Connections that work! SBA Workshop - Jan 25

• Looking to Start or Expand your Business?
• Gain a better understanding of SBA Programs and Services

General information will be provided on the following:
MSBDC – Mass Small Business Development Center

SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business

SBA Guaranty Loan Programs:
7(a) Loans - Microloans
SBA Express Loans - 504 Loan Program

Government Contracting Opportunities:
8(a) Business Development - HUBZones (Historically Underutilized Business Zones) - Small Disadvantaged Business - Surety Bonding - Disaster Assistance

CWE – Center for Women and Enterprise

Register online here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connections-that-work-tickets-30342938546

Franklin Municipal Building

view the complete information flyer here:

"an example of new investment happening in downtowns around the region"

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

"Kristina Burkey knew she wanted her first brick-and-mortar store to be in Natick. 

In the six months since she opened Calliope Paperie, a stationery and gift shop on the corner of North Avenue and Rte. 27, she found her instincts were right. Burkey is impressed with the activities and sense of togetherness she has experienced in Natick Center. 

"People here value their town and want to invest in it," said Burkey, who lives in Marlborough. 

And, while she understands concerns some people may have about increased development, Burkey is excited to see how redevelopment projects currently under construction add to the liveliness and mix of businesses in downtown."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161224/communities-look-to-build-better-downtown

wreaths on the backdrop in the new Horace Mann Square

Madalene Village - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - Dec 15 - 7:35 PM

"This Thursday, December 15th at 7:35 pm will be the last public Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regarding Madalene Village, a proposed 32-unit development next to Fletcher Field with entrances on both Cottage Street and Peck Street.

While attendance at these ZBA meetings has been strong when this development is on the agenda, we're looking to make the most impact possible at the last one. It's clear that the ZBA members have noticed our attendance and listened to our concerns, so I'm hopeful we can make a lasting impact.

Could you help us spread the word?

I've posted as much info as we have on the Facebook group, but if you have any questions, please let me know."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/

The revised Storm Water Report (270 pages)

Letter from Conservation Agent

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSnJYbHJEeks4NTA/view?usp=sharing

Letter from Fire Chief

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTUwcE9hdXBMYU0/view?usp=sharing

draft of plan for Madalene Village proposal near Fletcher Field with entrance from Cottage and Peck Streets

SAVE SPRUCE POND BROOK

SAVE SPRUCE POND BROOK! 

STOP MADALENE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT 

ATTEND THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING AND BE HEARD

OCTOBER 20, 2016 7:30 PM

There are three attachments for this post. 

1. a flyer calling for attendance at the ZBA meeting.
2. the plans for the development
3. the letter from the developer

one of several signs in the Peck St, Wachusett St, and Cottage St neighborhood of the proposed development

SBA Advantage, Connections that Work - Sep 15

The Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, in conjunction with South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation, announces the Franklin Business Loan Program, which will be rolled out during the Small Business Administration’s workshop, ‘SBA Advantage, Connections that Work’ on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Golder Room (in the Campus Center), Franklin, MA 02038. At this seminar, the SBA and SEED will provide information on their loan programs and resources available to help business owners.

The loan programs provide financing for new and established businesses to help them start,
grow and create new jobs in Franklin by forming a partnership with SEED, which provides loans from $1,000 to $5.5 million.

http://seedcorp.com/

SEED offers three loan programs:

1) The Micro Loan Program provides loans from $1,000 up to $50,000, which can be used for working capital, inventory, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and refinancing of business credit card debt. The term on the loans is 6 years at a 6 percent fixed interest rate with no prepayment penalty.

2) The Revolving Loan Fund provides loans up to $250,000, which can be used for the purchase of land and buildings; equipment and furnishings; working capital, or as the down payment on a larger project. The SEED portion of the project is generally 40 percent or less, although in cases where there is a larger financing gap, SEED’s portion can be greater. The term on the loan is up to 10 years at a 5 percent fixed interest rate with bank participation and 6 percent without. There is no prepayment penalty.

3) The 504 Loan Program provides up to 40 percent of the financing needed behind a
bank/credit union’s 50 percent for the acquisition and improvement of commercial and
industrial buildings; and the purchase and installation of heavy machinery and equipment.
SEED’s portion can range from $120,000 to $5 million for most businesses, and $5.5 million for manufacturing businesses. SEED’s portion offers a fixed interest rate below market for 20 years, currently at 4.1 percent, and at 3.7 percent for 10 years.

