Franklin Hosts Resident Visioning Event on Business Development - Oct 22

The Town of Franklin and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) are undertaking a business development strategy to focus on promoting new development and redevelopment in three strategic growth locations: Downtown Franklin Commercial District; the Crossing (near Union and Cottage Streets); and the Mixed Business Innovation District (near Fisher and Hayward Streets). 

The main goal of this project is to increase the economic activity within these older commercial areas, and the Town as a whole. The resulting Market Analysis and Market Position Summary will guide the development of a business recruitment and retention strategy, including the future creation of business recruitment materials to capitalize on the market potential of these districts.

Franklin’s Department of Planning & Community Development and MAPC are partnering with Franklin’s Cultural District Committee and the Franklin Downtown Partnership on this important business development study. Officials are seeking resident, property owner, and business owner input on what can be done to stimulate Franklin’s economy, including insights into how to create jobs, support businesses, and strengthen the community as a whole.

A public meeting is being held on Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM in Franklin Municipal Building’s 3rd Floor Training Room at 355 East Central Street. The public input session will feature a presentation by a representative of MAPC on goals of the project, and the current state of economic activity in Franklin.

All input and guidance provided by the public will be utilized to develop the Market Analysis and Market Position Summary, which will contain an updated demographic analysis for the Town, local and regional market assessments, specific recommendations for growth in the three key commercial districts, and an outline of a Business Recruitment and Retention Strategy.

For more information, contact Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner at MAPC, at rgonzalez@mapc.org, or Bryan Taberner, AICP, Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of Franklin at btaberner@franklinma.gov.

Download a copy of the event flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbVNsS3c0R3E5SGFCMThBWkc2T01VNmJXZjRV/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Hosts Resident Visioning Event on Business Development - Oct 22

Planning Board - Public Hearings scheduled for April 22

Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "Maple Hill"

"In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision Plan application titled "Maple Hill" prepared by Bay Colony Group, Inc., dated January 15, 2019 and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on March 25, 2019, by Canoll Construction Corp., PO Box 395, Foxborough, MA. 

The site is located at 469 and 441 Maple Street Rural Residential H Zoning District (Assessor's Map 234, Lot 012, Map 235 Lot 142 & Map 242, Lot 027). The applicant is proposing to construct fifty-eight (58) single family residential building lots, with access from Bridle Path and Kimberlee Ave. A Conventional Subdivision and Open Space Development plans have been submitted."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_maple_hill.pdf


Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "Highland Village"

"In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision application. titled "Preliminary Subdivision Plan Highland Village, West Central Street" prepared by Gueniere & Halnon, Franklin, MA, dated March 8, 2019 and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on March 11, 2019, by Joel D'Errico, 72 Deer View Way, Franklin, MA 02038. 

The site is located on West Central Street consisting of three parcels of land in separate ownership in the General Residential V Zoning District (Assessor's Map 278, Lots 31, 32 & 35). The applicant is proposing to construct a four (4) lot subdivision with a roadway and sidewalks."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_west_central.pdf

Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "Highland Village"

Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "79 Grove St"

"In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:10 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit & Site Plan Modification application titled "Change of Use Plan and Special Permit for 79 Grove Street, Franklin Massachusetts" and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning & Community Development on March 18, 2019 by Patrick Weidman, 79 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. 

The site is located at 79 Grove Street in the Industrial Zoning District (Assessors Map 289, Lot 001). The purpose of the Special Permit is to grant a change in use under Chapter 185 Attachment 3, Use Regulation Part II 2.7 (c) to allow the applicant to operate an auto and truck repair business with overnight storage of towed and damage vehicles within an Industrial Zone for the entire building (9,600 sq/ft)."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_79_grove_st.pdf

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development

The Department of Planning & 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 use-related goals of the people of Franklin. We make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic, cultural and social vitality.

The DPCD’s staffing reflects the diverse skills needed to complete the many activities and roles the Department participates. DPCD’s activities and services include, but are not limited to comprehensive planning, economic development, subdivision plan, site plan and conservation plan review, open space and wetlands preservation, historic preservation, zoning by-law and subdivision regulation development, downtown revitalization, brownfields redevelopment, affordable housing, 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.

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 Cultural District Committee.

