"what they really want is for younger people to enthusiastically carry out the same ideas"

via Small Town Startup

"Over the last few weeks, I’ve been holding curiosity chats with small business owners, current and former city council members, chambers, Main Street organizations and others working inside small towns across the country.

One theme keeps coming up: some small towns say they want younger people involved, but what they really want is for younger people to enthusiastically carry out the same ideas that have been circulating for decades.

They want the energy, volunteer hours and fresh faces but not necessarily the questions, challenges or changes that come with them.

That is SO dangerous for a community (especially one that’s stagnant or declining). When younger leaders learn that participation requires silence and new ideas are treated like disrespect, they don’t keep showing up forever. They stop attending meetings, leave boards, move away, build elsewhere or decide their hometown simply isn’t interested in what they bring to the table.

Institutional knowledge matters as does experience. But experience should help new leaders avoid old mistakes, not force them to repeat old strategies. Respect cannot mean agreeing with the person who has been there the longest.

If we want genuine participation, we have to make room for genuine influence. That may mean term limits, dedicated seats for younger leaders, mentorship that works in both directions, meeting times with virtual options that accommodate working families and a willingness to test ideas without making people survive years of small-town politics first.

Younger people do not need to earn the right to care about the future they will inherit. Invite them in, listen when they speak and let them help build something new."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdPN3uPsR-k/

"Downtown parking does not have to mean parking directly in front of the business you’re visiting"

via Small Town Startup

"This grinds my gears probably more than it should. We can host a festival downtown and somehow thousands of people figure it out. They park three, four, five blocks away. They walk. They cross streets while they carry their kids and their shopping bags and their giant lemonades. They wander from one end of downtown to the other for HOURS.

And listen, I completely get it. There’s a lot happening in one place. The streets are full of people, neighbors, vendors and music and food and things to see, so of course people are willing to walk around.

But I’m still hard pressed to believe that on a random Tuesday, having to park a block or two away from a downtown business suddenly makes downtown “too hard to find parking in. Meanwhile, we will walk from the absolute BACK FORTY of a Walmart parking lot without thinking twice.

Downtown parking does not have to mean parking directly in front of the business you’re visiting. Go around the corner or a couple blocks away. Get your steps in. Pop into another business on the walk. Notice a store you didn’t know was there. Grab lunch while you’re downtown.

Festivals and street fairs are wonderful, but a small business who took a chance downtown cannot survive on the half dozen of those a year when 5,000 people show up.

They need you on Tuesday and when there isn’t a band playing. They need you when Main Street isn’t shut down.

Our downtowns don’t need us to show up only when someone throws a party for us, they need us when they’re simply open."

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

The audio of the Economic Development Subcmte Meeting Tuesday, Aug 4 is available (audio)

FM #1784 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1784 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.

Quick recap:

• Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).

• update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change

• Next up the 40b policy revision

• likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion

• next up, Sustainability Committee

• Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council

• next up, GATRA update

• 
  World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month

• GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html 

• What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own. 

• The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

The meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1792-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-04-26/

—-----------

The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0 

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Econommic Development covers a variety of topics in 2.5 hour session (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, August 4. All four members of the committee were present in Council Chambers

The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 

Quick recap:

• Discussion and update on the UMass study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).
• update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change
• Next up the 40b policy revision
• revision would effectively removes the prohibition of apartment proposals and provides a set of 9 criteria of which 3 could be chosen to qualify the project for consideration by Town Council.
• consideration for a weight factor for small apartments or owned units to ensure that is the desired proposal to enable but make it harder for larger apartments to make it through the process (check list)
• agreement on a great starting point, maybe something from this section, and something from that section
• likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review theitems in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion
• next up, Sustainability Committee
• need volunteers, have a track record as a green community have not done a great job telling the story of the successes some of these items are not practical (I.e. fire truck as an electric vehicle is not available)national politics haven't helped drive green
• doesn't need to be so pessimistic on the approach, there are things that can be done, via the committee and folks interested in that to do the work 
• you will get passionate folks 2 apply 
• Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council
• next up, GATRA update
• World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month
• GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html
• What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? what would it cost for GATRA to do so. we can't finance the route on our own. 
• I recall someone had numbers on the potential route based upon GATRA demand ridership
• the pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus (from the archives, link broken on the GATRA page today)

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link

Agenda for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting, Tuesday, Aug 4 at 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 4, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Discussion/Action: Umass Boston Downtown Planning Studio

a. Draft proposal   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10539/2a-UMass-Boston-proposal-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

