Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus. 

Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Chancellor Ed Augustus for this session to include his insights as former Town Manager of Worcester, MA and the lessons from the Worcester experience that might be considered for Franklin. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23

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Principles of walkability: useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Watch the TED Talk with Jeff Speck - https://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_speck_the_walkable_city

Jane Jacobs writer and activist on urban design wrote her book in 1961  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_and_Life_of_Great_American_Cities  

Center for Living City is an organization that continues in the spirit of her work ->    https://centerforthelivingcity.org/janejacobs/#jane-and-the-center

Other podcast episodes in this series:

4th discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Brad (FM #942) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/listen-to-this-discussion-on-housing.html 

3rd discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Joel D’errico  (FM #922) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/downtown-zoning-discussion-with-derrico.html 

2nd discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December (FM #904) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

1st discussion on Franklin For All project -> (FM # 755) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.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/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

Webinar scheduled for Mar 10 - Complete Neighborhoods Initiative by MASS Housing Partnership

"The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) is pleased to announce the launch of our Complete Neighborhoods Initiative, aimed at supporting the creation of walkable, livable neighborhoods near transit and mobility hubs. 

 

Funding for the Initiative is dedicated to three activities:

• MBTA Communities Zoning Compliance Technical Assistance ("3A TA"): Provides training, online resources and technical assistance to help MBTA communities adopt multifamily zoning as now required by state law.
• Complete Neighborhoods Partnership: Provides expertise in planning, community engagement, and predevelopment activities within targeted districts to build local capacity and readiness for investment.
• Capital Investment: Provide subsidies to development pipeline within designated Complete Neighborhoods. 

For more general information about this initiative, go to MHP's Complete Neighborhoods Initiative web page.

An informational webinar about Complete Neighborhoods Partnership is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. We hope to see you there! Register for the webinar here"

Shared from -> https://www.mhp.net/news/2022/mhp-launches-complete-neighborhoods-initiative-supports-walkable-neighborhoods-near-transit-mobility-hubs

"to support efforts in creating human-centric and mobility-oriented neighborhoods"

Link for Strong Towns event Nov 15 - 9:30 AM (updated)

Updated:

Event Details for Congressman Jake Auchincloss’s Municipal Leaders Town Hall featuring Special Guests Charles Marohn of Strong Towns, State Representative Jeff Roy, and Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

When: Monday, November 15 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Where: THE BLACK BOX theater (Home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company) at 15 West Central St, Franklin MA 02038

• Free parking is available next to and behind the theater, and on Main Street.
• We request that participants wear face coverings at this indoor event. We will have masks and hand sanitizer available at the entrance to the event.
• Questions? Please contact Dana Hanson at dana.hanson@mail.house.gov.

To participate in person please RSVP at -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzI0bJ4hSQPlAXpngN5rbv_GWUle6ghAOzKQIh47wTzwUl9Q/viewform

This will be live streamed on Franklin.TV All-Access (online, Comcast 8, Verizon 26)

Remote link and live streaming info -> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83485517073

Link for Strong Towns event Nov 15 - 9:30 AM

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting - 09/27/21 (audio)

FM #615 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 615 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Planning Board meeting held on Monday, September 27, 2021. The recording was captured via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on 40 Alpine Row discusses multiple updates and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 38 seconds)

• Public hearing on 5 Fisher St discusses multiple items and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 21 minutes)

• Public hearing on Housing Production Plan (HPP), after clarifications on the "plan" as being Town based/Town controlled (not State), still requiring much work to make happen, and that the Planning Board would still "get a bite at the apple", the HPP is approved 5-0 roll call vote  (in recording at approx. 46 minutes)

• Site plan modification request to split 2 plots into 3 approved by 5-0 vote via roll call  (in recording at approx. 1 hour 11 minutes)

• Citizen comment on complete streets (begin approx. 1 hour 19 minutes)

 Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 1 hour and 36 minutes, so let’s listen to the Planning Board meeting of Sep 27. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/048d7b83-9e78-43fc-bfae-c5ebf1650595

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Planning Board agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf 

Planning board meeting documents:

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/331296 

 

My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/planning-board-recap-92721-housing.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/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

 

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting

FM #610 - Complete Streets Public Discussion - 09/22/21 (audio)

FM #610 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 610 in the series. 

This shares the Complete Streets Public Discussion meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; Town Administration and DPW staff along with some public participants were present in the Council Chambers. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge. 

Yes, I do participate in this session to ask about the documentation shared to those in the room and not yet available for those remote. I also raise a few points on safe walking issues around town.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about twenty-six minutes (~:26) .  Let’s listen to the Complete Streets Public Discussion for Sep 22

** Audio file =>  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/673635f4-cffc-4396-8017-b4f2e5498161

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Town of Franklin Complete Streets page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streets

Meeting agenda  (including connection info) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/2021-09-22_complete_streets_public_meeting_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/franklins-complete-streets-feedback.html 

Presentation doc from February 2021 ->     https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XSOruj9Z6L9rJD5E6dhQsdKq0s3ITIv0/view?usp=sharing

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

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"

 

What's with Complete Streets?

Franklin's Complete Streets feedback sought, info promised

Quick Recap:

• The Complete Streets policy was approved by the Town Council earlier this year as a guiding principal for consideration in road construction or renovations. It is a good thing to do.
• The meeting Wednesday was to solicit feedback on a listing of projects that was only available to those who were in person at the meeting to receive the handout. This was shortsighted. The info was promised to be posted to the Town web page Thursday. It could have been done in advance to enable appropriate feedback.
• The listing is preliminary. It will be prioritized and submitted to the State to seek funding for such projects.
• This posting will be updated with the Complete Streets project info when it is posted to the Town page as promised.

Town of Franklin Complete Streets page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streets

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live via the Zoom conference bridge.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cs0922  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cs0922&src=typed_query  

Complete Streets meeting agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/2021-09-22_complete_streets_public_meeting_1.pdf

Presentation doc from February 2021 ->     https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XSOruj9Z6L9rJD5E6dhQsdKq0s3ITIv0/view?usp=sharing

 

Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input

• Complete streets meeting begins, live reporting underway via the Zoom session #cs0922 
• DPW Director Cantoreggi and Town Engineer M Maglio leading session on complete streets after opening by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen #cs0922
• Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input. Looking to summarize the plan for submission to State and hopefully will be generate some funding for the projects #cs0922
• Asked for info on priority projects, to be posted to town page Thursday. Also took time to provide feedback on sight lines (actually purview of building commissioner Gus Brown), issue of utility poles blocking sidewalk access, (a constant fight by Town with utilities) #cs0922
• Also added question on overhang of bushes or trees on sidewalk that hinders a tall walker (like me). Send Brutus an email as I encounter those as they come under his tree warden role. #cs0922
• Meeting adjourns after no other questions or comments #cs0922

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) with reference points on shared streets and shared use paths

With our input sought for the Complete Streets Discussion tonight, here are a couple of pieces of background info on the program and its related programs. Agenda document with participation info for the discussion found here =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/complete-streets-public-discussion-sep.html

Reference 1

There are 846 miles of shared use paths in Massachusetts. Learn more about MassDOT's shared use path investments in the 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Update #SharedUsePaths https://t.co/PWmT5YCyWW

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/mZC8EEkDmW

There are 846 miles of shared use paths in MA

Reference 2

The @MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement. Prioritizing space for dining, parks and visual arts promotes economic development and quality of life in communities all across MA. #BuildBackBetter #mapoli https://t.co/5QsShVsYPW

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/T4MASS/status/1440311515861565454?s=03

@MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces program encourages planners and local leaders to rethink how we use pavement.

Complete Streets Public Discussion - Sep 22 - 6:00 PM

Complete Streets Public Discussion

September 22, 2021 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

Complete Streets program

The Town Administration and Town Public Works staff will be hosting a meeting to discuss the Town’s initial filing of its Complete Streets program with the state on October 1st. 

If any member of the public wishes to attend this discussion, please feel free to attend.

The Complete Streets Policy was approved by the Town Council on April 7, 2021. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10h._complete_streets.pdf

Remote connection info can be found in the meeting agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/2021-09-22_complete_streets_public_meeting_1.pdf

Presentation doc from February 2021 ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XSOruj9Z6L9rJD5E6dhQsdKq0s3ITIv0/view?usp=sharing

What's with Complete Streets?

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 17 - Sep 23, 2021

Friday and the Farmers Market comes around again. Jamie Barrett shares his music in a performance at the Market today. Cobi Frongillo and the DPW are also scheduled to be there today to talk about "Complete Streets". In addition to the kids activities provided by the Library, there is also the Book and Bag sale this weekend. On Saturday morning, get rid of stuff with the recycling and energy drive at Beaver Pond.

Friday, September 17
1:00pm - Book Sale
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services

Saturday, September 18
9:00am - Book Sale
9:00am - Recycling and energy drive
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Bag Sale

Sunday, September 19
1:00pm - TBB: Rock'n Lobster Roll (fund raiser)
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free) 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

FM #508-509-510 - Town Council Mtg - 04/07/21 - (3 part audio)

FM #508-509-510 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 508-509-510 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Apr 7, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost three hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the public hearing on the street acceptances (49 minutes)
• Second - covers the DPW presentation and subsequent discussion with the Council members  (37 mins)
• Third - covers the long list of Legislation for Action through the close of the meeting (1 hour 20 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Apr 7, 2021  

Part 1 audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3176f458-c2e0-4abd-b83b-a49daf4e9be8

Part 2 audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dff0bf8b-d306-4edf-83c9-7c93444af52d

Part 3 audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3176f458-c2e0-4abd-b83b-a49daf4e9be8

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-meeting-apr-7-2021.html  

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

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/  or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

FM #508-509-510 - Town Council Mtg - 04/07/21 - (3 part audio)