Approximately 65 percent of the Department’s total staff hours are utilized on Planning Board and Conservation Commission related issues. In addition, DPCD staff occasionally provides professional technical assistance to other public entities including Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Council’s Economic Development Sub-committee, 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 and Land Use
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 promote and protect 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 and Departments. During FY19 DPCD worked on various conservation and land use related projects.

Chapter 61 Properties.
During FY17 and FY18 DPCD staff, headed up by Conservation Agent George Russell, assessed privately-owned parcels within Franklin that are known as Chapter 61 parcels.
Chapters 61, 61A and 61B of Massachusetts General Law outline programs that require municipalities to reduce assessments of farm, forest and open space lands, provided the owners make a commitment to keep their lands in one or more of those uses. Should the owner of any of these parcels decide to remove them from their current tax status and offer them for sale, the town would have the right of first refusal. The parcels were evaluated in order to gain a greater understanding of which may be more prudent for the town to acquire, and to ensure that the Town gains the greatest benefit from its open space and recreation funds by objectively reviewing proposed land acquisition projects using established criteria.

Conservation Commission Managed Land.
During FY18, DPCD staff, again headed up by Conservation Agent George Russell, assessed the 125 Town-owned properties that are managed by the Conservation Commission. One result of the study was to identify parcels that could be utilized for passive recreation purposes, including the possibility of connecting Conservation properties with other public lands. DPCD continued to implement the Master Plan for the DelCarte Conservation area, including beginning the second year of pond treatments, and worked to procure the services of a contractor to construct ADA improvements to access the canoe launch. In addition, DPCD began the process of amending the Conservation Commission’s regulations and standard operating procedures to help streamline the approval process for "minor" projects.

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 2018 fiscal year is summarized below.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments.
During the 2018 fiscal year DPCD worked on amendment of several sections of Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw. Zoning Map Amendment 18-795 amended Franklin’s Zoning Map by changing the zoning district of two dozen parcels in area near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets. The Zoning Map Amendment eliminated the Commercial II Zoning District from that section of Town. Zoning Bylaw Amendments 17-797 changed the setback requirements for accessory buildings and structures. DPCD is undergoing a project to better define the Town's zoning districts by following parcel lines. Where parcels are within two or more zoning districts the subject Zoning Map Amendment will move the
Zoning District line so each parcel is only in one zoning district, in most cases based on the current land use. DPCD will develop roughly a dozen Zoning Map Amendments to complete this project. The first three, Zoning Map Amendments 18-802, 18-803 and 18-804, were developed in the last quarter of FY18.

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 Advisory 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. DPCD also provides support for the Charles River Meadowlands, an effort among citizens and officials from the Towns of Bellingham, Medway and Franklin, to work together and to work with Federal and State officials, to improve management and access of the Federally-owned meadowlands, and adjacent public lands.

Downtown Revitalization. 
For more than fifteen years the Town 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 2018 fiscal year DPCD continued to work on 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, including working with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau on a variety of cultural economic development marketing activities. As part of these efforts DPCD provided assistance to the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee, a group of individuals and organizations working to increase the number of art and culture related events in the area, create a State designated Franklin Cultural District in Franklin center. 

The Cultural District Steering Committee has accomplished much; this group of hard working arts and culture advocates has: assisted DPCD with the Cultural District application process including development of a strong cultural district Partnership; worked hard to support art and culture programing; and even organized the annual Franklin Cultural Festival. Lovers of the arts in Franklin owe them a great deal for their passion and hard work. During recent years DPCD prepared Cultural District marketing materials, coordinated efforts with local stakeholders, and performed outreach and educational activities, including setting up booths and displays at various events.

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, as defined by the legislative statute, 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 economic development.

In June 2017 Franklin Town Council passed two resolutions that accomplished the following: created the Cultural District Committee; formally expressed Franklin’s interest in establishing a state-designated cultural district; endorsed state-sponsored cultural district goals; and endorsed submission of a Cultural District application. During FY2018 the Cultural District Committee was formed. DPCD provides the Committee with administrative and Technical support; during June 2018 the Town submitted a Cultural District application to Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Cultural District Committee’s responsibilities include applying for Cultural District designation, managing and marketing the District, assuring the Districts goals are obtained, and managing and strengthening the Town’s Cultural District Partnership.

Over the last few years a strong Partnership has formed in support of creating a state-designated cultural district in the Downtown area. The Cultural District Partnership includes many of Franklin’s well known organizations and businesses, including: Franklin’s School Department, Historic Commission, Public Library, Cultural Council, and Senior Center/COA; Franklin TV/Franklin Radio; Franklin Downtown Partnership; Dean College; Franklin Art Association; Franklin Performing Arts Company; the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse; and Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Town Properties. 
DPCD regularly works with the Administration and other Town departments to assess and develop recommendations for Town-owned parcels of land, including Tax Title Properties and lands of low value. Each year recommendations are developed for a number of these properties, and the work is submitted 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. 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 efforts to market the Town of Franklin, DPCD staff maintains a site selection web page - franklinmasiteselector.com, and develops press releases, advertisements for industry periodicals, and economic development marketing brochures. DPCD regularly communicates with realtors, property owners and businesses to make them aware of State and Federal 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. DPCD works regularly Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment and other agencies in efforts to attract the right mix of companies to Franklin’s industrial and commercial areas.

Redevelopment Projects. 
Redevelopment of Town owned properties is a regular DPCD activity. In recent years much progress has been made with three important Town-owned properties. Redevelopment of the former Municipal Building property at 150 Emmons Street was completed in FY17. The Town’s so-called Pond Street Property, former sewer beds, was sold to a developer in FY16, and construction of a condominium housing development is well on its way. 

The Town’s so-called “Nu-Style” Property on Grove Street, has been the subject of environmental assessment and remedial activities since 2006. The results of testing showed that to fully assess the property’s soil and groundwater contamination, a dilapidated former manufacturing building on site needs to be removed. During FY18 DPCD developed and the Town advertised a Request for Proposals, in attempt to find a company or individual to purchase, clean and redevelop the site. One proposal was received from an adjacent property owner, and the Town is working to execute a purchase and sale agreement.

DPCD will continue to undertake a wide range of community and economic development projects, programs, and planning initiatives that will keep the Town of Franklin’s goals and objectives current and representative of residents’ 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 & Community Development Staff.




You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development

Planning Board meeting starting at 6:00 PM tonight Feb 4

Two important public hearings at the Planning Board on Monday evening, Feb 4. Note the starting time is 6:00 PM (not the normal 7:00 PM start).

First up is the Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District proposed for the Clark, Cutler, McDermott area. The key change is to remove some of the more industrial and hazardous uses allowed currently while enabling the site for 'mixed business innovation'.

Second is a continuation on the 50+ unit development proposed for open space (former farm land) on Prospect St. 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/february_4_2019.pdf


The letter to the Clark Cutler neighbors:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQ2NGRExKNFRGTUF1Q3NLRmQ4YXF0Si1YalpF/view?usp=sharing

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"

Franklin SEPAC: January 2019 Newsletter

Parent to Parent Support  Please join us at Cole's Tavern for this month's parent to parent night. Where: Cole's Tavern (back room) When: January 10  at 7 PM  ------------------------------------------------------------ Anxiety in Relation to Learning/ Developmental Disabilities "Anxiety in Relation to Learning/Developmental Disabilities and How to Address in the IEP"  presented by Dr. Erin Gibbons  from Neuropsychology & Education Services for  Children & Adolescents (NESCA). Free and open to the public. Where: 3rd floor training room   Franklin Municipal Building When: January 17 at 7 PM If you have any suggestions for workshops or social events for the kids, please send us an email at franklinsepac@gmail.com. WWW.FRANKLINSEPAC.ORG

---

Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

---

In the News: condo development proposal for West Central St returns

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

"Developers are proposing to construct a 24-unit condominium development on West Central Street. 

There will be a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 7 at 7:05 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. 

The project - submitted by Joel D’Errico of Franklin and named Highland Village - is made up of three parcels in separate ownership, totaling about 2.85 acres from 278 to 300 West Central St. The site plan was prepared for the three clients by Guerriere & Halnon engineers and land surveyors. 

Town Planner Amy Love said that the same owners sought approval for a similar project last year and were denied by the Planning Board. This time, they came back with six fewer condos on the table."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181217/franklin-braces-for-another-condo-development

One of four lots for sale on Pleasant St near the DelCarte Open Space

In the News: "That’s what it’s about, thinking about it differently"

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

"A developer plans to build 53 new single-family homes on what is Schmidt’s Farm at 215 Prospect St., according to plans submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development. 

