Davis Thayer Reuse Cmte wants to keep the building, lease the land, and do something for arts & culture (audio)

FM #1240 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1240 in the series. 

This session shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

The second meeting of the month, and last of the time period per the Committee Charge. This session was a more ‘formal’ review of the Expression of Interests in the building/property. Four were scheduled to present this night. Two joined together to collaborate on a single proposal.  

After hearing the brief presentations from the three proposals, the committee reviewed and revised the draft report to the Council with their recommendation. The recommendations were high level (keep building, lease land, etc.) and not picking or recommending a specific proposal. 

The report will be presented to the Town Council in a future meeting for the next steps (Council likely to authorize a formal Request for Proposal (RFP)) to get into the real selection process. Cost remains a driving factor, hence what can one of the proposals do with their financing and little (if any) assistance from the Town.

 

The recording runs about almost 2 hours, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1240-davis-thayer-reuse-subcmte-mtg-06-25-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cruuseXmHqc

1. Expressions of Interest Presentations

a. 7:00 to 7:20 - Dean College combined with Camford Property Group  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf 

b. 7:20 to 7:40 - Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf 

c. 7:40 to 8:00 - HFA and TMC Properties   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf 

2. Final Recommendation to the Town Council - the draft was revised to remove "if possible", change the date from Dec to June 30, change # of proposals from 4 to 3 and approved as amended. Other typos were to be sent to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to include in the updated version. The amended version was approved via roll call vote (one member was remote) 9-0.

a. Draft Letter   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-06-26_davis-thayer_reuse_committee_recommendation.pdf 

My notes can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-v2wyKzAdoDYv68PiueotKmBFbdIeuLA/view?usp=drive_link 

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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"

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee seems to reach consensus on land lease, keeping building (audio)

FM #1235 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1235 in the series. 

This session shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Subcmte meeting held on Monday, June 10, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

They had not met this year awaiting the receipt of Expression of Interests in the building/property. Five were confirmed received by the due date, May 31. 

After much discussion including hearing briefly from 3 of the 5 who happened to be present, the committee reached consensus on keeping the building intact, exploring a lease arrangement for the land, liking the mixed use proposals that may include housing.

 

The recording runs about 1 hour and 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1235-davis-thayer-bldg-reuse-subcmte-mtg-06-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV5S5rdihD0

The agenda and links to the proposals and appraisal:

1. Property Appraisal Review

a. Real Property Appraisal Report, Shepherd Associates, LLC - May 1, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024_davis-thayer_real_property_appraisal_report.pdf

2. Expressions of Interest

a. Matthew Zajac  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/matthew_zajac_davis_thayer_music_mecca_proposal_1.pdf

b. Dean College  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

c. Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

d. HFA and TMC Properties  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

e. Camford Property Group, Inc.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sdxZAwZejdks44Wd9QcQCw5HhQ7IErC/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"

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee has 5 Expressions of Interest to consider - June 10 at 7 PM

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee has 5 Expressions of Interest to consider - June 10 at 7 PM

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 10, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Property Appraisal Review

a. Real Property Appraisal Report, Shepherd Associates, LLC - May 1, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024_davis-thayer_real_property_appraisal_report.pdf

2. Expressions of Interest

a. Matthew Zajac  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/matthew_zajac_davis_thayer_music_mecca_proposal_1.pdf

b. Dean College  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

c. Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

d. HFA and TMC Properties  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

e. Camford Property Group, Inc.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf

3. Next Meeting Date: June 25, 2024

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc also has remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-06-10_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_1.pdf

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee has 5 Expressions of Interest to consider - June 10 at 7 PM

Request for Expressions of Interest in the former Davis Thayer School Building (100 years old !)

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Purchase/Lease and Redevelopment of the Former Davis Thayer Elementary School Located at 137 West Central St. in Franklin.

The Town of Franklin is pleased to present this Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) in an effort to generate ideas for reuse of the former Davis Thayer Elementary School building and land, located at 137 West Central St.

Deadline:  Expressions of Interest must be submitted to the Purchasing Office by May 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Information Sessions and Site Tours:  The Town offers you the opportunity to learn more about the site through participation in an Information Session and Site Tour scheduled for April 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and May 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Those interested in submitting a proposal can access the full REI -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-02-26_rei_davis_thayer_1.pdf

Request for Expressions of Interest in the former Davis Thayer School Building (100 years old !)

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Purchase/Lease and Redevelopment of the Former Davis Thayer Elementary School

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Purchase/Lease and Redevelopment of the Former Davis Thayer Elementary School Located at 137 West Central St. in Franklin

The Town of Franklin is pleased to present this Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) in an effort to generate ideas for reuse of the former Davis Thayer Elementary School building and land, located at 137 West Central St.

Deadline:  Expressions of Interest must be submitted to the Purchasing Office by May 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Information Sessions and Site Tours:  The Town offers you the opportunity to learn more about the site through participation in an Information Session and Site Tour scheduled for April 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and May 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Those interested in submitting a proposal can access the full REI here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-02-26_rei_davis_thayer_1.pdf

Davis Thayer corridor mural

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/request-expressions-interest-purchaselease-and-redevelopment-former-davis-thayer

Photos from the Open House in October 2021 can be found in one album ->     https://photos.app.goo.gl/tXnMSzjQCuRwcUvu6

Town Council approves Request for Expression of Interest to be issued for Davis Thayer, refers zoning change to Planning Board (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The agenda document can be found on the Town page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-03-13_town_council_agenda_0.pdf

Franklin TV recorded and live broadcast the session to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3tlPhSrWw

Quick recap:

• Citizens comments were active, one person speaking against the potential reinstatement of the suspended DPW Director. The others speaking for. The matter might have been on the Executive Session agenda. We'll know for sure some time later
• The minutes for the Feb 28, 2024 session were approved
• The  Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 for Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street was moved to refer to the Planning Board by an 8-1 vote. Pellegri cast the one "No" vote
• Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St was passed by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones recused himself from the discussion as his residence is an abutter to the property
• The results of the Request for Expressions of Interest are non-binding. Input is due back May 31. At which time the Advisory Committee will spend time in June/July to review and bring back their recommendation to the Council for approval and possible further action
•  Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48). "This donation is especially meaningful as it marks the final gift from the Franklin Library Association, which after 150 years of operation, has closed its doors"
• The Council entered Executive Session to not return to public meeting with a 9-0 vote via roll call. 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_0S4RpGVb3mVuf_kutMg_uvXuW8zrvO/view?usp=drive_link

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7 PM. They got an update on the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) and given little other work to do immediately determined to suspend meetings for a few months until the EOI provided some information, assuming someone did reply to the EOI.

Agenda:

1. Town Administrator Updates

• a. Expression of Interest
• b. Appraisal
• c. Kaestle Boos Study

2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses

The agenda doc has the remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-11-28_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVBycM44AM

The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte plan for Open House (10/20 & 10/21), recommends "Expression of Interest" be issued (audio)

FM #1080 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1080 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 

The committee discussed plans for the open house, additional advertising (use of the sign board at the school), capture ideas from visitors, etc.

Members expressed interest in issuing an “Expression of Interest” to see what it could turn up and perhaps further the discussion. Would need to recommend for Council to authorize. Discussion on timing to issue in January and timed for the 100th anniversary of the building.

Question raised and clarified that the deed search when the Town took possession from the School did reveal naming of the building needed to be Davis Thayer but there was no other deed restriction to the Town for anything, use etc.

The recording runs about 66 minutes, so let’s listen to the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1080-davis-thayer-reuse-cmte-mtg-10-17-23

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The meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-10-17_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8_QiwPYZYo 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zJX52iJt-u672LPcWd-jEXo7djYwCu4S/view?usp=drive_link

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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 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"

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte recommends "Expression of Interest" be issued (audio)

EDC decides 3-1 to recommend residential use case for RFP for Old South Meeting House to Town Council (audio)

FM #805 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 805 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting conducted on Thursday, May 26, 2022. All four members of the subcommittee were eventually present and participated in the vote. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen informed the subcommittee their objective in the meeting was not to pick a proposal but to determine a use case if we were to go forward with an RFP. After much discussion including input from representatives of the two expressions of interests actually received (some dozens of inquiries were also made), the recommendation was put forward to propose an RFP for residential housing, preferably affordable housing. The motion passed 3-1. The nay had attempted to amend the motion to include religious use but the amendment request was not seconded (hence it died).

The meeting runs about 65 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-805-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-26-22

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Agenda:

1. Expressions of Interest results for the Old South Church on Washington Street

a. Expressions of Interest submitted   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/expressions_of_interest.pdf

b. Expression of Interest solicitation document  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

c. 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

d. 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

e. Old South Church document website  

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-26_edc_agenda_.pdf

   

My notes via Twitter -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rMeilXyVIDewCp5grfWXsKm1RrV2KmKI/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House