SEED is a non-profit economic development organization certified in 1982 by the U.S. Small
Business Administration with the mission to grow and create jobs throughout the region. SEED also provides business assistance and works with other economic development organizations and financing institutions in the region to ensure that individuals who are committed to owning and operating a small business are able to obtain the assistance they need to be successful.

For more information, or to register for the seminar, please contact Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development at (508) 520-4907 or email
development@franklin.ma.us.




This was shared from the Town of Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A150D-000F8513

Madelene Village - Detailed Plans

The PDF copies were shared with the Facebook group and shared here to broaden the reach


Project Narrative document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczXzNlTDNwNjJkRE0/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-iqwmH9nKH0N8-yJOK0fA9g


Plan for the Foundation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVHQtcEx5em4zTTQ/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-KDt0g5Qhw-NSbFFFPzjerA


Plan for the first Floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTzRoSjhSQ3pWZVE/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Czjx3emYkD7SfHeq3k7E9A

Plan for the Second floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZ0VXYXZOV18zbGc/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-lMlhueSGnpoYsQk3ekWDYw

Front view and Rear view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREZVTjAyZmZYNkU/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-qsM8eHchkhrrFwZ6VITakw

JPG of building as proposed

unit model and elevation

What Has The Franklin Downtown Partnership Been Doing For 15 Years?

You've visited, walked by or driven past these places and things for years, yet have you ever stopped to think how they came to be? 

Here are some of the projects and events the Franklin Downtown Partnership has created or been involved with since 2001:

1 - The multi-year $7.25 million Streetscape Improvement Project 

2 - The Franklin Commons Development

3 - The Cake Bar patio on East Central Street

4 - The Summer Street patio area and green space

5 - The green space sitting area on West Central Street

6 - The design of the green space in front of the Historical Museum

7 - The bronze statue of the straw hat boy in front of the Historical Museum

8 - The park benches in downtown

9 - The downtown changeable gateway signs

10 - The new trash and recycling barrels

11 - The downtown holiday decorations and lights 

12 - Beautification and flowers throughout the downtown

13 - The launch and early management of the Farmers’ Market

14 - The Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” campaign

15 - The Franklin downtown map and brochure

16 - Emmons Street development property

17 - The 150 Emmons Street green space and Horace Mann Statue 

18 - Franklin High School scholarships

19 - On-going Economic Development 

20 - The Annual Strawberry Stroll

21 - The Annual October Stroll

22 - The Annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting

23 - Progressive Dinner and Third Thursday Events

24 - On-going community outreach and business support

25 - Won’t you join us this year for our next exciting downtown project?

• This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/08/what-has-fdp-been-doing-for-15-years.html

In the News: neighbors concerned about development, 2-way traffic arrives

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

"Neighbors have expressed their concerns about a potential affordable housing development off Peck and Cottage streets. 

At issue is a multi-unit townhouse-style development - called "Madalene Village" - that is now before the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Angela Woislaw, one of those opposed to the project, said neighbors are worried about the housing's effect on the environment and flooding. 

"The residents believe that this is a very poorly designed development," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160727/franklin-residents-concerned-about-housing-development

sign in neighborhood around proposed development

"At 5 a.m. Tuesday, the proverbial switch was flipped on traffic in downtown Franklin, going from a one-way, counter clockwise motion around the center business block to moving both ways. 

Digital advisories and signs were placed around downtown, along with orange traffic cones, and police officers were posted at key spots, to help direct drivers through the new flow. 

While there were some small hitches, overall, the switch "went very well," Police Chief Thomas Lynch said. 

"The contractor, Walsh Construction and the Mass Department of Transportation/Mass Highway authorized a number of details, so we had plenty of help up there," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160727/two-way-traffic-begins-in-downtown-franklin-first-day-went-well

Traffic Study updated for Madalene Village Proposal

"OK a couple things to update everyone on.

TRAFFIC: We got a traffic update based on our request that the original traffic study, which was done in December of 2015, be done again to reflect traffic based on activity on sports fields.

What we learned was that while there's significantly more traffic (!), it's still considered acceptable. It changes the "level of service" in the area from a grade of A to a grade of B. I've attached it in case you're interested.

