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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
Complete 2025 Master Plan report
Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
Showing posts with label historic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historic. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2026
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Natural, Cultural & Historic Resources
Introduction
Franklin is a town that proudly intertwines its natural, historic, and cultural treasures to create a tapestry of unparalleled charm. Steeped in a rich historical background, many of Franklin’s significant buildings and areas have stood the test of time, narrating tales of the past. Franklin offers a rich diversity of landscapes including urban, suburban, small town and rural/agricultural areas. The Town has hills, farmlands, pastures, scenic roadways lined with large trees, stone walls, lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, and swamps - all the unique features for a picturesque landscape that serves a variety of lifestyles and creates a pleasant environment for residents to live and work. As stewards of this New England gem, the community is committed to smart growth, protecting its natural resources, maintaining its historic appeal, and identifying and safeguarding lands and historic characteristics that make Franklin a treasured place to live, work, and play.
Existing Conditions and Trends
GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY, AND SOILS
Franklin is characterized by low, rounded hills and open valleys formed by repeated advances of glacial ice. Elevations in the town range from 470 feet above sea level in the southern portion of the town, to less than 150 feet near Populatic Pond in the north. Some portions of northern Franklin also reach elevations over 400 feet above sea level.63 With a majority of the town sitting at 250-350 feet above sea level, Franklin is one of the highest elevated towns in Norfolk County.
Franklin’s bedrock is mainly composed of two types of granite: Dedham and Quincy granite. Dedham Granite runs through the lower half of Franklin, while Quincy Granite runs through the northern half. The Town has a small band of diorite (a dark, granite-textured rock) and diabase (dark, fine igneous rock, often used for crushed stone) dikes and sills along its eastern border with Norfolk and a strip of Wamsutta Formation (red to pink conglomerates of sandstone shale and rholite) along its southern border with Wrentham. The Bellingham-Franklin line is straddled with a strip of the Blackstone Group (quartzite, schist, phyllite, marble and metavolcanic rocks) on its northern half and a strip of Mattapan Volcanic Complex to the south of the Blackstone Group.
As the glacier retreated to the north, glacial till (unsorted glacial sediment) was deposited on hills, while meltwaters covered lower elevations with stratified glacial deposits of sand and gravel. In Map 7.1, tills appear as green, outwash areas of sand and gravel deposits are indicated by orange, bedrock outcrops are denoted by red, and brown indicates areas of artificial fill. Alluvium (mainly organic matter, fine sand, and silt) which underlies the flood plains of most streams and rivers, is represented by yellow areas.67 There are large swamp deposits in the western half of the town, as well as in some wetland pockets in other parts of Franklin. Comparing the surficial geology to flood hazard areas (shown in Map 7.2), clearly shows how the soils left behind by the glaciers are impacting the water flow at the surface today. Areas that would experience flooding during a 100-year flood overlap areas of floodplain alluvium and swamp deposits that are poorly draining and hold significant amounts of water and peat.
Franklin’s surficial geology consists primarily of deep, moderate to excessively drained fine, sandy loams. Knowledge of the soil types located within Franklin is a valuable tool for land use planning. Soil conditions can inform appropriate locations for farming, development and construction uses, flood management and other uses.
AGRICULTURAL LAND
Due to the high quality of its soil, Franklin has a rich agricultural history. Of Franklin’s 17,296 acres, 5,375 acres are classified as prime farmland or farmland of statewide significance.
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), prime farmland “has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for economically producing sustained high yields of food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods”.70 Farmland of statewide significance “is of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oil seed crops, as determined by the appropriate state agency or agencies. Generally, these include lands that are nearly prime farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods.”
While there were over 200 farms across Franklin in the late 1800s, that number has decreased dramatically today. As of 2023, the town reported only 14 operating farms (see Table 7.1 below).
Recently, the Town Council established the Franklin Agricultural Commission to promote the long-term economic and environmental viability of Franklin agriculture, provide agricultural resources, and preserve farmland in the town.
The Franklin Farmers’ Market is held on the Franklin Town Common on Fridays from June through October and a Winter Farmers’ Market is held at Fairmount Fruit Farm on selected Saturdays from November through April.
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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
Complete 2025 Master Plan report
Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Community Preservation Committee recommends multiple project for approval with FY 2026 CPA funds (audio)
FM #1442 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1442 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers on Monday, May 5, 2025. All nine members of the committee were present in Council Chambers.
Quick Recap ->
No live broadcast of the Community Preservation committee meeting tonight. The meeting was recorded and will be set for broadcast later
Minutes approved for August 20, 2024 and December 18, 2024 (approved as amended, some minor updates on who the members were at the time)
Citizen comment; request for pickleball courts, already planned for the King St Park renovation, lights on the fields are out for bid, and courts are possible for phase 2, likely coming before the CPC in the fall to approve funding for additional pickleball courts
5 year anniversary of CPA in Franklin coming in the fall. Yes, really. Time flies Committee will need to discuss how to utilize the discretionary funding, potentially use more by category or continue to save for future use
Motion to approve the funding resolution - FY26 Budget Approval - Resolution 25-25 Moved, second, passes 9-0
Jamie talks to the current projects proposals
FY26 Project Slate - Resolution 25-26
i. Schmidt Farm Debt/Interest - $323,750
ii. Maple Hill Debt/Interest - $252,818
iii. School Playgrounds (Redistricting) - $181,623
iv. Open Space & Recreation Plan Supplement - $14,600
v. Sports Fields Wall Padding Replacement - $40,000
vi. Repair 1949 Fire Engine - $20,000
vii. Library Historic Hall Repairs - $80,000
Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
FY26 Project - Resolution 25-27 - Franklin United Methodist Church - $105,245
Rev Jacob here to talk to the details with Tricia Prewitt
CPA funding has been used for historical renovations of church facilities Discussion on the "anti aid" amendment
Three tests generally; iconic?, no use of funds for 'maintenance', substance of uniqueness?
Would require a preservation restriction. Town did this for the Old South Meeting House/Habitat for Humanity project recently, it was 'easy' compared to this potential project
5 minutes break per chair, Ready to resume Meeting opens
Franklin United Methodist Church discussion resumes
Previously presented May 2024
Additional research completed since that time, identification of the role that the church has placed. Thanks to Rowan and Vicki for their research assistance
CPA flow chart on determining use of funds for historic preservation https://www.communitypreservation.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4646/f/uploads/cpa_historic_flowchart_2025.pdf
Adjustments to proposal by removing the cross restoration from the scope and total reducing cost request, Funds will only be used for preservation of the exterior of the building
Interesting that the community participation is more in the church building than the congregation does (respectfully)
Motion to approve proposal as revised, Vote via roll call passes 9-0
Next to set a date; Oct 21 an off school committee mtg
Chair requests Town to look into Housing Authority for use of preservation funds
Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0
The recording runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1442-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-05-05-25/
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 |
| Franklin United Methodist Church discussion |
Agenda doc and released materials https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1717
My notes in one PDF file ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WdsqZK2kBSiWBcNqQPl_XM2UW4roPZEX/view?usp=drive_link
Franklin TV video not yet available
-------------
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 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"
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Community Preservation Cmte gets update on project status, funding status, sets next meeting for Feb 5 (audio)
FM #1342 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1342 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the 3rd floor training room on Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Quick Recap ->
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen providing an update, introduces Evan Lacasse as Deputy Financial Officer and budget analyst who will be picking up the details of CPA as things go forward
Updates on current CPA funded projects:
Cupola out for bid, should start next year some time
Franklin Ridge about half financed at this point, starting infrastructure work in 2025
Rod & Gun club didn't get funding, apparently did get their own funding
Q on Davis Thayer, (old high school), Police Station Building Cmte hired architect, open house planned for current station, architect hired. Middle of 2025 should get to site selection. There are some issues with Parmenter, and with DT, so it will an interesting decision. DT page has the reports and expression of interests proposal, zoning would also be needed for most other uses (https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee). W Batchelor not liking the police station at Parmenter (not yet a decision). "no one can convince me otherwise"
CPA funds could be used for historical preservation of Davis Thayer
Review of the CPA fund status provided in the agenda doc
Walking thru the 2nd page which shows the balances by category, expenses, encumbered amounts, etc. So we have at least $2M available
Discussion on next meeting, Feb 5, 5 PM target for public hearing
Money is one thing but town bandwidth is an issue
Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0
The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1342-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-12-18-24/
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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMyHAV9qzy8
Agenda doc and CPA fund report status for FY 2025 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf
My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1__-03pwdXow-qWVpqpwiXBBCKncQNmeD/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. 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 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"
 |
| Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM |
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - Sep 10, 2024
Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources
Master Plan Subcommittee
Agenda for September 10, 2024
Virtual session
1. Role Call
2. Meeting Minutes Approval
a. February 12, 2024b. March 18, 2024c. May 14, 2024
3. Review of Open Space and Recreation & Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources
Goals and Objectives
4. OSR & NCHR Implementation Plan
Agenda doc contains remote participation info
 |
| Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - Sep 10, 2024 |
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Master Plan Subcommittee: Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - May 14 (virtual meeting)
Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources
Master Plan Subcommittee
May 14, 2024 - 7:00 PM
Meeting will be held virtually
Agenda
1. Role Call
2. Discussion and edits of Open Space and Recreation & Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources Goals and Objectives in light of additional public input
Agenda doc with virtual participation info ->
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| Master Plan Subcommittee: Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - May 14 (virtual meeting) |
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Dean College: "When the Boston Celtics Played at Pieri: The Forgotten Story of How Dean Influenced the Start of a Dynasty"
Via Dean College:
"As the @celtics kick off their quest for their 18th championship, we retell the forgotten story of when the team brought eight basketball Hall of Famers to campus and kicked off a streak of eight consecutive world championships."
Learn more: https://t.co/LL5QDNTUkBShared from -> https://twitter.com/DeanCollege/status/1646875857649123330
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Monday, January 9, 2023
Franklin Panthers recognized, Historic Districts info shared, goals update provided and 4 committees authorized (audio)
FM #913 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 913 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
Franklin Panthers 4th grade football team recognized for winning the State Championship
Video and info shared on the 2 National Register Historic Districts in Franklin that was prepared by Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library
Town Council Goals Update in the middle of this two year term was provided by Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Renewal of Municipal agreement with Tri-County for school resource officer
Ratification of 3 contract adjustments with Police (2) and Fire (1)
Authorize formation of four committees
Arts & Culture
Master Plan
Police Station
Davis Thayer reuse
The recording runs just over 2 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on January 4, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-913-town-council-mtg-01-04-23
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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html
The National Register Historic Districts presentation -> https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E
Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/N-WomocGBlc
My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIH7JAlnlgN69HDkUYIS-3U44pUSUW15/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"
 |
| Historic Districts info shared |
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