3. Discussion/Action: Friendly 40B Policy

a. Draft policy from Councilor Morrongiello  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10540/3a-Friendly-40B-Policy-draft-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

4. Discussion/Action: Climate Leader Designation Goal

5. Discussion: GATRA Update - Morena Zelaya, Director of Planning and Community Development and Franklin GATRA Representative

a. Staff Memo   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10541/5a-GATRA-Update-for-080426-EDC-Meeting

6. New Growth Follow up

7. Next Meeting September 17th (Permitting 101 w/ town permitting boards)

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434

Current Zoning for Downtown Commercial District does NOT require parking for Commercial in a "mixed use" development

Current Town Code:  § 185-21Parking, loading and driveway requirements.

“Parking schedule. The number of parking spaces required for a particular use shall be as follows:

[Amended 7-13-2011 Bylaw Amendment 18-805; 8-8-2018 by Bylaw Amendment 18-805]

(1)  In the Downtown Commercial Zoning District:

[Amended 8-14-2024 by Bylaw Amendment 24-907R]

(a) Residential dwelling units: one parking space per residential unit in a mixed use development.

(b) Nonresidential uses are exempt from this section (§ 185-21B).

(2) In the Commercial I Zoning District:

(a) Residential dwelling units: 1.5 parking spaces per residential unit.

(b) Nonresidential uses: one space per 500 square feet of gross floor area.”

Background:

Zoning was changed in 2024 for Downtown Commercial for mixed use buildings to remove parking requirements for “commercial use” and retain for “residential use”

Economic Development Cmte meeting - recommends change to Town Council - April 10, 2024

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/economic-development-moves-proposal-to_0742567348.html

Town Council

- August 14, 2024 agenda 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for.html 

- August 14, 2024 - meeting recap

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/august-14-town-council-meeting-audio-in.html 

MBTA Compliance

MBTA zoning status update July, 2024

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/mbta-communities-update-71-communities.html

MBTA Zoning Summary - April 1, 2026

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9325/MBTA-Communities-Council-Presentation---4126?bidId=

Before the MBTA Compliance became "a thing" Franklin was already working with the Metroplitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on the Franklin For All project. 

You can listen to the podcast series for background on many of the topics still coming around regarding development:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

Additional info can be found on the Town page - https://www.franklinma.gov/292/Franklin-for-All

Design Review Commission seeking community input on the design (only) of the proposed Depot Plaza redevelopment

Franklin's Design Review Commission is seeking community input on the design of the proposed Depot Plaza redevelopment at 9, 13 & 15 Main Street.

Design examples:

• Architectural inspiration from Franklin's historic buildings

• Paint colors

• Building façade

• Landscaping

• Lighting

• Other design features  

📄 View the developer's proposal: https://buff.ly/9SqVeOW 

📧Email your ideas to DesignReview@franklinma.gov by Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Please note: This request is for design-related feedback only. Comments on other aspects of the proposal may be shared at the Planning Board meeting on August 10.

Recognizing Eileen Mason for her efforts over 22 Years Beautifying Downtown Franklin

If you drive through downtown Franklin, you may have to stop at the traffic light at the intersection of Route 140 and Main Street. Be patient and enjoy the view. The flowers at the center island and bridge are curated by Franklin's Eileen Mason and teams of volunteers.

Eileen Mason

Mason organizes Franklin’s Beautification Day and Winter Decorating. As a Franklin Garden Club and Franklin Downtown Partnership member, she and her volunteers have been beautifying the heart of town for 22 years. The effort is supported and sponsored by generous local businesses.

“If it helps make someone else’s day that much better just because they’re sitting at the lights and enjoying the beautiful flowers,” she’s accomplished her goal, says the REMAX Executive Realty agent.

Creating an attractive downtown is what keeps her inspired. People can enjoy it each day. “Not every community has that. It speaks well of Franklin, and it leaves everyone that drives through with a good impression of Franklin.” People may not know who does it, but they appreciate that downtown is cared for and attractive, she said.

Before and After the Beautification Day 2026 -
the center island

She was first approached by FDP director, Carol Harper, shortly after the Partnership was formed in 2001. She knew it would be a good partnership between the Garden Club and the Downtown Partnership. The Garden Club had been taking care of the trough planter for many years on its own. Then, in the Spring of 2004, the Garden Club, FDP, DPW and Water Departments joined forces annually to make the Downtown look beautiful. 