THURSDAY: The developer intends to ask for a continuance, so we've learned. That's not official yet, per the Woislaws. If they ask for a continuance, the Woislaws would like to organize a meeting for anyone who's interested in establishing next steps and staying organized. We'll keep you posted. But as of now, the next meeting is still tentatively scheduled for July 28 at 7:35 p.m.

Thanks, everyone!"

Christopher Parish

Stop Madalene Village sign found along Wachusett, Cottage and Peck Sts

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNkdLRlRqMmJGU0E/view?usp=sharing

Related posts:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/madalene-village-proposal-revised.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/madalene-village-zba-hearing-continues.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/the-need-for-housing-outweighs-local.html

"the proposed project does not comply with the MA Wetlands Protection Act regulations"

"Hello all, thanks so much to those who were able to make it to last night's meeting. For those who didn't, here's a couple small tidbits. 

The GZA presented the results of their review of the plans, in which they offered several issues with the developer's proposed plan. It should be noted that this review was done mostly on the old plan (40 units) and not the new unit (32 units). I've attached this document for your reading pleasure (it's actually pretty interesting.) 

Among the issues was a concern that the proposed project does not comply with the MA Wetlands Protection Act regulations as well as several local bylaws. This is expected to be a significant hurdle. 

The developer presented its new plans, explaining a re-routing of the stream, a reduction in units, and an easement on Peck Street. Due to concerns by the fire chief, some of the 6-unit buildings were reduced to 4 units. 

The Woislaws, as usual, did a great job of speaking on behalf of the neighborhood, offering our concerns. If you haven't done so yet, buy a yard sign from the Woislaws; only $5! 

Another concern brought up was a sewer tie-in that could pose some significant problems. The location of a tie-in could be problematic; if it's on town land, the town would have to give them permission. 

The next meeting is in two weeks; July 28 at 7:35 p.m. Hope to see you all there!"

Christopher Parish
Shared from the Facebook page

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is available for replay
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=375

Stop Madalene Village

Madalene Village - proposal revised

The proposal for Madalene Village has been modified and is scheduled for the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Thursday, July 14.

The updated diagram showing the revised proposal can be viewed here
(shared by members of the Facebook group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/)

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda for July 14
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202016/07-14-16%20ZBA%20Meeting.pdf

sign from one of the neighbors

Save Spruce Pond Brook - Stop Madalene Village Development

The continuation of the hearing on the developer's proposal for Madalene Village is scheduled for Thursday, May 19 at 7:50 PM. The Zoning Board of Appeals full agenda for this meeting can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202016/05-19-16%20ZBA%20Meeting.pdf


7:50 PM 

21 Peck Street and 180 Cottage Street, Madalene Village - MV Cottage Development LLC Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 40 unit townhome style development. The building permit is denied without a comprehensive permit from the ZBA.

a view of the brook from Wachusetts St

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbmptU2piU29nTU0/view?usp=sharing

Madalene Village - ZBA hearing continues May 19

The continuation of the hearing on the developer's proposal for Madalene Village is scheduled for Thursday, May 19 at 7:50 PM. The Zoning Board of Appeals full agenda for this meeting can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202016/05-19-16%20ZBA%20Meeting.pdf


7:50 PM 

21 Peck Street and 180 Cottage Street, Madalene Village - MV Cottage Development LLC Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 40 unit townhome style development. The building permit is denied without a comprehensive permit from the ZBA.

map of proposed development

The listing of exemptions being sought from the ZBA

Madelene Village scheduled for ZBA meeting - Apr 21

Madalene Village is a proposal to build a 40 unit condominium development along a stream by Fletcher Field with one entrance on Peck St and the other on Cottage. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hearing on the proposal Thursday, April 21 at 7:40. (ZBA meeting starts at 7:30 PM). A group of neighbors affected by the project are planning to participate.


Background documentation on the proposal:

1. Civil Engineering Plans for the development
2. The contact info for the development team
3. A 7/17/15 letter from the Town of Franklin to MassHousing citing the town's concerns about the project
4. A 12/18/15 letter from the Town of Franklin to MassHousing reiterating their concerns
5. A 2/12/16 site approval letter from MassHousing

The stream in question as seen from Wachusett St looking toward Fletcher Field

SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
SAVE SPRUCE POND BROOK!
STOP MADELENE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT
ATTEND THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING AND BE HEARD

Neighborhood Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/533620563465404/

In the News: Pond St discussion proceeds, Medway warrant pending state's decision

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Talks have begun regarding a possible condominium development on Pond Street, though the matter will not come before the Town Council again this month. 