Maddi North Street Development LLC wants to build the homes on 114.5 acres in a subdivision called Prospect Farms. 

The homes would be built along a new 6,650-foot horseshoe-shaped road, with a small side street reconnecting with the main one. The main road would connect Prospect Street to Nicholas Drive , according to the plans."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181105/developer-files-plans-for-53-home-subdivision-in-franklin

"In Massachusetts, about 120,000 people are living with dementia of some variety. 

In Franklin an estimated 13 percent of citizens over 65, or about 548 people, have been diagnosed with the disease and according to director at the Franklin Senior Center Karen Alves, that number is expected to grow over the next decade. 

“We want a community that is respectful and aware of dementia, folks who are living with it, and their caregivers,” Alves said. “We’re looking to reduce the stigma of dementia, as well as the social isolation that folks that are living with it experience.” 

The senior center is now taking steps for the town to become one of the municipalities in the state that will have official Dementia Friendly Community status. The facility was recently awarded a grant of $12,000 and is now putting the money to work to ease the lives of people living with dementia and their caretakers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181105/franklin-strives-to-be-dementia-friendly-community

"That’s what it’s about, thinking about it differently"

Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Nov 19, 2018 has two public hearings of note. One for a new hotel on Union St and one for a 53 unit residential development off of Prospect St. 

New hotel - 725 Union St:

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:20 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit and Site Plan application titled "Proposed Hotel, 725 Union Street" Franklin, MA prepared by JK Holmgren Engineering, Inc., Brockton, MA., and submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development on October 5, 2018, by 4 SQ Development LLC, 83 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA. 

The property is located in the Commercial Il Zoning District (Assessors Map 314 Lot 016) at 725 Union Street. The applicant is proposing to construct a 58,248 sq/ft building consisting of four (4) stories, 100 room hotel building. 

The applicant is requesting two (2) Special Permits, 

• one for Building height of up to fifty (50) feet under the Chapter 185 Attachment 9, Maximum Height of Building 
• and the second for Chapter 185 Attachment 3, Hotel Use.

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_26.pdf

 Residential Development - 215 Prospect St:

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:25 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision Plan application titled "Prospect Farms" prepared by Andrews Survey and Engineering, Uxbridge, MA., dated Octobei• 29, 2018 and submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development on October 29, 2018, by Maddi North Street Development LLC, Franklin, MA. 

The site is located at 215 Prospect Street and 4 Nicholas Drive in the Rural Residential I Zoning District (Assessor's Map 325, Lot 003 and Map 326, Lot 36). 

The applicant is proposing to construct fifty-three (53) single family residential building lots along with approximately 6,650 linear feet of new roadway.

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_27.pdf

Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development

Remember when - August 2, 2008

Saturday, August 2, 2008

"We don't want anything sneaky going on"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Aug 01, 2008 @ 11:29 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Leaders of the citizens' group, "It Does Not Fit, Do Not Permit" say they will remain vigilant in opposing "irresponsible development" and keeping a watchful eye on developers.

About 50 members of the group descended upon the Zoning Board of Appeals July 24, to fight a commercial development plan Councilor Joseph McGann and former police chief Lawrence Benedetto proposed in January for 704 Washington St. The members expressed frustration that the two sought a second continuance and did not appear.

Continue reading in the archives

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/08/we-dont-want-anything-sneaky-going-on.html

the property at 704 Washington has not changed since then

Franklin GIS map of 704 Washington

“It’s a matter of people willing to think about this"

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

"Awareness group Franklin in Focus will be holding a forum called “Where’s the Green” Saturday to discuss the future of open space in town. 

The forum will take place at the Franklin Senior Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Coordinator Alan Earls said that multiple town officials have been invited as well as a representative from Metacomet Land Trust to discuss conservation options. 

Franklin in Focus was formed by Franklin residents Earls and Monique Doyle in 2017 soon after election time in November. 

“I think we both felt that there was and is a need for change,” he said. “There are a lot of things in Franklin that aren’t as good, or effective, or efficient, or responsive, or transparent as they should be.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180312/franklin-in-focus-to-discuss-open-space

Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17

In the News: new generation for Town Council; trees cut down on Maple St; Snappy Dogs fund raising

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

"Town government has a reputation for being filled with older residents and homeowners that have been in town for decades. The most recent town election changed that by introducing a new generation to Town Council. 

