Showing posts with label goal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goal. Show all posts

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (audio)

FM #1351 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1351 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).


Quick recap

  • Goals update, discussion on setting what priorities there should be

  • Open Space plan not yet approved by State, comments sent back to Town and they will take time to adjust and incorporate

  • Round among the subcommittee as they shared their priorities, except for Chandler

  • After the round, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - The Crossing and 40r would probably be best to start with. Home business, taking a reasonable step forward re: water and sewer. Current bylaws restrict auto and food prep from home use, as well as medical. At scale, it gets to be a problem for the infrastructure. Possible joint discussion with Board of Health, Health Dept, along with DPW to talk about the issues they see. Attempting to provide an overview to someone to answer "How does someone start a business, and what are the triggers for the growth steps?" How to ensure the property owner is responsible for their damage that could be caused

  • Frongillo comes back to offer his priority, (1) shared parking with initiatives/incentives, residential downtown parking permit, others do it; 19 Dean case for the managed shared parking - (2) downtown business use, a few minor exemptions would be good to look at to enable active store fronts (3) we stopped at downtown dimensions, didn't get into the frontage,  setbacks, etc. which are a massive difference to enabling development; has drafted starting points for each of these 3 points

  • Per Jamie, If there are bylaw changes required, we would need to get those started by July in order to get those thru the process, before the Nov elections

  • Cycling back to the 40r discussion, a 40r draft was prepared a year or so ago, could be picked up from there


Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 


The recording of the meeting runs about 55 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1351-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-01-08-25/


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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n11fImC7CE4&t=126


The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-8_edc_agenda.pdf 


My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zpUk1_QkADUkb-iCbJGP9CKvXRx2yj-8/view?usp=drive_link 


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How can you help?

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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!

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Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (audio)
Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (audio)

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Council Chambers. All four members of the subcommittee met in Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n11fImC7CE4&t=126  (Franklin Matters Radio will have the audio in a couple of days)



Quick recap:
  • Goals update, discussion on setting what priorities there should be
  • Open Space plan not yet approved by State, comments sent back to Town and they will take time to adjust and incorporate
  • Round among the subcommittee as they shared their priorities, except for Chandler
  • After the round, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - The Crossing and 40r would probably be best to start with. Home business, taking a reasonable step forward re: water and sewer. Current bylaws restrict auto and food prep from home use, as well as medical. At scale, it gets to be a problem for the infrastructure. Possible joint discussion with Board of Health, Health Dept, along with DPW to talk about the issues they see. Attempting to provide an overview to someone to answer "How does someone start a business, and what are the triggers for the growth steps?" How to ensure the property owner is responsible for their damage that could be caused
  • Frongillo comes back to offer his priority, (1) shared parking with initiatives/incentives, residential downtown parking permit, others do it; 19 Dean case for the managed shared parking - (2) downtown business use, a few minor exemptions would be good to look at to enable active store fronts (3) we stopped at downtown dimensions, didn't get into the frontage,  setbacks, etc. which are a massive difference to enabling development; has drafted starting points for each of these 3 points
  • Per Jamie, If there are bylaw changes required, we would need to get those started by July in order to get those thru the process, before the Nov elections
  • Cycling back to the 40r discussion, a 40r draft was prepared a year or so ago, could be picked up from there
My notes in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zpUk1_QkADUkb-iCbJGP9CKvXRx2yj-8/view?usp=drive_link


From the archives, prior discussion of 40r goes back to



Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Economic Development Subcmte to Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 8, 2025 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcmte to Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM
Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM

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



Agenda:








Friday, December 20, 2024

Town Council recognizes Youth football teams, keeps Ben & adds logo, hears of forthcoming survey & more (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met on Wednesday Dec 18, 2024 as scheduled. 8 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers,, 1 absent (Jones). Special vote to appoint Frongillo as temporary clerk for the meeting to be authorized to sign the documents (approved 8-0-1). 

An overflow audience filled the Chambers to start and then filtered away as their recognition section was completed.

Franklin TV video of the meeting available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/5h-UYum-TtQ?&t=132


Quick recap:
PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/G8RxjgueNHCd5UcH8


Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams
Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams


b. Peter Brunelli ->

Peter Brunelli recognition
Peter Brunelli recognition

c. Steve Carlucci https://photos.app.goo.gl/GAaiWxXj6nxTAQTR6


Steve Carlucci family & coworkers photo
Steve Carlucci family & coworkers photo

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission - Benjamin Rousseau

Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Annual License Renewals = Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 



PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. National Citizen Survey (aka Citizen Satisfaction Survey) - Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_discussion_-_national_citizen_survey.pdf


b. Biennial Town Council - Town Administrator Midterm Goals Review - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator motion tabled from a resolution vote perspective as some of the goals will be noted as unable to complete due to funding/resource constraints.


c. Town Seal and Logo Presentation - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

after some contentious discussion, the vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)
vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)


d. The Distribution of Town Initiated Ballot Question Materials - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator; Mark Cerel, Town Attorney; and Nancy Danello, Town Clerk   

No real good way to accomplish this

Resolution 24-82: Adoption of Updated Fiscal Policies

approved after discussion around implication for directing school budget policy

Resolution 24-80: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 


Resolution 24-81: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,735), Senior Center ($130.02) , Fire Dept. ($1,515) Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 



Saturday, November 16, 2024

Master Plan committee member to join the Q&A sessions next week (video)

I shared the following to those who are on the mailing list for the Franklin Q&A sessions held monthly. With the Master Plan 'final draft' out for review now & feedback due by Dec 2, it is also important to bring this to your attention.

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On the "watch list" , you'll recall that we have been following the progress of the Master Plan Update Committee's work. They revealed the goals and objectives a couple of months ago but those were all "motherhood & apple pie" respectfully. The key things to look for would be the action items.

Master Plan process overview, we are at the last steps of review
Master Plan process overview, we are at the last steps of review


The action items were just revealed in the final draft. Feedback is due by Dec 2. In addition to the quick review of what has happened in the past month, we'll have a member of the Master Plan Committee for each session to help spend some time on this important planning doc. 
  • Melanie Hamblen is scheduled to join us Monday 
  • Eric Steltzer is scheduled to join us Wednesday
As we have discussed, the Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the Town to take over the next 10 years. With the actions spelled out, we can see if we agree, or disagree, or if there is something NOT in there, propose to add it. For example, are the housing action items what we want & need? 

Master Plan page with education action items
Master Plan page with education action items

To help with your prep for this opportunity, the link to the "final doc" is provided, as well as the video link to the feedback session held Thursday, Nov 14
The Franklin Q&A sessions are scheduled for

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link to participate remotely, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me (shersteve at gmail.com):    https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9


Thursday, November 14, 2024

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability

Over the next couple of days, sections of the Master Plan Update "final draft" will be shared to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Nov 14. 

The presentation and hearing will begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Municipal Building. Franklin TV is scheduled to broadcast the event (and record for future viewing).

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Key Issues and Opportunities

This document outlines the major challenges currently faced by the Town of Franklin. These key issues, along with potential opportunities, are instrumental in understanding and shaping the Town’s Master Plan update. Additionally, they contribute to the formulation of the town’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next ten to twenty years.


Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions

Master Plan Strategies are intended to inform decision-making and ensure that community development aligns with the goals of the master plan. These strategies are crafted through an assessment of current conditions, emerging trends, and future projections for the community. Once established, these strategies serve as a framework for decisions related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation infrastructure, and various elements of community development.

Master Plan Action Items represent specific tasks required to achieve the goals and objectives detailed in the master plan. They are individual steps necessary to implement the guiding strategies and achieve the desired outcomes.

Given the complex table structure of the detailed implementation plans, I have broken out each section in a single PDF for easier reading by topic.

Land Use

Natural, Cultural & Historical Resources

Sustainability


The full Master Plan Update final draft report can be found on the Town page ->

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability
Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Traffic, Community Services, & Housing

Over the next couple of days, sections of the Master Plan Update "final draft" will be shared to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Nov 14. 

The presentation and hearing will begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Municipal Building. Franklin TV is scheduled to broadcast the event (and record for future viewing).

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

Key Issues and Opportunities

This document outlines the major challenges currently faced by the Town of Franklin. These key issues, along with potential opportunities, are instrumental in understanding and shaping the Town’s Master Plan update. Additionally, they contribute to the formulation of the town’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next ten to twenty years.


Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions

Master Plan Strategies are intended to inform decision-making and ensure that community development aligns with the goals of the master plan. These strategies are crafted through an assessment of current conditions, emerging trends, and future projections for the community. Once established, these strategies serve as a framework for decisions related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation infrastructure, and various elements of community development.

Master Plan Action Items represent specific tasks required to achieve the goals and objectives detailed in the master plan. They are individual steps necessary to implement the guiding strategies and achieve the desired outcomes.

Given the complex table structure of the detailed implementation plans, I have broken out each section in a single PDF for easier reading by topic.

Traffic

Community Services

Housing

The last 3 sections will be shared tomorrow


The full Master Plan Update final draft report can be found on the Town page ->

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Traffic, Community Services, & Housing
Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Traffic, Community Services, & Housing


Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Master Plan Update: Community Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals

Over the next couple of days, sections of the Master Plan Update "final draft" will be shared to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Nov 14. The presentation and hearing will begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Municipal Building. Franklin TV is scheduled to broadcast the event (and record for future viewing).

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3. Community Vision and Goals

The Master Plan Mission Statement and Vision include the core values and goals that guide community development and decision-making.

Mission Statement

Franklin is an inclusive community that strives to support its citizens, land, and businesses in a sustainable, fiscally responsible manner. We value high quality education, the arts, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources, and the superb delivery of public services, now and into the future, for residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

We are committed to creating a sustainable community by protecting open spaces, recreation, and natural resources while promoting balanced growth that enhances the pluralism of our community. We work to promote various housing opportunities, as well as to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non- profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center and community. 

We continue to work to improve and enhance the safe, healthy, and efficient movement of people and goods within Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated and sustainable transportation options.

Vision

Our vision of Franklin is to be a vibrant, inclusive, pluralistic, innovative, and sustainable community.

Pillar Goals

The six pillar goals, or overarching goals, of the Franklin Master Plan are:
Housing Diversity
Complete Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Connectivity
Vibrant Downtown
Natural/Historic Conservation and Accessibility
Resource Efficiency
 
Master Plan Goals

Master Plan Goals are the objectives that a community aims to achieve through implementation of a master plan. The goals are typically broad and long-term in nature, and they guide the implementation of policies and strategies that will help achieve them.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Work to revitalize Franklin’s Downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.
2. Support the creation of mixed-use Neighborhood districts throughout Town that integrate small commercial uses near residential areas.
3. Boost tourism by highlighting, enhancing, and expanding amenities, events, and attractions.
4. Build organizational capacity to support and strengthen the Town of Franklin’s business retention and attraction initiatives, activities, and strategies.
5. Encourage the redevelopment of underutilized properties and otherwise explore opportunities to expand Franklin’s commercial and industrial bases.
6. Adopt strategies that will promote workforce development, attract skilled workers to the region and increase employment options for the Town’s current residents.

HOUSING
1. Increase Housing Diversity to encompass a range of housing types, sizes, and price points to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of residents, including Innovative housing solutions, such as tiny homes, co-housing communities, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and co-living arrangements, to offer housing options suited to specific needs or lifestyles within the community.
2. Expand and Enhance the Downtown and Neighborhoods by prioritizing them for housing development and investments in neighborhood character that include improving infrastructure, amenities, community engagement, and quality of life for residents.

LAND USE 

1. Preserve and enhance existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin.
2. Encourage development of diverse housing options in areas of Town where property is underutilized or needs redevelopment, and where public transit is available.
3. Promote mixed-use development in appropriate areas.
4. Encourage expansion and retention of current businesses and attraction of new businesses in appropriate locations.
5. Provide guidelines on Franklin character and develop a more clearly defined review process.
6. Make the permitting process more transparent, streamlined and in alignment with overarching Town goals.
NATURAL, CULTURAL & HISTORIC RESOURCES
1. Protect, preserve, and enhance Franklin’s natural environment and biodiversity through land and water management, regulation, and public education.
2. Provide quality arts and cultural resources as a vital part of the creativity and growth of our community.
3. Preserve and protect community historic resources while respecting and planning for future growth.
4. Advocate for the preservation and protection of Franklin’s natural, cultural and historic resources.
5. Implement growth management, sustainable development and low impact development techniques to preserve, protect, and enhance the Town's natural, cultural, and historic resources.

OPEN SPACE & RECREATION
1. Increase public awareness of and access to open space and recreational resources.
2. Preserve and enhance existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin.
3. Provide opportunities for inclusive and accessible passive and active recreation to meet the community’s evolving needs.
4. Implement sustainable practices in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Franklin’s public parks and playgrounds.
5. Work to obtain the funding and other resources necessary to implement the open space and recreation goals, objectives and actions outlined above.

COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES
1. Regularly reference and use the Master Plan in developing annual budgets and prioritizing capital improvements, programs and services.
2. Obtain  sufficient  resources  to  implement  the  Master  Plan’s  priority  capital improvements, programs and services.
3. Maintain, update and expand the Town’s utilities, infrastructure and facilities to satisfy the demands of the Town into the future in alignment with previously established plans for conservation or preservation.
4. Superb delivery of public services.
5. Maintain the quality of Franklin’s municipal buildings, public school facilities, and all other town owned properties, and utilize facilities as effectively as possible.
6. Ensure the superb delivery of public education, from Pre-K through adult.

TRAFFIC & CIRCULATION
1. Make the Town increasingly more walk-able and bike-able by creating and maintaining safe interconnected pedestrian and bicycle routes between key destinations within Franklin, including residential areas, Downtown, employment centers, commuter rail stations, schools, parks and recreation facilities, and commercial areas.
2. Work to improve existing, and develop new, public transportation for the Town's residents and visitors, as well as the business community and their employees.
3. Improve and maintain the Town's public roadway system to assure adequate service, maximize public safety, accommodate desirable growth, and serve existing and future land use patterns.
4. Improve vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation in the Downtown and neighborhood areas.
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Decarbonize all Town/school buildings and facilities.
2. Adopt and support sustainable development policies and practices.
3. Support and encourage sustainable practices among residents and businesses.
4. Strengthen resilience to climate change impacts.
5. Support programs to reduce waste.


Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions

Master Plan Strategies are intended to inform decision-making and ensure that community development aligns with the goals of the master plan. These strategies are crafted through an assessment of current conditions, emerging trends, and future projections for the community. Once established, these strategies serve as a framework for decisions related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation infrastructure, and various elements of community development.

Master Plan Action Items represent specific tasks required to achieve the goals and objectives detailed in the master plan. They are individual steps necessary to implement the guiding strategies and achieve the desired outcomes.

The next level - strategies and actions will be shared tomorrow. If you want, you can go directly to the full plan and review those sections

Master Plan Update: Community Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals
Master Plan Update: Community Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals


Friday, November 8, 2024

Master Plan Update Committee Meeting - November 14, 2024 - Your input is critical. Do you approve of the proposed changes?

The Master Plan Committee will be meeting on November 14, 2024 in the third floor training room at 6:30PM.

Master Plan Update Committee Meeting - Nov 14, 2024
Master Plan Update Cmte Meeting - Nov 14, 2024
What will the future of Franklin be like? How will we deal with traffic, new buildings ... 

The Master Plan as drafted sets out the goals and objectives for the Town of Franklin to implement over the next 10 years. 

Your input is critical now. Do you approve of the proposed changes?

Come review the draft of the Master Plan and tell us what you think!