Earlier this month, the council took a non-binding straw poll vote in favor of an 85-unit development on a town-owned, 33-acre property on the street. The proposal would have a developer purchase the land for about $1.65 million. The council decided to have town staff draft a formal resolution, which would be voted upon at a future meeting. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said that there had been some progress in talks with the developer. 

"We had an initial meeting just yesterday," he said Wednesday. "There will probably be a follow-up next week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160217/franklin-pond-street-development-talks-progressing

An annual Town Meeting warrant article asking residents to approve a $75.2 million payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Exelon is currently a placeholder pending a state board’s decision on allowing the company’s proposed expansion to move forward, selectmen and town officials said Tuesday. 

Town Administrator Michael Boynton, while going over the May 9 special and annual Town Meeting warrants, suggested that if the article goes forward, it should be first. 

“It’s going to be the biggest discussion of the night,” he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160216/medway-exelon-pilot-article-placeholder

Annual Report - 2015: Department of Planning & Community Development

The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) maintains a professional staff that provides the Town of Franklin with a wide array of planning services. DPCD’s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulfill the land userelated goals of the people of Franklin. We make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic vitality.

DPCD’s activities and services include, but are not limited to, comprehensive planning economic development, subdivision plan, site plan and conservation plan review, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, zoning bylaw and subdivision regulation development, brownfields redevelopment, affordable housing, open space and wetlands preservation, public transportation, transit oriented development, and sustainable development including use of smart growth and low impact development concepts. The Department regularly identifies and sources funding for various community development projects and activities. DPCD balances its approach to these initiatives through long-term planning and public participation.

Department Personnel

The DPCD’s staffing reflects the diverse skills needed to complete the many activities and roles the Department participates. DPCD’s staff consists of the following:

• Bryan Taberner, Director
• Beth Wierling, Town Planner
• George Russell, Conservation Agent
• John Allen, Program Coordinator
• Kathy Celorier, Conservation Secretary and Administrative Assistant

The DPCD manages an Intern Program to assist DPCD staff and other Town departments with administrative and technical assistance. The work performed by DPCD interns is extremely important to the Department’s productivity. Interns work on a wide range of community development and economic development issues.

Support of Town Boards, Commissions and Committees

DPCD personnel provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Technical Review Committee, and the Town Council’s Economic Development Sub-committee. Approximately 60 to 65 percent of the Department’s total staff hours are utilized on Planning Board and Conservation Commission related issues. In addition, DPCD staff occasionally provide professional technical assistance to other public entities including Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, and various ad hoc committees including the Town’s Master Plan Committee.

Site Permitting and Guidance

DPCD is not a permit granting authority; its function during the permitting process is to integrate laws, regulations and plans with the Town’s goals to ensure that the best interests of the Town and its residents are served. DPCD personnel organize and attend meetings, provide technical assistance, offer professional opinions, and guide developers, businesses and residents through the Town’s various permitting processes.

Conservation

DPCD provides support to the Conservation Commission, as provided by MGL Chapter 131, Section 40. Conservation Staff, specifically the Town’s Conservation Agent, is responsible for speaking for the Conservation Commission when they are not present (see separate Conservation Commission Report). Although not a permit authority, the Conservation Agent does have limited police powers to regulate already approved Conservation Commission activities, stop unauthorized activities and to promote and develop the natural resources of Franklin and its wetlands, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes and watersheds. In addition, Conservation staff provides administrative support and reviews applications being presented to the Conservation Commission, as well as provides professional support to other Town Boards, Commissions and Departments.

Comprehensive Planning and Zoning

DPCD is responsible for traditional land-use related activities including updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws. A description of zoning and land use issues worked on by DPCD during the 2015 fiscal year is summarized below. During the 2015 fiscal year DPCD worked on amendment of several sections of Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw. This included Zoning Amendments 14-42, 14-743 and 14-744, which were needed to correct references and inconsistencies in the Town’s Zoning Bylaw. As a result of public meetings and a response to a Request for Proposals for sale and development of the Pond Street property, DPCD developed and submitted to Town Council Zoning Amendment 14-745, which added multi-family housing by special permit to the Office Zoning District. Since Town Council adopted the Town’s updated Master Plan in 2013, DPCD staff has worked towards implementation. During FY15 DPCD provided Town Council with an update summarizing the status of the Master Plan’s implementation.