For the first time, two millennials sit in the Council Chambers to weigh in on the future of the town they grew up in. Patrick Casey, 28, and a digital account services coordinator at International Data Group, and Eamon McCarthy Earls, 23, editor at TechTarget, were sworn in after winning the November election. 

Casey and Earls agreed that the millennial generation has a number of negative stereotypes, but believe many of them are misplaced. 

“It’s important to keep all perspectives in play,” said Casey. “But it’s nice to have this breath of fresh air from myself and Eamon to have a new look at things.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171205/franklin-town-councils-younger-generation

"Residents are angry about dozens of trees that have been cut down in a new development in the Maple Street area. And it’s likely more will come down in the future. 

Two large pieces of property equaling about 80 acres are being developed in that area. The owners of the property are working to create residential space on both sides of Maple Street. 

In late November, workers on the property that abuts Franklin Springs Road and Maple Street legally cut down the trees to make way for a new cul-de-sac and multiple houses."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171205/franklin-residents-unhappy-with-tree-clearing

"The owners of Snappy Dogs hope to bring their popular hot dog stand back home. 

To make it possible, owners Teresa Boyce and Lisa Volpe Hachey launched an online campaign to raise $10,000 to build a second trailer, to be called “Snappy 2.” The new trailer will be parked at CVS pharmacy, where the business spent its first six seasons before Colella’s Supermarket closed. 

The campaign on Kickstarter.com is called, Bring Snappy Dogs Home. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, the business has received $7,185 with 18 days left. The campaign ends on Christmas day and is only funded if the full amount is raised."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171205/hopkinton-snappy-dogs-hopes-to-raise-10k-for-another-hot-dog-stand

The Kickstarter link can be found here
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/snappydogs/bring-snappy-dogs-home

More about Snappy Dogs can be found on their webpage  http://www.snappydogs.com/

the original trailer for Snappy Dogs (photo via Snappy Dogs webpage)

“I do this because I love doing it"

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

"Though it’s not her primary job, Susan Barbour doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty with the rest of the kitchen staff at the Senior Center. 

It is likely one of the many reasons she was awarded the 2017 Citizen’s Award from Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA) for her work with the organization. 

Among many titles, Barbour is the program coordinator at the Senior Center. Though she devotes much of her time to her interns from HMEA in the kitchen. 

Quick to perk a smile among co-workers and customers, Barbour is humble, but proud of the work she does for HMEA. Her dedication and pride is evident through her 13 years of volunteer work for the organization."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/franklin-resident-awarded-good-citizens-award

"HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA, but our service area extends to over 110 communities in the Commonwealth’s Central, Southeastern and Eastern regions. We have a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and HMEA now serves nearly 3,800 children and adults with developmental disabilities."

Visit HMEA on the web for more information  https://hmea.org/ 

HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA

Pond St - 140 foot buffer or ??? (video)

I took a walk along the frontage of the former Franklin land on Pond St to record a video on Sunday, June 11. It was just after noon time and the traffic speed and noise adds to the video.

Trees are being cut as the land is prepared for construction. It looks like a new access road is being added to the property. This accounts for the most open section of the tree cutting.

You can see through to i495 and BJ's across the way from several points along Pond St.

What it will look like when finished remains to be seen. There are several threads of comments on Facebook about whether the developer is remaining within the 150' buffer the Town Council had agreed to with the neighbors.

Stay tuned for more on this as the story and details are revealed.

markings for what appears to be a new access road to the development

Land Use Workshop - Thursday, April 13

Land Use Workshop 

April 13, 2017 at 6:30 PM

355 East Central Street 

Council Chambers

Topics for Workshop

• COMMUNITY APPROACH TO HOUSING and Economic Development
1. Current Growth spurt? - see attached Memo
2. Residential VII ?
3. Commercial I
4. Commercial II
5. Height of issues in Cl, C2, Downtown and RS
6. Affordable housing

• lnclusionary Zoning - for affordable/or open space?

