Showing posts with label economic development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic development. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (audio)

FM #1085 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1085 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. 


Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo (remote), P Sheridan, G Jones

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner


Brief recap

My notes captured during the meeting:


Economic development Cmte meeting about to begin, live reporting will commence with the meeting #edc1018


3 of the 4 members present in Chambers (Frongillo absent?)


Home occupation proposal up for discussion only, no legislation drafted yet, looking to help understand the issue, pros/cons, to eventually bring something forward. Frongillo tapped in via Zoom. Follow along with agenda (link below)


Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development, provides an overview on the home occupancy research, example of other communities; we don't have a specific bylaw for home occupancy but do have a section covering the items, and in comparison, we have what others do


Discussion around the nuances of the current regulation, most staff are happy with the current status; suggestion on limiting to some number with an area; not practical, nor encouraging the entrepreneur spirit of those interested. Need to get up to speed (revenue) ...


Before moving from home to a more formal business setting. Lowers the barrier to entry for business. Frongillo (1) making it easier to understand the current status, (2) parking, most streets have parking space unused most of the time (3) manufacturing, particularly food ...


Cathy Liberty, Health Director, speaks to the issues on both sides business and Health to enforce the regulations; different from a food establishment, the health dept can go in anytime because they are in business for that reason; home kitchen different as it is ...


Used some of the time and the access to the kitchen would need to be scheduled. DPW Director Cantoreggi talks to the need for grease traps for commercial kitchens,

 

maintenance is a requirement so it does add cost to the business, but ultimately it protects the community


One aspect of the regulations is to protect the assets (sewer pipes, water infrastructure,...) Moving to the second agenda item, discussion of 40R.

One of the goals from the Franklin For All project. "A smart growth overlay district" if done right, does well


40R does require State approval before going to Town Council, a housing build. Slides shared for the overview ->


40R draft is good but doesn't really do anything until a 40R district is created. This is the umbrella language that covers the future districts. A boat load of work, bring it back for the Nov 1 EDC mtg


Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call


The recording runs about an hour and 17 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Oct 18, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1085-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-10-18-23



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


Franklin TV video replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ZxSsKapfjqY?si=49MdVfK6SAwtc4Lj 


You may access the agenda for this meeting here:  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_10.18.2023.pdf 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ee3BBIPK-k_iyEvoRavYSyKCqBlHIHF8/view?usp=share_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


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"


Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)
Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)

The Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, Oct 18 as scheduled at 5:30 before the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. 3 members were present in the Council Chambers, Frongillo joined via remote.

My notes captured during the meeting:

Economic development Cmte meeting about to begin, live reporting will commence with the meeting #edc1018

3 of the 4 members present in Chambers (Frongillo absent?)

Home occupation proposal up for discussion only, no legislation drafted yet, looking to help understand the issue, pros/cons, to eventually bring something forward. Frongillo tapped in via Zoom. Follow along with agenda (link below)

Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development, provides an overview on the home occupancy research, example of other communities; we don't have a specific bylaw for home occupancy but do have a section covering the items, and in comparison, we have what others do

Discussion around the nuances of the current regulation, most staff are happy with the current status; suggestion on limiting to some number with an area; not practical, nor encouraging the entrepreneur spirit of those interested. Need to get up to speed (revenue) ...

Before moving from home to a more formal business setting. Lowers the barrier to entry for business. Frongillo (1) making it easier to understand the current status, (2) parking, most streets have parking space unused most of the time (3) manufacturing, particularly food ...

Cathy Liberty, Health Director, speaks to the issues on both sides business and Health to enforce the regulations; different from a food establishment, the health dept can go in anytime because they are in business for that reason; home kitchen different as it is ...

Used some of the time and the access to the kitchen would need to be scheduled. DPW Director Cantoreggi talks to the need for grease traps for commercial kitchens,
 
maintenance is a requirement so it does add cost to the business, but ultimately it protects the community

One aspect of the regulations is to protect the assets (sewer pipes, water infrastructure,...) Moving to the second agenda item, discussion of 40R.
One of the goals from the Franklin For All project. "A smart growth overlay district" if done right, does well

40R does require State approval before going to Town Council, a housing build. Slides shared for the overview ->

40R draft is good but doesn't really do anything until a 40R district is created. This is the umbrella language that covers the future districts. A boat load of work, bring it back for the Nov 1 EDC mtg

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call 


My notes in one PDF ->




Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)
Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)

Monday, October 16, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for Oct 18 meeting at 5:30 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee
Agenda & Meeting Packet
October 18, 2023 - 5:30 PM

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

Agenda:

1. Discussion: Home Occupation Bylaw
a. Staff memo
2. Discussion: 40R


Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for Oct 18 meeting at 5:30 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for Oct 18 meeting at 5:30 PM

Monday, September 11, 2023

Economic Development Subcmte shovels the snow bylaw forward for Council discussion (audio)

FM #1059 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1059 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 


The EDC talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.


The proposed reintroduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.


That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.


The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.


Quick recap:

  • What some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 

  • What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?

  • There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?


The recording of the meeting runs just about 70 minutes.   Audio file ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1059-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-09-0623


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

Full agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf 


Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/DLFDj9HEyRU?si=4_o_8sYPiFQqWhLZ&t=105 


My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/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


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"


Proposed sidewalk snow removal map
Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Friday, September 8, 2023

Economic Development Subcmte shovels the snow bylaw forward for Council discussion (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.

The proposed re-introduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.

That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.

The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.

Quick recap: what some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 

What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?

There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?


My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/view?usp=drive_link


The proposed map of sidewalks to be cleared by the DPW

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map
Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

4 meetings on Weds night: Board of Health, Comprehensive Facilities Planning, EDC, and Town Council

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Economic Development Subcommittee

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

Note the Board of Health Meeting and the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcmte is also scheduled for the same date, time and room. Stay tuned, something for one of these meetings will likely change.

4 meetings on Weds night: Board of Health, Comprehensive Facilities Planning, EDC, and Town Council
4 meetings on Weds night: Board of Health, Comprehensive Facilities Planning, EDC, and Town Council

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee agenda for Weds, Sep 6 at 5:30 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 6, 2023 5:30 PM

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


Thursday, August 31, 2023

Downtown Partnership - General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sep 7 at 8:30 AM

The next Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023

Specific topics of interest are: Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with a downtown parking update and guest speaker Brad Chaffee from Camford Property Group regarding the company's new downtown project.

Downtown Partnership - General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sep 7 at 8:30 AM
Downtown Partnership - General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sep 7 at 8:30 AM

Shared from the Downtown Partnership page -> 

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

In this Talk Franklin episode, we start with the State announcement on temporary housing of migrants (audio)

FM #1050 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1050 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 24, 2023.  


Topics for this session

Notification on State arranging to place migrants in Best Western Hotel

Davis Thayer Reuse; suggestions gathered, some interesting & new

Economic Development, Small zoning change

Police Station Building Cmte, Starting work

School opens, drive safely


The recording runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1050-talk-franklin-08-24-23


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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator


Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 


Davis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

 

Notification on migrant temporary housing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.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"


In this Talk Franklin episode, we start with the State announcement on temporary housing of migrants (audio)
In this Talk Franklin episode, we start with the State announcement on temporary housing of migrants (audio)