She worked with the DPW to get the window boxes installed at the bridges. She coordinated plantings. Eventually she introduced the self-watering black containers that hold 2 weeks’ worth of water to save time and resources and to keep a variety of cascading flowers and colors flourishing over the years. The trough is the centerpiece and needs watering several times per week to keep it going.  That’s where the Watering Team of volunteers come in.  

Early on the DPW introduced an improved watering drip system; they turn the water on and off each season, maintain, repair, clean out, and fill containers with soil. Various garden centers in town have provided plants throughout the years, starting with Wadsworth Farms, Hillside Nursery, Agway and now Fairmount Farm.

Before and After the Beautification Day 2026
- the bridge railing

Beautification Days are efficient work days with flowers in May and greenery in November. 

Mason has volunteers from the Garden Club and the FDP. She has had lots of help from residents and sports teams at Franklin High over the years. The Garden Club cares for the expanded Veterans’ Memorial Garden at the Town Common. Mason coordinates the work in the downtown. Volunteers plant 26 business barrels around downtown, plus the 31 containers at the center island and bridges. 

She appreciates that people want to pitch in. At the recent May 16th  Beautification Day, Co-Chair, Sandy Sauer and the girls’ soccer team worked downtown while the boys’ baseball team worked at the common. “It’s a good mix and a good vibe. What I like is there are kids that come back each year. They love doing it. There are so many kids who drive through town and say ‘I used to do that!’ "

One memorable time for her was during COVID. “We had so many people in town step up and help do everything. They wore masks, they stayed in their own vehicles, or went to the (Fairmount) farm, picked up plants, brought them downtown and planted. I had the most adult volunteers ever come out and do that. The kids weren’t in school. We didn’t really have the teams that year, so families came out." 

"We had such a fun day. You could feel the community spirit. Everyone wanted to get out and just be with people. Those were the years that made a big difference. I am so appreciative of the people in Franklin."

It's a labor of love. It takes months of planning and organizing. Her new Co-Chair in beautifying Franklin is Sandy Sauer at Franklin Tile Carpet One. Sandy has been a huge help with many tasks like organizing and scheduling volunteers to do the watering for 22 weeks during the summer. 

It's rewarding. “The friendships, the people and things we’ve been able to accomplish as a partnership have been really big. Even the little things like the museum sculpture – that was a nice project.” She has also been involved in establishing the Ladybug Trail. 

Mason’s goal is to keep growing the base of supporters who help beautification by watering, planting or being a member. She’d love to keep it going for another 25 years. “There’s no reason for it to go away. I like the fact it’s a true partnership between businesses, residents and the town DPW and Water Departments. We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help and cooperation.”

Stay up to date on the Downtown Partnership’s Beautification Day and other events here:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 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, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Reminder 2nd Town Council meeting of the week, Wednesday, May 13

Attend or watch the upcoming Franklin Town Council Meeting !!!

• Wednesday, May 13 - 6:00 PM
• Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building

Residents are welcome to attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom 💻

Watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV: https://buff.ly/PBWYAZF

View the agenda and webinar link here: https://buff.ly/XX3OpAH

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyQLxQtDi/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Economic Development Mtg Thursday, May 14

The Economic Development Subcommittee meets with the UMass Boston folks who are proposed to develop a unified plan for downtown Franklin during the Fall of 2026. As this project would be as part of the UMass Boston graduate level class work and free, an agreement on scope and approval is likely to be received. 

The subcommittee is also scheduled for discussion to set their goals and objectives.

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Economic-Development-Subcommittee-7/?#_05142026-2311

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Economic Development Mtg Thursday, May 14 

Spring planting volunteers needed for Beautification Day, May 16

Spring planting volunteers needed
for Beautification Day, May 16

Looking for volunteers for downtown flower planting!

Please email sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com

High school volunteer hours count!!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtNjdMxSj/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 25, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 25

The Little Shop | Lady Bug Walk (Day 1/2)

9:00am Annual Ladybug Trail Walk Multiple points in Downtown Franklin

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Charles River Earth Day Cleanup (Sites across the watershed, from Boston to Hopkinton!)

10:30am Rainforest Reptiles! (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

5:30pm dayTREAT featuring "SLOW BURN" (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

7:30pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

***  NO Town Meetings today   ***

----------

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

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

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

Get the Ladybug Trail Walk info in a PDF or picture format

Download as PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y5gO6oWRSMWX_ec90XzB_wJqezOtfzJ0/view?usp=sharing

Photo of each page -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ky6JXetyVFpwATPHA

Listing of the deals available during the Ladybug Trail

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/downtown-deals-at-ladybug-trail-spring.html

Downtown Deals at Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 25

Come out on April 25th and take a stroll at the 4th Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. Shops, restaurants and public places will open their doors with ladybug-themed activities and treats for all ages. 

Here’s your list of downtown deals and where to find them:

Applause | 10% discount on gelato with ladybug trail map. Add red and dark chocolate sprinkles! Get your ladybug trail map here.

Birchwood Bakery | Cupcakes fashionably dressed with a ladybug decoration on top.

Children’s Museum of Franklin | Music Together will entertain audiences for 30-minute music sessions at 10:30, 12 and 2:30. Plus – create a ladybug craft in the museum’s MakerSpace. With paid entry to museum. Free for museum members. Pre-registration is preferred at: childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register due to limited classroom capacity.

Creative Corner Art Studio | We will be open Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm. Stop in and paint some pottery!  We also display and sell art made by local creators. 

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

Dean College | Learn about the life cycle of the ladybug.  Kids will have the opportunity to make their own ladybug ‘spinner’ that will show the different life stages.  They can decorate with some googly-eyes and spots on them, and assemble the spinner! At Dean’s Campus Center patio at Main and Emmons Streets. (Available in case of rain date)

Dona’s Tailoring | Guys ‘N Dolls | $10 discount on any hair, nails and tailoring services. For kids: ladybug balloons and cute trinkets. Open 9 am to 3 pm. 

Ferrara’s Market | $2 discount on any sandwich from our menu. Get your ladybug trail map while you’re here.

Franklin Kitchen Center | We’re excited to host a “Paint a Block” event at our storefront. Kids and families can visit our showroom to color a wooden block — a fun and creative activity for all ages. We’ll have the door open with a red carpet and decorate the showroom with our ladybug theme. Plus, we’ll be giving away free ladybug-themed goodies.

Franklin Historical Museum | Video all day explaining the ladybug story & why Franklin celebrates the ladybug.  Free trail maps, ladybug balloons, stickers & buttons. Gift Shop with ladybug-themed items. Bottled water, restroom. 

Franklin Public Library | Activities throughout the day! Rainforest Reptiles at 10:30 am. Adult painting workshop 1-3 pm. Typewriter Orchestra  2-3 pm. Ladybug scavenger hunt all day. 9-5.

INS Spa | Enjoy complimentary snacks and sweets when you visit our new salon. Check out our space to learn about our hair, scalp, skin, and massage services to help you de-stress, relax and rejuvenate.

Little Shop of Olive Oils | The Ladybugs are landing at The Little Shop! Stop in for a little fun & get your ladybug trail map while you are here.

1 / Snap a selfie at our Ladybug Wall

2 / Tag your photo on IG or FB and fill out a ticket for a chance to win our Delicious Duo Giveaway Basket

3 / Taste something new while you’re here

It’s the perfect excuse to stroll downtown, gather with friends, and treat yourself along the way. 

Number One Tailors | Visitors get a ladybug coupon for 10% discount on any tailoring service.

Pisini Shoes | Lollipops for your little ones when you stop in to check out our new spring Stride Rite shoe styles.

Rainbow Eyebrow Threading | $2 off one eyebrow service for new customers on April 25th.

Russian School of Mathematics | We are planning a lemonade stand! Get math puzzles for kids,  ladybug-themed gift bags, plus free ladybug balloons for everyone. Open 11 am to 2 pm. Visit us at 9 Summer Street!

Teddy Gallagher’s Pub | Enjoy our Ladybug Mule cocktail when you come in from the trail. We serve non-alcohol beverages and great food too!

Vallee’s Jewelers | For kids: Ladybug necklaces, bracelets, keychains, stickers.  For adults: Free raffle for a gold necklace with beautiful ladybug pendant.

Visit FDP on social media for updates - 

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 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, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2

Join Building Equitable Neighborhoods (BEN) for Franklin on Saturday, May 2nd for our fourth annual walking discussion of downtown Franklin! The event is part of an international series in memory of social activist and placemaker Jane Jacobs.

Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2

The ~1.5 hour tour will begin at 10:30 AM from the Franklin TV studio (43 Hutchinson St, Franklin, MA). Parking available.

All are welcome, including pets and wheels!

Join us for refreshments and continued discussion after the walk!

This year, we will be joined by regional planning professionals from Congress for a New Urbanism (CNU) New England!

More info at ben4franklin.org/janes-walk-2026