The Town held a Zoning Workshop in March 2015 to review potential zoning changes, including Actions proposed within the 2013 Master Plan; issues discussed included the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District; Senior Village Overlay District; Commercial I Zoning District; Multi-family Zoning; and Accessory Dwelling Units. DPCD was tasked with developing a zoning map amendment, which would allow multi-family housing in an
industrially zoned area along Dean Ave. A map amendment has been drafted and will be before Town Council for consideration during July 2015.

Planning and Implementation of Community Development and Economic Development Projects

Each year the DPCD works on many community and economic development initiatives. The Department develops strategies, proposes policies, bylaw changes and Town Council resolutions, manages projects, and seeks grants in efforts to balance Franklin’s community livability and its economic viability. DPCD encourages responsible community development that meets the goals and objectives of the Town’s various planning documents, and the State’s Sustainable Development and Smart Growth Principles. Some of DPCD’s more important recently completed or ongoing projects and initiatives are summarized below. Regional Planning. DPCD attends meetings and works on various regional planning issues with a variety of regional organizations, including Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Southwest Area Planning Committee, I-495/ MetroWest Corridor Partnership, and the I-95/495 South Regional Technology Economic Target Area’s Coordinating Council. In addition, the DPCD occasionally supports the initiatives of other regional organizations including the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Friends of the SNETT, the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau, and a workforce development advisory committee established by Employment and Training Resources in Framingham.

Downtown Revitalization

For several years the Town of Franklin has made revitalization of Downtown Franklin a major focus and has worked to improve the Downtown in a variety of ways. The revitalization of Downtown Franklin must be carefully planned to ensure that improvements positively impact the entire community. During the 2015 fiscal year DPCD worked on several projects related to implementation of the Franklin Center Plan, which was developed in 2002 and 2003 to provide Town officials with a vision and basic strategy for revitalization of Downtown Franklin.

One component of the Franklin Center Plan is Cultural Uses. The issue of cultural economic development has been a focus for DPCD in recent years. During FY14 DPCD worked with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau and Franklin Downtown Partnership to develop a brochure map of Downtown Franklin; the map was printed and distributed in the first quarter of FY15. 

During FY15 DPCD continued to work with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau on a variety of cultural economic development marketing activities. In addition, DPCD provided limited assistance to the Franklin Cultural District Committee, which is a group of individuals and organizations that are attempting to create a State designated Downtown Franklin Cultural District. 

A cultural district is a specific geographical area that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. It needs to be walkable, easily accessible, easily identifiable to visitors and residents, and serve as a center for cultural, artistic and economic activity. The goals of a Cultural District are to encourage business and job development, attract artists and cultural enterprises, establish the district as a tourist destination, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values, and foster local cultural development.

The Town of Franklin’s Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project is an integral part of the Town’s strategy for Downtown revitalization. The improvement project includes improvements to the traffic pattern of Route 140 in the Downtown Franklin area,
installation of interconnected traffic signals with emergency preemption system, period lighting, traffic calming devices, resetting curbs where needed, ADA compliant sidewalks, resurfacing of streets, and landscape improvements and street furniture. The Project represents a substantial public investment in the Downtown’s future and economic viability, and is expected to spur on private investment. Construction of this important multi-year project began in 2014.

early on a December morning along West Central St

During the first half of FY15, DPCD provided substantial technical assistance towards implementation the Town’s Franklin Solar Challenge. The initiative is similar to the state’s Solarize Mass program, which provides discounts to encourage residents and small business owners to install solar panels. Public meetings were held in the first quarter of FY15 to inform and educate the public. 

During the second quarter of FY15 DPCD worked with a group of residents to obtain the services of a solar panel installation contractor, SolarFlair, who began installing solar panels late in the 2014 calendar year; the more people ordering a solar panel installation the better the unit pricing. As of June 2015 SolarFlair had already signed solar panel installation contracts for well over 100 kW of capacity.

Tax Title Properties 

As in past years, DPCD again worked with other Departments assessing the Town’s Tax Title Properties. Each year recommendations are developed for a number of these properties, and DPCD submits the work to the Town Administrator and Town Council for consideration.

