Franklin Matters: design

Showing posts with label design. Show all posts

Friday, March 13, 2026

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural
District is looking for creative minds

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds to design swag for summer events and help bring our Dean Bank mural to life.

Deadlines are coming up — don’t miss your chance to be part of Franklin’s vibrant cultural scene! - https://conta.cc/4cZQedB

#FranklinWelcomestheWorld

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/14ZsH9guZDq/

Sunday, February 15, 2026

A housing idea returns in Vermont: "state officials are reviving the idea of the catalog home"

A housing idea returns in Vermont: "state officials
are reviving the idea of the catalog home"

"In order to build the housing of the future, Vermont is hearkening back to a tool from the past.

A century ago, companies like Sears sold mail-order blueprints for modest homes that proliferated across the country and in some corners of Vermont. Now, state officials are reviving the idea of the catalog home in a bid to smooth the construction process and boost Vermont’s housing stock.

While cities such as South Bend, Indiana, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, have taken on similar initiatives in recent years, Vermont is the first state to do so, officials say.

“We want to give folks easy access to open-source construction plans,” said Alex Farrell, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. And, he added, “We’re wanting to give these people … some assurance that as long as you’re choosing one of these designs, you’re going to get your permit.”

The state does not have a target for how much the home designs will cost to construct, but officials are trying to make them “as efficient and affordable as possible,” Farrell said.

Read the full story from @vermontpublic/@vtdigger housing reporter Carly Berlin at the link in our bio. Photos by Glenn Russell/VTDigger"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqDg9TDELa/

The link to the article referenced - https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-02-11/vermont-develops-catalog-of-prevetted-home-designs-for-faster-building

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Police Station Building Committee agenda for meeting Weds, August 27 at 6 PM

Police Station Building Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes

a. October 30, 2024
b. November 14, 2024
c. February 25, 2025
d. August 6, 2025

2. Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Presentation CHA and KBA

a. Project Website Launch
b. Engagement: Open House Dates and Time Announcements

Police Station Building Committee agenda
i. Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at 1:00 PM
ii. Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 6:00 PM
iii. Sunday, October 5th, 2025 at 6:00 PM

c. Programming Study Process
d. Site Selection Analysis, Process and Evaluation
e. Preliminary Sample Designs & Construction Budgets

3. Discussion: Next steps and Committee meeting dates

4. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272025-1881

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 ???

Tuesday, January 28

Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
Last days to buy Music Booster calendar raffle for February

2:30pm Rainbow Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Public Library Book Club (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

** Town Meetings today **

Design Review Meeting

January 28, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1524

Franklin School Committee Meeting

January 28, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events -> calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 ???

Tuesday, January 14

Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

** Town Meetings today **

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_10.pdf

Design Review Meeting

Event Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/design_review_meeting_-_1-14-2024.pdf

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Event Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fsc.pdf

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin?

Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events -> calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 ???

Tuesday, December 10

Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

6:00pm Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

7:00pm FHS Chorus & Orchestra - Winter Concert (Franklin High School)

** Town Meetings today **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - Canceled

Event Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 10:00am

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting (3rd floor training room)

Event Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_policy_subcommittee_meeting_0.pdf

Joint Subcommittee-Land Use & Zoning and Housing & Economic Development (Room 106)

Event Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/20241210_landuse-zoning_and_housing-econdev_joint_agenda.pdf

Design Review Meeting Agenda (virtual meeting)

Event Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/design_review_meeting_12-10-2024.pdf

Franklin School Committee Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_9.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin?

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events -> calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

School Committee gets MCAS update, FHS theatre update, approves capital budget & varsity ski co-op (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 26 ay 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members participated in Council Chambers (Griffin was absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68

Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241

Quick recap:

3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently
Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports
On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"
Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.
Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)
Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible
Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting

My notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9

1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 ???

Tuesday, November 26

Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)

2:30pm Rainbow Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Franklin Public Library Book Club (Franklin Public Library)

** Town Meetings today **

Franklin Public Schools Budget Workshop Meeting (3rd floor trng rm)

Event Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 5:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_schools_budget_workshop_meeting.pdf

Franklin Public Schools Budget Sub Committee Meeting (3rd floor trng rm)

Event Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_schools_budget_sub_committee_meeting_0.pdf

Design Review Meeting (virtual meeting)

Event Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/design_review_11-26-2024.pdf

Franklin School Committee Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_8.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin?

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events -> calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Economic Development reviews multiple bylaw adjusts & recommend referral to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024. 2 members present in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo), 1 absent (Chandler).

Franklin TV video of the session -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY

The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session
Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ... Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.
Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates.

Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year,
We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025.
Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call.
Separately voted on definition and use table

On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential.

Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council
Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin.
Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this.
Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call

Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time

Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6
Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design
Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link

Additional info on the branding process can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations