completed earlier.

Community Garden build day - April 13

Franklin Municipal Building will be closed on Wednesday, April 24 from 8 AM to 11 AM for internal training

Franklin Municipal Building will be closed on Wednesday, April 24th from 8 AM to 11 AM for internal training

Franklin Municipal Building

Charter School building updates

The BFCCPS Charter School has been one of the topics of conversation at the School Committee and Town Council meetings this week. The financial forecast for this year and next year's budget is not good and coming up with additional funding (yes, an override option was mentioned) is part of the discussion.

The Charter School was one of the topics due to the State funding formula which would re-allocate additional money from the FPS school budget as BFCCPS expands this September. 98 additional students from Franklin are reported to have won a lottery to attend the new school as it opens in Sep, unfortunately also taking funds from Franklin per the State formula.

This topic was also raised with Franklin's legislative delegates during the School Committee Legislative Forum in February. There is talk of changes to the formula but when and if that happens this year is unknown.

Stay tuned to the budget discussion. The Finance Committee budget hearings open Mar 18, Mar 19, Mar 25, and Mar 26.

From the BFCCPS web page:

"We visited the site on Friday March 1st and have lots of new photos to share. You will see lots of interior progress since our last two weeks ago. We will continue to share updates on the building every other week moving forward."

exterior view of the new facility under construction for BFCCPS
and scheduled to open in Sep 2019 (BFCCPS photo)

Find additional photos and updates from BFCCPS on their web page
http://bfccps.org/march-1st-expansion-update/

Charter School Expansion Update (video)

From the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School blog we share this update and video:

"We are incredibly excited to share a new update on the BFCCPS Expansion. Our construction manager CTA has made fantastic process with respect to the site-work. In particular there has been dramatic progress with respect to drainage, building the roadway and parking lot. The foundation forms are arriving and we anticipate that digging will begin towards the middle of this week!

We invite you to view the most recent drone footage from the site which was taken on May 10th:"

Find the full article here
http://bfccps.org/may-expansion-update/?doing_wp_cron=1526377425.1590619087219238281250

Friendly reminder of the fund raising Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair on June 2
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/community-yard-sale-and-vendor-fair.html

Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair - June 2

Attention Residents: Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed Wednesday, May 16th at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21

The Building, Zoning, Planning, Conservation and Board of Health Departments will be closing Wednesday at 4:30 PM for renovations and will reopen Monday, May 21 at 8 AM.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed
Wednesday, May 16 at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21

BFCCPS March Expansion Update

"Dear BFCCPS Community, 

We are thrilled to share that site work has begun at the location of the new BFCCPS facility, and we are on track to meet our Fall 2019 open. 

We have begun to plan our fundraising efforts for two playgrounds and a gymnasium. We are in need of motivated and interested individuals who have the time to be part of this process. If you are interested please contact the President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation, Don Tappin. 

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation (BFEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) which supports the schools mission. As the owners of the property at 500 Financial Park Drive the BFEF will oversee fundraising activities to support the development of the property. 

Please also save the date for the morning of April 7th for a Community kickoff for families to get a more thorough update on the expansion, have a opportunity to view the layout for the new facility, and learn more about the BFEF. More details on this to come soon. 

With excitement and appreciation,
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation"

BFCCPS March Expansion Update

This was shared from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/march-expansion-update/?doing_wp_cron=1521624154.1048209667205810546875