- The neighboring residents and business property owners are not interested in remediation of the contaminated site
- Without additional EPA/DEP grants funds to facilitate the clean up, the Town is lacking in funds to clean it properly although it recognized the need and obligation to do so
- For now, the Town will continue to work the grant applications for funds, and may consider re-issuing the property for sale
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears about the complicated Nu-Style property
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
DOER has scheduled seminars to obtain feedback on stretch code proposal
DOER Announces Public Hearings on New Stretch Code Proposal
Dear Building Energy Code Stakeholder,
DOER will hold five virtual public
hearings to receive comment on its Straw Proposal for Stretch Code
update and New Specialized Stretch Code released on February 8th. The following
information can be reviewed in advance of the hearings at DOER's new Stretch Code Development
webpage:
2.
Recording of February 8 Webinar (registration required to view)
3.
Summary of stretch code analysis
informing straw proposal
Interpretation services will be provided at
all hearings in Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and
Vietnamese.
Hearing Focus |
Date |
March 2, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
|
March 3, 9:00 am – 11:00 am |
|
March 4, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
|
March 7, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
|
March 8, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
DOER will provide a brief presentation to respond to clarifying questions received in advance of the public hearing, however the majority of the time is reserved to hear public comments. Public comments will be limited to 3 minutes per person to ensure all participants have a chance to provide comment.
To submit questions or to sign up to give public comment at a hearing please send an email to stretchcode@mass.gov with the title ‘Comment for Public Hearing’ and include your name, organizational affiliation and municipality where you work or reside, as applicable. There will be four regional hearings and one additional hearing dedicated to Environmental Justice communities statewide. At each regional hearing, comments and questions from participants representing communities in the designated region will be prioritized. Visit the Green Communities webpage to find out which region your community is in.
REMINDER: DOER highly encourages written comments on the Straw Proposal for Stretch Code update and New Specialized Stretch Code to be submitted electronically to stretchcode@mass.gov with the subject line “Stretch Code Straw Proposal Comments”. Written comments will be accepted until 5 pm EST on March 9th, 2022
Thank you,
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
What is Strong Towns about? (video)
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Strong Towns Event @ THE BLACK BOX - 11/15/21 (audio)
FM #661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 661 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Strong Towns Town Hall event with Congressman Jake Auchincloss, State Rep Jeff Roy, Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, and Charles Marohn from Strong Towns.
The event was held at THE BLACK BOX and broadcast via Franklin TV and Zoom.
After a round of opening remarks, there is a question and answer period with audience participation. Each question asker identifies themselves so you should be able to follow along.
The recording runs about 1 hour and 14 minutes, so let’s listen to the Strong Towns Event on Nov 15, 2021. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9af1799e-c16d-4b73-8329-74515b343b2f
--------------
My notes from the session
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-strong-towns-event-fostering.html
More about Strong Towns can be found online -> https://www.strongtowns.org/
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - May 19
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Board.
4. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
5. ADJOURN
Please find the agenda and connection info for the Meeting https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-19_town_council_agenda_1.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/definitive_subdivision_plan.pdf
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - May 19 |
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Toronto's urban center "grappling with a housing shortage and affordability crisis"
"Canada’s largest city is moving towards a new vision of the future, in which affordability, sustainability and environmentally friendly design are prioritized over the trappings of new and often untested technologies.In announcing its new vision this week for Quayside, Toronto has backed away from many of the previous plan’s most futuristic promises, a move experts say reflects growing skepticism over technology’s role in urban planning decisions."
"Waterfront Toronto today launched an international competition to secure a development partner for the Quayside lands. The first step in this effort is to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify potential development proponents with the proven experience, design portfolio, financial resources, and shared vision necessary to bring Quayside to reality.“The people of Toronto have told us that they want to see a bold vision realized on the waterfront that reflects the confident, welcoming, and imaginative civic spirit of our city,” said Stephen Diamond, Chair of the Board for Waterfront Toronto.“We are looking for leaders in the development field that will share our ambition to create a place that fuses Quayside to the water, and provides more beauty, utility, and originality than previously imagined. We want Quayside to be timeless, adaptive, and to propel us into our rightful place among the great waterfronts of the world,” Diamond concluded.Quayside will usher in a new chapter in Toronto development. It will remind people of everything they want from living in the city and demonstrate what is possible when vision, passion, and design excellence are brought together. "
Friday, March 12, 2021
CommonWealth Magazine: "Why is the state’s technology so bad?
“THE…DISASTER WAS completely avoidable, as administrators knew the system was not ready, yet decided to launch it anyway… Investigations cannot undo the taxpayer dollars wasted and the disruption of families’ access to health care.”That comment could have been voiced recently by critics of the state’s troubled vaccine finder website – but it wasn’t. It was actually a critique of the state’s disastrous rollout of the Health Connector website in 2014, built under then-Gov. Deval Patrick. The speaker was then-gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker – now the governor in charge of the Vaxfinder website best known for the four-armed orange octopus that appeared when it crashed.There are significant differences between the debacles. The Health Connector website failure cost hundreds of millions of dollars and, in its initial form, never worked. The state had to give hundreds of thousands of people temporary Medicaid coverage because it couldn’t figure out what insurance they were eligible for. The Vaxfinder website cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and ultimately, it has worked, with tens of thousands of people using it to sign up for vaccine appointments, despite the difficulties."
Monday, March 1, 2021
Projects underway out and around Franklin
In no particular order these are photos and links to the Planning Board documents for the approved projects underway in and around Franklin.
Amego on Washington St |
Bus facility on Panther Way
Bus facility on Panther Way |
340 East Central St |
Mixed use development (residential, retails, coffee shop) |
On Sunday's walk, the auto dealer building is half gone |
Fairfield Residences on Dean Ave (now Station 117) |
I have written in other places about my 'following the money' by focusing on the Finance Committee, the School Committee and the Town Council. In so doing, I do acknowledge leaving the whole "planning process" (Planning Board, Design Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission) out of the coverage. Frankly, I have only so much time. Someday, maybe if the 'cloning thing' works, I can do both. In the meantime, I'll repeat the offer:
If you have interest in reporting on any one (or more) of the planning process meetings, I'll gladly help you get set up. You do need the interest and a basic capability to write what you hear about and see. It does take time but does provide its rewards.
PS - If I missed a project that you have a question about, let me know.
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Mar 3, 2021
1. Tasting Room bylaw proposal
2. Franklin Business Guide (Draft Attached)
3. Food Trucks materials update
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Mar 3, 2021 |
Thursday, January 28, 2021
New Book Announcement | Boston Made
|
|
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
"it’s an idea that’s been ruminating for 50 years"
"Ryan Gardill used to love backpacking. Getting into the outdoors and covering ground was one of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, native’s favourite things to do. But as the 29-year-old former US Marine’s joints and back began struggling to carry the weight of a backpack, he decided it was time to get on a bike.That opened up a whole new world.“I’d always dreamed of doing a thru-hike or bike,” he said. “A guy from work talked about a trail going from Pittsburgh to DC. I said: ‘That sounds awesome!’.”
Great American Rail Trail |
Sunday, March 22, 2020
MA Small Business Development Center Network: Prepare For Recovery
PREPARE FOR RECOVERY
By Cliff Robbins, MSBDC Senior Business Advisor
"NOW what do I do?" This is the question on every small business persons' mind. Well, this is the time to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus world: Especially because you have probably been forced to shutter or otherwise change your business approach.
1) CFIMITYM - Cash Flow Is More Important Than Your Mother.
Conserve your cash. Act like you're in a turnaround crisis because you probably are [too]. If you haven't done so already, project your cash needs out for the next twelve months. (We can help with that.) Go to MSBDC.org/SEMass and contact an advisor.
2) COMMUNICATE
Talk to your customers; communicate with your bank; invest in your social media; let them know that you're still around; keep them engaged. Try selling gift certificates. This is a great time to try that for future business. Send them emails to let them know you're still here and OKAY!
3) CREATE
Most small business people don't continually create content because they say they just don't have the time. Well, now your schedule is a little more open today, so create some content. Create educational content about your products and services; create instructional videos; create stories that you can share in the near future to tell the world how great your business has been and still is!
4) ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL SERVICES
If you work at people's homes, particularly for services like landscaping, or other home improvement services that are low-touch, get the word out that you're available. If people aren't ready today, the nicer weather will catch up with them quickly once this all starts to sort itself out.
5) PREPARE AND INVEST - Now's the time to get a leg up on the competition:
- Get that new website started, it's going to take a little time to get going, and this downtime will help you modernize.
- Optimize your business for local search, it takes a few weeks for optimizations to happen, so get the leg up once people are ready to leave the house again.
- Sort out the back-end of your business: Your CRM, your customer databases, your online store. Make sure these are all up and running so that you are prepared for the future.
"This too shall pass."
Look at this period as an opportunity to get ahead, and stay focused on growth.
The region sure needs it!
Shared from the Southeast Regional Office MSBDC
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101853174121&ca=27eb69bc-325e-4f7e-beee-d0a98b2711f6
MA Small Business Development Center Network: Prepare For Recovery |
Thursday, March 12, 2020
You ask - we answer: When will the Dean Ave. apartments start renting?
A - The website for LiveStation117.com doesn't provide a timeline for rental. https://www.station117apartments.com/
1 - In my walks by the location, exterior construction is still very much in progress. Perhaps before the end of the year? You can sign up for their "Interest List" to find out.
The Fairfield Residential webpage shows this opening "Early 2020".
https://www.fairfieldresidential.com/new-developments/
2 - none of the units are designated for 'low income'
3 - There will be sidewalk along Dean Ave to Main St. As mentioned in the Facebook thread on this question, the Town and developer jointly are working to address the drainage at the Dean Ave corner with an EPA grant. Roadwork has been underway last year on the underground portion. Sidewalk and paving is scheduled for this year.
The website for LiveStation117.com |
The Fairfield Residential webpage |
Monday, November 11, 2019
School Committee recap for Oct 29, 2019
The Superintendent's report
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/superintendents-report-10-29-19
There was recognition of the five committee members who were not running for re-election as this would be their last meeting. The two incumbents running for election were successfully re-elected so their 'recognition' event is postponed to some future date.
Kelty Kelly, Principal of the ECDC, previewed the "developmental summary" for the children at the center. This is an age and developmentally appropriate 'report card' for this age group. The Developmental Summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/_preschool_developmental_summary_final_10-18-19.pdf
There was a long discussion over the multiple resolutions before the MASC conference where the committee also voted to appoint Chair Anne Bergen as their representative. This listing and details for the text for the resoluteness can be found in the packet https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-d-resolutions
The October 1 Enrollment Report was made available. This is a key piece of info as the Oct 1 report is the 'control' number for all schools for the year. Clearly, there are some minor move in and adjustments as the school year progresses but this the 'stake in the ground' for reporting purposes. https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/enrollment_statistics_-_10-29-19_sc.pdf
With this meeting, the School Committee has also implemented for the first time, a practice that the Town Council has been using for some time: Actions Taken: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/news/october-29-2019-school-committee-actions-taken
Additional details can be found in my notes reported live during the meeting:
- Live reporting: Discussion Only Items through to Closing.
- Live Reporting: ECDC Developmental Summary and Discussion.
- Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 29, 2019
a photo from walking around the grey day that Oct 29 was in Franklin |