DPCD works regularly on a wide range of economic development projects and programs, and is one of DPCD’s top priorities, second only to providing excellent administrative and technical assistance to the Town’s boards, commissions and committees. Potential benefits to the Town from successful implementation of DPCD’s Business Retainage and Attraction Initiatives are significant. These efforts focus on increasing the value of Franklin’s commercial and industrial tax base, filling the Town’s empty and underutilized industrially zoned buildings, and attracting the right mix of companies to the community.

As part of DPCD’s efforts to market the Town of Franklin, DPCD staff develops press releases, economic development marketing brochures, and various economic development advertisements for industry periodicals. During FY15 DPCD focused much of its efforts on the life sciences/biotechnology industry. Towards the end of the fiscal year DPCD staff began working with professors and students from Dean College and the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director on development of a marketing program for Downtown Franklin. The project includes developing a distinct Downtown Franklin "brand", marketing and graphic materials, and a related implementation strategy, in attempts to attract customers and visitors to ensure the Downtown's economic viability during the construction of the Downtown Improvement Project.

In partnership with MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), DPCD developed and manages the MassDevelopment - MOBD - Town of Franklin Business Visitation Program, which is intended to make local research and development and manufacturing companies in Franklin aware of State technical assistance programs and financial resources that can be made available to further their development, and to raise awareness of DPCD as a resource for local businesses. In addition, DPCD works regularly with MOBD, MassDevelopment, and other agencies in efforts to attract the right mix of companies to Franklin’s industrial and commercial areas.

Franklin is part of the I-495/95 South Regional Technology Economic Target Area, and as such can offer businesses looking to start up or expand in Franklin one of the most attractive incentives a Massachusetts community can offer a business, a Tax Increment Finance Agreement. 

The Town of Franklin supports the use of this local tax credit for a wide range of development projects, including projects that create a significant number of livable wage jobs for Franklin residents, support innovative technology, and result in redevelopment of empty or underutilized industrially zoned properties, or development of new facilities. Once a business negotiates a tax increment finance agreement with the Town of Franklin it may qualify for a state investment tax credit for qualifying tangible/depreciable assets, as well as other significant tax incentives.

Working towards redevelopment of town-owned properties is a regular DPCD activity, and continues to be a high priority. During FY2014 DPCD developed a Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) for future redevelopment of 150 Emmons Street, site of the former Municipal Building. The Town’s goals for this important parcel are “Redevelopment of the site into a key gateway into Downtown Franklin, which will maximize short-term and long-term benefits to the Town and its residents. 

Expressions of Interest were due during the first quarter of FY15, which influenced the development and distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for sale and reuse of the property, which included demolition of the former municipal building. Proposals in response to the RFP were due during December 2014. One Proposal was received, and the Proposer/Developer began performing due diligence activities; a final Purchase and Sale agreement will likely be executed in FY16.

Also during 2015 DPCD continued to work with other Town staff, consultants, and the EPA to move forward redevelopment of the Town’s “Nu-Style” Property. The Nu-Style Property at 87 Grove Street consists of two parcels totaling 1.2 acres. The property is contaminated with a variety of hazardous materials. Demolition of the main NuStyle building was completed within FY13; demolition was required in order to access and analyze soil and water under the building to assure that the full extent of soil and water contamination is known. 

Preparing the site for redevelopment is expensive, and DPCD has sought funding and technical assistance from a variety of sources in recent years. DPCD secured EPA technical assistance to assess the quality of ground water at the Nu-Style site; several monitoring wells were drilled and two rounds of water samples were analyzed. In addition, the EPA performed indoor air quality assessment activities in an adjacent privately held building to assure contaminated soil and ground water on the Nu-Style property is not negatively impacting adjacent properties. Building II, a smaller dilapidated mill building on the back of the Nu-Style property became the focus of DPCD efforts during the second half of FY15.

DPCD will continue to undertake a wide range of community and economic development projects, programs, and planning initiatives that will keep the Town’s goals and objectives current and representative of Franklin’s needs and desires. DPCD is proud of its accomplishments and welcomes public input on all of its efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,
Department of Planning and Community Development Staff.

-----------

"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

http://ecode360.com/10432729?highlight=annual%20report,reports,annual,report#10432729

Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2015report.pdf

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Additional info on the Dept of Planning and Community Development can be found on their webpages

• Open Space and Recreation plan is being updated

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

• Pond St will likely see another RFP (and oddly not mentioned in the summary above)

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

• The Downtown Improvement Project is scheduled to completed in 2016

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

• What do you find the Master Plan? the current and prior one can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan