Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Volunteers Needed to help with the Winter Decorating Activities on Saturday, Nov. 18


WINTER DECORATING
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer Needed to help with the Winter Decorating Activities on Saturday, Nov. 18

Volunteers are needed for Winter Decorating Day on Sat., Nov. 18 to help install wreaths, bows and greenery. 


Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to help dress up the downtown for the holidays!

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Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

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Thursday, September 28, 2023

It’s Here! Franklin Celebrates the Season Saturday, September 30 at the Annual Harvest Festival

Franklin’s Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 30, 12 noon to 5 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, October 1, from 12 noon to 4 PM. 160 booths and attractions will fill Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central, and Depot Street. 
Annual Harvest Festival
Annual Harvest Festival

Visitors to the festival will enjoy musical entertainment, food from local restaurants, kids’ crafts, painting and balloon art, specials from downtown merchants, unique artwork and crafts by local and regional artists. Community groups will be there to tell you about their organization. 

“The Harvest Festival is always a great time for people to gather and socialize. They can experience what shopping and dining local is really like in our community,” said Scott Martin, Harvest Festival chairman and president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership. “The mix of activities and entertainment make this event special for all ages.”

The day’s agenda is full. This is what you get.

Refreshments – Gelato, coffee, bakery, smoothies and many other food choices at Main Street restaurants. Food court vendors will be selling great fare including Italian sausage, pizza, hot dogs, barbecue chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, fried dough, ice cream, apple cider, popcorn and cider donuts.

Shopping - With more than 160 vendors, this festival is the perfect opportunity for residents to meet their local business owners and learn more about what they offer. Many local crafters will be selling everything from paintings and jewelry to handmade gift items.

Franklin Historical Museum - Local entertainer Jamie Barrett will play music on the front porch of the museum at 80 West Central Street (route 140). Popcorn will be served from an old-fashioned popcorn machine, and Ladybug Trail maps and buttons will be handed out.

Touch-a-Truck - The Franklin Fire Department will have its firetrucks out at its headquarters, and Sparky will give out plastic fire helmets to children.

Art Show and Sale - The Franklin Art Association will host an art show and sale at its gallery located inside Escape Into Fiction bookstore at 12 Main Street. 

“Downtown Franklin is a busy social center for shopping, dining and entertainment. The Harvest Festival is the perfect time to get acquainted with local business owners,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director. “We welcome friends from our town and beyond to experience the shops, restaurants, and many services Franklin has to offer.”

Piana added, “We love to acknowledge and thank our local business sponsors who make this event a huge success.” 

This year’s platinum sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Middlesex Savings Bank, RI Motorsports; Gold sponsors: Floor & Décor, Notturno Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, PhysicianOne Urgent Care; Silver sponsors: Camford Property Group, Glen Meadow Apartments, Hockomock YMCA, Rockland Trust; Bronze sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Chestnut Dental, DCU, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Keefe Insurance, MyFM, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Turtle 2 Properties, LLC; and Friend sponsors: The Enclave of Franklin.

About the Franklin Downtown Partnership 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Franklin Downtown Partnership announces new murals downtown

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is proud to present our latest outdoor mural install, featuring @franklin_art_association artists @paintingvenus_ @tesno.studio and @sueprattsheridan These interactive murals add color, vibrancy, and artistic vision to our downtown Main Street area. 
The new murals are located across @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen. We encourage all our Franklin residents to stop by and take a selfie with the murals and tag us! Use hashtag #franklinart 
Special thanks to @signs_by_cam for his intricate work in installing these works of art, The Franklin Cultural District Committee for providing funding, and The Ferrara Family for funding the install and to these talented artists for their craft and time.

Franklin Downtown Partnership announces new murals downtown
Franklin Downtown Partnership announces new murals downtown



Friday, June 9, 2023

Strawberry Stroll - rescheduled to rain date of June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will be hosting the Strawberry Stroll THIS SATURDAY, June 10, 2023 from 4 PM - 8 PM Downtown. Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4 PM - 6 PM and Dom DeBaggis from 6 PM - 8 PM. There will be over 95 booths full of fun, freebies and strawberry shortcake of course!

Be sure to swing by the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters to get a glimpse of the fire trucks, including the antique ladder truck up close! Sparky will be out and about greeting guests and handing out plastic red helmets to the children. 

At the Historical Museum, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed. 

Rain date has been activated for Saturday, June 10, 2023 4 PM - 8 PM. Learn more here: https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/06/many-activities-and-booths-set-for-june.html

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/weekend-fun-franklin-strawberry-stroll-june-9-2023

Weekend Fun in Franklin - Strawberry Stroll - June 9, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM
Weekend Fun in Franklin - Strawberry Stroll - June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM

Saturday, May 20, 2023

YES - RAIN or SHINE - Planting Day - Saturday 5/20/2023

Hi,

Please help to get the word out that we WILL be planting tomorrow morning and starting at 7:30 AM at Fairmount Farm on Lincoln St to transport plants downtown.
The earlier we all get there the better as the rain is due to arrive around 11 AM and we hope to be all done by then.

