- The draft has been issued for comment
- Comments are open through July 12
- Additional detail on the survey results are being formatted to add to the draft. This won't change the goals or objectives, just provide the additional supporting evidence for such.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Open Space & Recreation Plan public hearing #3 video available for replay
Monday, June 19, 2023
Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #3 - June 20, 2023 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
1. GENERAL BUSINESS1.1 Public Hearing 3: Town staff will present a draft of the 2023 OSRP and will be seeking feedback from the community.
2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan - Goals and Objectives
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Concerned about deceptive ads and sales of autos? Last call for comments
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Concerned about deceptive ads and sales of autos? Last call for comments |
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Comments open for National Grid's Geothermal Program Implementation Plan until July 29, 2022
Via National Grid US:
"In Massachusetts, we have submitted our Geothermal Program Implementation Plan to the Department of Public Utilities for approval. Anyone wishing to comment on our plan may submit written comments to the DPU by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29th, 2022. https://ngrid.com/3Hz1hsf "
You can find the National Grid plan referenced -> https://www.nationalgrid.com/document/146251/download
From their plan:
"National Grid’s vision for fossil-free heat targets a hybrid approach. Just as we have decarbonized electricity with wind and solar, we can decarbonize the gas system with renewable natural gas and green hydrogen."
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Comments open for National Grid's Geothermal Program Implementation Plan until July 29, 2022 |
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Plan Development and Public Participation ** 2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft **
The Town’s residents and elected and appointed officials have firsthand knowledge of Town housing needs, problems and opportunities that need to be addressed; this collective knowledge is necessary to ensure all issues are addressed, and any recommendations related to affordable housing goals or strategies are feasible and will draw sufficient support to warrant a reasonable chance for implementation. Per DHCD’s Guidelines, a HPP should be developed “with opportunities for community residents to become informed of the planning process and the plan, and to provide input”. Therefore, input from Town officials and the general public is an essential feature of the process of preparing this Plan.
This HPP was not developed during a normal 6 to 12 month plan development / public participation process. Originally intending to complete an update to the HPP during 2018, the DPCD began work in March 2017, engaging with the Town Administrator’s office and the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. At that time the Town was under 10% SHI and development of the Town’s HPP was focused on developing goals and strategies that would result in the community reaching the 10% Statutory Minimum.
In April 2017 the Department of Planning and Community Development held an informational session on developing the housing production plan. Several elected Boards, including the Town Council and Planning Board were present at the workshop. There were several discussions on controlled growth within the Town of Franklin. The workshop provided information on the existing affordable units in town and conversation was had on the housing needs of the Town as it compares to the existing affordable housing. As a result of input received, DPCD began a review of the existing zoning by-laws, and drafting of proposed zoning changes, including development of an inclusionary zoning bylaw.
After several months of work on the HPP update, the Town was informed it was over the 10% Statutory Minimum with the addition of the Glen Meadows apartment complex (288 housing units) to Franklin’s SHI. The Town’s SHI Inventory is included in this document as Attachment D. Given the Town of Franklin’s 40B affordable housing production requirements had changed significantly and was considered to be in compliance with Chapter 40B, DPCD’s priorities also changed and work on the Plan’s development was suspended until 2020. The proposed HPP update was no longer required, but it also would require a different focus if it were to be created.
Over the last few years the Town’s Administration and Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) have attended public meetings asking for input on specific housing related issues; this input has been critical in developing draft strategies related to affordable housing production. Public input on Franklin’s housing needs was obtained at several public meetings, including the following:
January 2018 Meeting, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. DPCD attended meeting to accomplish the following: provide a Housing Production Assessment presentation, to update MAHT on the substantial increase in housing production during recent years; discuss the Town’s SHI and how it related to recent housing production; discuss the HPP update, and present three proposed general HPP goals; and request input on proposed HPP goals. Given that the Town was over 10% SHI, the main Goal of the proposed HPP would be to keep Town over 10%. Additional issues were discussed including the need for workforce housing and potential zoning changes.
October 22, 2019, Economic Development Visioning Event held by MAPC and DPCD. Input received from event and three additional workshops was used to develop a Market Analysis and Market Position Summary for Downtown Franklin and two of Franklin’s other older commercial districts. During the event Franklin residents provided a substantial amount of input on Franklin’s economic development issues, including the need for workforce housing. In addition to the community engagement portion of the economic development project, MAPC performed a residential analysis of the study area.
January 13, 2020 Meeting, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. DPCD presented a summary of recent work on the HPP update, and requested the MAHT hold a public meeting and invite the public to discuss affordable housing needs, and to provide input on draft goals and strategies.
April 27, 2020 Meeting, Franklin Town Council Economic Development Committee. DPCD provided a presentation that included a proposed Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, and a summary on the HPP update. Input was provided by EDC members and others in attendance on both issues.
June 10, 2020 Meeting, Franklin Town Council Economic Development Committee. Meeting focused on a follow-up on the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw proposal and similar issues, including use of incentives to increase number of units on Franklin’s SHI; possible housing TIF (tax increment financing) agreements to create middle (moderate) income type developments; consider 40R smart growth zoning districts; change Zoning Bylaw’s housing density allowed in certain districts and allow some multifamily housing by right; and use a mix of mandatory and incentive based Inclusionary zoning approaches. Input on these and other issues was requested.
December 14, 2020 Meeting, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. DPCD attended meeting to discuss the following: provide update on HPP development; request input on draft goals and strategies; and ask for MAHT participation in upcoming EDC meeting.
January 13, 2021 Meeting, Franklin Town Council Economic Development Committee. DPCD provided a presentation on the following: Housing Development Update (Town added 1,283 over 10 years); and draft HPP goals and potential strategies that would result in increase of SHI housing units. The DPCD Housing Development Update is included in this document as Attachment E. DPCD requested EDC members and others in attendance provide DPCD with input on housing development and affordable housing issues to be included in HPP update.
March 15, 2021 Meeting (remote), Town Administration and DPCD, and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. Meeting with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s new CEO about working together to create affordable housing units within Franklin.
The input from the above sources has been used to produce this “public draft“ HPP, which has been distributed to Franklin’s Town Council, Planning Board, Franklin Public Library, Housing Authority, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Community Preservation Committee, Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities, and Council on Aging. Notification of the Draft HPP has also been sent to a variety of organizations including MAPC, Metacomet Land Trust, Franklin Downtown Partnership, and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity.
Hard copies of the public draft HPP are available at the Department of Planning and Community Development’s (DPCD) office during normal business hours. Given the current pandemic individuals wishing to review the Draft HPP should contact the DPCD at development@franklinma.gov or 508-520- 4907 to arrange an appointment.
The Town will accept input on the Draft HPP, and housing issues in general, from anyone interested in providing comments during a formal Public Comment Period which begins on May 12, 2021 and ends on June 4, 2021. Input will be received over the Town website, by email or letter. In addition, the Town will hold a Public Hearing to present the highlights of the Draft HPP, and provide time for residents to ask questions and provide input.
Feedback from the general public and Town officials is a critical component of this planning process. The Town will develop a complete list of all comments received during the Public Comment Period. Once the public comment period is over, all input received will be considered and a Final HPP will be developed.
Once the HPP is updated to its final form, the document will be presented to the Planning Board and Town Council for review, consideration and formal adoption. Once formally adopted by both elected bodies, the HPP will be submitted to the DHCD for approval.
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Plan Development and Public Participation |
Monday, May 24, 2021
Executive Summary: ** 2021 Town of Franklin Housing Production Plan (HPP) ***
Since 2011 the Town has made good progress implementing its affordable housing goals and increasing the number of SHI Eligible Housing units. In 2019, the Town surpassed the State-mandated target of 10% affordable housing of its total year-round housing units under M.G.L. Chapter 40B. This Housing Production Plan (HPP) is intended to direct housing development and preservation in such a way that the Town will remain above 10%, and therefore be in control of its 40B destiny. In addition the strategies included in the updated HPP provide the Town’s residents with options not previously not pursued.
In 2004, the Housing Element of Franklin’s Community Development Plan, “Affordable Housing, Strategy and Development Action Plan” identified several goals the Town still needs to address, including: Increase housing opportunities for low, moderate, and middle income households; Ensure the Town meets the 40B goal for subsidized housing; Increase housing opportunities for seniors; and Encourage development of multifamily housing.
The most recent housing related planning was during creation of Franklin’s 2013 Master Plan. Substantial public input was gathered and Master Plan Committee developed housing goals that reflected the needs of the community. Housing related Goals, Objectives and proposed actions from the Master Plan’s Implementation Element are included in Attachment C of this document.
- Goal 1: Provide the appropriate mix of housing alternatives that meet the needs of Franklin based employment
- Goal 2: Support development of affordable housing opportunities for low, moderate and middle- income households.
- Goal 4: Encourage, rezone as required, and support housing appropriate for expected future demographics.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
2021 Draft Housing Production Plan open for Public Comment through June 25, 2021
The 2021 Draft Housing Production Plan is available on our website. The Town will accept input on the Draft Housing Production Plan during the Public Comment Period that runs from May 12 through June 25, 2021.
Find information posted on our website https://t.co/hSlGd0pXp0
Shared from https://t.co/rKe1HHRfdz or https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1395078708197793796
2021 Draft Housing Production Plan open for Public Comment through June 25, 2021 |
Monday, March 1, 2021
Have you used the Suggestion Box? | Town of Franklin MA
- If you find a street light out, or a pothole that should be filled, use the "Public Works work order"
- Sign up for the Reverse 911 to get notified by the Town of an emergency in your neighborhood.
- Or use the Comment Box to make a suggestion...
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Have you used the Suggestion Box? | Town of Franklin MA |
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
FTC Issues Staff Report on Made in USA Workshop, Seeks Comment on Related Proposed Rulemaking for Labeling Rule
The Federal Trade Commission today issued a staff report on an FTC workshop on Made in USA claims that was held last fall, and a notice of proposed rulemaking for a Made in USA Labeling Rule (proposed Rule).
The proposed Rule will apply to product labels making Made in USA and other unqualified U.S.-origin claims. The proposed Rule incorporates guidance set forth in the Commission's previous Decisions and Orders and its 1997 Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims (https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/1997/12/enforcement-policy-statement-us-origin-claims).
Consistent with this guidance, the proposed Rule will prohibit marketers from including unqualified Made in USA claims on labels unless: 1) final assembly or processing of the product occurs in the United States; 2) all significant processing that goes into the product occurs in the United States; and 3) all or virtually all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the United States.
The proposed Rule also covers labels making unqualified Made in USA claims appearing in mail order catalogs or mail order advertising. The proposed Rule does not supersede, alter, or affect any other federal or state statute or regulation relating to country-of-origin labels. The proposed Rule will make civil penalties available to deter violations.
"Whether a product is actually 'Made in the USA' is an important issue for consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and American workers," said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "We welcome comments from all stakeholders to inform our rulemaking effort."
According to the staff report, the Made in USA workshop last fall sought to enhance the agency's understanding of consumer perception of Made in USA claims and consider whether the Made in USA enforcement program can be improved. Public comments and input from the workshop's panelists addressed three general topics: consumer perception of Made in USA claims, concerns about the FTC's current enforcement approach, and potential changes to the FTC's enforcement strategy.
According to the staff report, only one panelist provided survey evidence on how consumers understand Made in USA claims. Citing a 2013 study, the panelist noted that almost three in five Americans agree that "Made in America" means that all parts of a product, including any natural resources it contains, originated in the United States, and a third of consumers believe that 100 percent of a product must originate in a country for that product to be called "made" in that country.
The staff report states that this evidence supports the guidance in the FTC's Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims that at least a significant minority of consumers are likely to be deceived by an unqualified Made in USA claim for a product incorporating more than a trivial amount of foreign content.
The Commission vote to issue the staff report was 5-0. The Commission vote approving publication of the proposed Made in USA Labeling Rule in the Federal Register was 4-1, with Commissioner Noah Joshua Phillips voting no and issuing a dissenting statement (https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1577103/p074204musaphillipsstatementrev.pdf) . Commissioner Rohit Chopra issued a separate statement (https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1577107/p074204musachoprastatementrev.pdf), as did Commissioner Christine S. Wilson (https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1577099/p074204musawilsonstatementrev.pdf).
The proposed Rule will be published in the Federal Register shortly. Instructions for submitting comments appear in the published document. The FTC will consider all timely and responsive public comments it receives in accordance with those instructions. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov/).
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
Shared from
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/06/ftc-issues-staff-report-on-made-in-usa-workshop
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FTC Issues Staff Report on Made in USA Workshop |
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through to Closing
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT | a. Town Council Bi-annual Goals Update |
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | |
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS | |
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION | - None Scheduled |
ADJOURN |
Only a few meetings left before election
Always really cool to look back at the goals accomplished
20 months of work
EEE - phones are ringing off the hook
Spilka and Roy have sent updates
Homepage has updates, only a "moderate" risk level
No mosquitoes found in town boundaries hence moderate
State Dept of Public Health tells us, we can be safe for now
Are taking proactive measures, no substitute for common sense
Wear repellent, drain standing water, long clothing
Norfolk County Regional County
Spray scheduled for Beaver St Sep 9
Future items
Nothing around
Council comments
Hamblen Oct 1 Chapt 61 application deadline
Farmers market zucchini race
Casey all set
Damon's - Water likely coming off at end of month assuming parts ordered arrive as scheduled
Sign boards for election alerts
Pellegri seats still open, or call clerks office
Best wishes for Councilor Casey
Kelly wishes to bissanti happy birthday
Mercer married 52 years, two words to remember, yes dear
Motion to adjourn
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Live Reporting: Adminstrator's Report to Closing
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT very challenging budget year need to talk with Schools, between our needs and theirs, we don't have enough Congratulations to Brutus, selected as the next Town Manager in Norfolk, timeline for transition to be determined | |
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS police re: arrest and enforcement data and changes coming re dispatch coming | |
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS we are going to miss Brutus, we are going to have a pre-recording of his announcements thanks for those giving back to thanks for the work on the intersection work at Stop & Shop, timing changes coordinated and seem to be working they still need to do more work there, the left turn stack lane needs to be longer, it is the most dangerous intersection so hopefully this will help Councilor Jones has no comments tonight Wish Brutus best of luck in negotiations, we'll miss him | |
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION |
None Scheduled
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15. ADJOURN |
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan - available for public comment
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan is now available for public comment. You can review the plan and provide feedback by clicking the link below.
2018 Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan
To realize the potential for everyday biking in Massachusetts and underscore MassDOT’s commitment to safety, MassDOT is releasing a new Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan to make biking in Massachusetts a safe, comfortable, and convenient option for everyday travel.
As part of the Bike Plan, MassDOT developed the Municipal Resource Guide for Bikeability in recognition of the important role the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts will play. Created for municipal staff, elected officials, community members, and anyone interested in biking, the Resource Guide introduces core concepts to enhance community bikeability and directs readers to additional resources for more detailed information.
The public comment period for the draft Bicycle Plan is open until January 31, 2019.https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/31/18_08_31_MRGBiking.pdf
This was shared from the Mass.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan
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The bike lane markings painted as part of the Downtown Improvement project that returned Main St to 2-way travel |
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Live reporting: to Closing
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT Detective Zimmerman in Master program much appreciated | |
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS none | |
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Pellegri - lost 2 lovely ladies both former election workers looking for the younger ones to step forward Nutting four vacancies in Fire Dept but civil service list doesn't come out until Dec so the fulfillment likely wont' happen until March Harvest Festival on Saturday Jones - FEF fund raiser with Harlem Wizards - Nov 16 tickets are on sale Dellorco - shout out to M Belloti Kelly - 11 - 4 PM downtown Harvest Festival | |
14. | |
15. ADJOURN motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 9-0 |
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Live reporting: Closing items
K. Town Administrator's Report |
K. Town Administrator's Report
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L. Future Agenda Items |
L. Future Agenda Items
2 parcels of value in the center could be helpful
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M. Council Comments |
M. Council Comments
Bissanti -
Friends of Franklin Historical Museum open house Sunday from 1-4 PM
Pellegri - for all Franklin residents, flu clinic at Senior Center, Oct 17 9:30 to 11:30
What is happening with the museum with the siding? didn't get to it this summer
Mercer - those watching could appreciate a can of WD-40 to oil the chairs
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N. Executive Session |
N. Executive Session
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O. Adjourn |
O. Adjourn
motion to adjoourn, passed 9-0
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Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Live Reporting: Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT | nothing tonight |
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS |
Jones - private wells are part of the water ban
Pfeffer - joint meeting of Planning Board and Council, should we get one again
Vallee - should put the train station on the
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M. COUNCIL COMMENTS |
Pellegri - my comment would have been on Officer Marguerite but that was covered
Jones - excited to see the new technology stuff on the agenda
Bissanti - I want to announce my acting debut I will be playing an adult in Humbug!
Pfeffer - I can't think of a better honor to have my name in every bar and restaurant
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