7. Open Space Acquisition Plan?


History
Master Plan Adopted by the Town Council in 2013 

Changes as a result of the Master Plan
• Change Industrial to R 5 at the end of Dean Ave (Thompson Press)
• Allow surface parking lots as primary use in Downtown
• Clean up zone lines in the Downtown
• Rural business (was Neighborhood Commercial) - Washington Street and Spring Street
• Change R4 to RS on West Central near Beaver Street

Zoning in Master Plan not addressed to date
• C-1 issues/options/location

Recent proposed changes not included in the Master Plan
1. Residential VII East Central Street - Citizen/Developer petition
2. Storage Facility moved from CII to industrial - In process
3. Medical Marijuana - State law passed - adopted
4. Recreation Marijuana - State law passed - adopted

Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos

The original agenda document for the Land Use Workshop




The Master Plan can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

The 5 part Special Report on the development of the Residential VII zoning proposal can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

Madalene Village public hearing continued to March 2

The Madalene Village proposal public hearing has been continued (yes, again) to March 10 this time. The next ZBA meeting is actually scheduled for March 2. During the intervening time, the developer is supposed to work out some issues with the peer reviewer as well as revise the submitted waivers listing to better reword some of the requests.

Partial summary of open issues:
The stream is still an issue as it is referred to as a 'ditch' and not acknowledged as a viable and valuable water resource.

The town has a current drain from Fletcher Field into the 'ditch.' The developer says Franklin has no easement for it. Franklin says it is on their land. This should be interesting to resolve.

There was a bunch of discussion on 'subsurface structures' and the definition of that versus an 'infiltration basins'. The dispute is around what design standards from MA DEP requires. A 'mounded analysis' is hence required by the Town and is questioned by the developer.

The developer has yet to meet with or engage in anyway the Conservation Commission. Conservation issues are being addressed to the ZBA, which respectfully speaking, is not their subject of expertise.

The wording of many of the waivers requested seem to be broader than required. Some of them were acknowledged as being worthy of refinement.

Recap on process
The ZBA does not need something from the Conservation Commission before the ZBA makes a decision. The concept is before the ZBA. If the board is so inclined to proceed with a permit, they would still come back with the construction design to approve that formally. If they (the developer) goes to the Conservation Commission and can't meet the State regulations, then the development would stop.

You can view the ZBA meeting here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=434

Files released before the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/madalene-village-documents-for-zba.html

and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/zoning-board-of-appeals-meeting-feb-16.html

Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development

Madalene Village documents for ZBA Meeting - 2/16/17

The listing of waivers requested

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczaGdRRGpiS0NkWXFSRG1IV3ZYMnA0NG8yMlJj


Letter from the Developer

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczTWNCb2xaMTR3VnpJbjU5WmltOE81NGg5bmVn


ZBA Consultants assessment of project and issues to be addressed

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczTVdsLVFpbHg3N0xSM0FVT29aRUxEWUdNRjBv

the Spruce Pond Stream is being proposed to be relocated as part of the development

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Feb 16 for Madalene Village

DATE: Feb. 14, 2017

TO: Mr. Bruce Hunchard, Chairman
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

FROM: George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent

RE: Comprehensive Permit Application, Madalene Village
21 Peck-180 Cottage Streets

I have read the minutes of the Board concerning the above project.

Neither my office nor the Conservation Commission members have been contacted by the applicant concerning this project. Further, until a formal application is presented to the Commission, no comments over and above what have been transmitted to the Board by my office can be made without prejudicing the Commission on an application upon which they must decide. The minutes of 11/17/16 state:

. . . ConComm doesn’t want anything to do with it until they file. Mark: I always take the position that, if someone requests a waiver from a local ConComm rule, we ought to get what the ConComm thinks. Chairman: Their agent responded that they didn’t want to look at it until they file. . . .

Although these minutes have been accepted, I need to go on record that my office has repeatedly indicated that the applicant should be discussing this project with my office. I in fact do “ . . . want to look . . .” just as would happen at a tech review meeting. What must be avoided is compromising the Commission from taking a position before the application is filed.

It is still my opinion that at least some preliminary discussions on the project concerning the wetlands issues are warranted and should have already taken place and that the waiver of the local wetlands by-law is not in the best interests of the Town.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Letter From Conservation Commission
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczajZ2YWZESXJGUjlFUUZteUZSUkMtSE92a25j

Flyer
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdzktaHRvYlI3U1RFWENFM1B0bHU5ZnUwTTgw

Town Engineer letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREF1UFJEN0s4Z191bUtXdFlkZ1lfWUxTdXpj/view?usp=sharing

Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development