Any adult help that is available would be greatly appreciated.  Plan to dress for the weather.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Warm Regards,
Eileen

Eileen Mason, REALTOR®
      Today's dream ~ Tomorrow's reality . . .

Volunteers Wanted for May 20 Downtown Beautification Day
Volunteers Wanted for May 20 Downtown Beautification Day (photo from 2018)

Sunday, April 2, 2023

First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 15

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is hosting the First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. On Saturday, April 15 (rain date April 16), the Partnership invites residents to walk the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail to celebrate spring. 

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction for a free trail map and ladybug surprise. The Museum is open Saturdays 10 AM to 1 PM and Sundays 1 PM to 4 PM Escape Into Fiction is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays noon to 5 PM.

The Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical, cultural and business sites together in downtown Franklin. The walk provides an opportunity to view more than 10 art murals painted by members of the Franklin Art Association located in the alleys and the many daffodils that will be popping up along the trail. 

The purpose of the Trail is to promote economic development in downtown Franklin by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy all that Franklin center has to offer by visiting, dining, and shopping at downtown businesses while they walk the trail. Since Franklin was once the leading manufacturer of straw hats, the FDP encourages trail walkers to wear their spring hats.

“The Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is a chance to celebrate spring by walking the Ladybug Trail and enjoying all the wonderful shops and restaurants in downtown center,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “It is another fun way to support our local businesses.”

The town of Franklin has a unique connection with the ladybug. In 1974, Franklin’s John F. Kennedy School second grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, petitioned the bill to name the ladybug the state insect and subsequently witnessed it signed into law.  

Members of the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail committee are: Pandora Carlucci, Jane Curran, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, Mary Olsson, Lisa Piana, Beth Simon, and Roberta Trahan.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 360 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Learn more about the Partnership at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org
First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 15
First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 15

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Applause: Gelato and one of a kind gift shop to open next month in Franklin

Franklin residents are in for a sweet addition to their downtown Main Street this Spring.  Applause, a Gelato Shop and Unique Finds gift store is set to debut at 34 Main Street, the former location of The Spotlight Shop.

This is the first Gelateria to be offered in Franklin, and the only one within a 20-mile radius of the downtown area.  The aim is to offer a true artisan Italian-style Gelato shop in Franklin, featuring flavors that deliver unparalleled texture and taste.  In keeping with Italian tradition, Applause Gelato will offer authentic Gelato perfection in every bite with the use of the finest ingredients from around the world including Real Belgium Chocolate, Italian Nut Paste, Argentine Dulce de Leche, Alphonso Mangos from India, Sicilian Blood Oranges, Madagascar Vanilla, and more.  

The shop will offer eight flavors in rotation including vegan options.  Customers can expect to see classics like Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream, and Coffee gelato, but also more complex flavor profiles, such as Bourbon Vanilla Apple Crisp, Roasted Banana Dolce de Leche, and Maple Roasted Butter Pecan.

Founder and Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer, who is the Director of the neighboring Franklin School for the Performing Arts, is an avid traveler with an affinity for European Culture.  Her 20+ years of annual travel to Europe with her teen sensation music ensemble, Electric Youth, was the impetus for her unique vision to offer an authentic, European dessert experience in the heart of our downtown.  “I hope Applause provides a unique experience for patrons and helps draw visitors to Main Street,” says Mercer.

Perhaps what makes this experience different from any other, is its fusion of artisan Gelato with artisan gifts within a one of kind retail space; a space which incorporates bold colors, eclectic exuberance, and European tradition with a modern flair. From copper ceiling and stools, to modern pendants and beautiful live edge counters, the shop features classic interiors that have been beautifully reimagined for today's taste, with a vibrant traditional European look.  

The concept and design of the space and management of the renovation has been under the direction of Marcie DiChiara and Kylie Bodiya of Franklin.  “It has been a thrilling opportunity to be a part of the creative design team for Applause,” DiChiara notes.  From inception to the final finishing touches, we really strived to created a particularly unique and inviting aesthetic.  I think Franklin residents will be excited to have this new addition in the heart of their downtown.”

Mercer adds, “Our goal is to marry the concept of a Gelateria with a unique, one of a kind global treasures gift shop.  The product offerings in our retail space will be made up of one off, custom curated, and hand-crafted pieces, specially selected for Applause.”  Inspired by her global adventures, her aim is to offer gifts such as jewelry, apparel, home accents and art pieces that are one of a kind, and never duplicated.  Mercer also plans to incorporate some local flair into the mix as well, drawing from local artists and creators who offer unique giftables and artisan treasures.

Applause will celebrate with a formal ribbon cutting by invitation on April 6th and will be featured at the annual Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX on April 7th.  Doors will open to the public on Saturday, April 8, noon – 4:00 p.m. 

Preliminary spring hours of operation will be Wednesday – Friday, 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.  When you are welcomed into Applause, whatever you do… don’t call it ice cream!

Gelato and one of a kind gift shop to open next month in Franklin
rendering of "Applause" the new gelato shop downtown

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Inclusionary zoning moved to Town Council by unanimous Economic Development Steering Cmte vote (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee "Plus" met as scheduled on Wednesday in a longer session and they accomplished in the longer session what they had not been able to do in their shorter session; have a healthy discussion and bring multiple topics to a conclusion. 

After multiple votes to narrow down the choices on a couple of items in the table, agreement was reached and the full inclusionary zoning referral was made unanimously.

The Franklin TV replay for this session is available ->   https://youtu.be/HukEWlkid6Q


The audio and my recap will be available in a couple of days. In the meantime my notes via Twitter can be found in one PDF here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/19389zqBsU2LEnQMp64-WnpJKMFJHB5W8/view?usp=share_link

All seven members of the committee were present in the Council Chambers
All seven members of the committee were present in the Council Chambers


Sunday, January 22, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 25, 2023 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Agenda:
1. Zoning - Inclusionary Zoning
a. 22-889: Use Regulations Schedule - Residential
i. September 15, 2022 DCPD Memo & Staff Recommendation
ii. Map of a half mile circle from the train station
iii. Sample of a 40,000 square foot development in GRV
2. Initial Discussion: Accessory Dwelling Units

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.


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


We were joined by Joel for this session to include his insights as a lifelong Franklinite, a property owner, and a former Town Councilor.


The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio recording -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-downtown-zoning-discussion-01-18-23


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


47 Summer St as referenced during the discussion


Prior discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December -> 

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


Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html


Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html


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


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"


Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St
Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Understanding the new concept of zoning capacity"

The first of a five part series by CommonWealth Magazine on the MBTA community zoning changes underway in Franklin (and elsewhere). The Economic Development Subcommittee is leading this effort which is active. 

Any proposed changes got to the full Town Council for referral to the Planning Board before coming back for discussion and vote to approve. There is plenty of time for asking questions or providing input but the time is NOW. 

"THERE IS A NEW concept in zoning, invented this year by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In promulgated guidelines, the concept has been dubbed “minimum multi-family unit capacity.” I refer to the concept as “zoning capacity.”

If you live in a community served by the MBTA, the concept may soon animate discussions at your town or city hall, or in local on-line forums, or between neighbors about how much multi-family housing the community should allow."
Continue reading the article online ->

The recent discussion between Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo is insightful on this topic. Listen here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html

examples of current Franklin housing from Cobi's bike ride around Franklin
examples of current Franklin housing from Cobi's bike ride around Franklin

Monday, December 26, 2022

Downtown Zoning Discussion with Councilors Hamblen & Frongillo - 12/19/22 (audio)

FM #904 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 904 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, Dec 19, 2022.


We talked about inclusionary zoning and other zoning items from the “Franklin For All” project which are now in the review and discussion process with the Economic Development Subcommittee that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair. 

 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen in.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-904-downtown-zoning-discussion-12-19-22

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


Cobi’s ride around Franklin taking photos of housing types

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DG0iuZH0MmITC6GVDqL_zsZSV--9eq4s/view?usp=share_link


Cobi shared some Franklin Housing Data from DataTown (provided by MHP) via a Twitter thread  https://twitter.com/CobiFrongillo/status/1516768940579606532


Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html


Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html


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


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"


examples of current Franklin housing from Cobi's bike ride around Franklin
examples of current Franklin housing from Cobi's bike ride around Franklin

Friday, December 16, 2022

Milford Daily News: "In Franklin, decades of rapid growth haven't changed community's downtown feel"

"When Rick Herrick was growing up, he could walk down Main Street and know most people by name, and the rest by sight.

“That’s not the case anymore, but, that being said, there’s still a great sense of community, which I think is kind of unique," said Herrick, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Commonwealth Real Estate. "People that come to Franklin, it seems like they set roots there and they don’t want to leave.”

Herrick has seen it firsthand — he’s been selling real estate for more than 30 years. He’s worked with people who grew up in, and wanted to buy a home in Franklin, and then another home as their family grew and a third when they want to downsize."

Continue reading the article at Milford Daily News (subscription required)

 

Milford Daily News: "In Franklin, decades of rapid growth haven't changed community's downtown feel"
Milford Daily News: "In Franklin, decades of rapid growth haven't changed community's downtown feel"