Preliminary Subdivision - Balsam Estates - Planning Board - Sep 25

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall (and can also be attended remotely) on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East  Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision application titled “Balsam Estates” prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., Franklin, MA, and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on September 5, 2023, by Joel D’Errico, Franklin, MA.

The property is located in the Rural Residential II Zoning District (Assessors Map 242 Lot 27) at the end of Kimberlee Avenue. The applicant is proposing to construct a 4-lot subdivision.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning

Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning

Board’s website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, 

Chairman 

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_-_balsam_estates_subdivision.pdf

Preliminary Subdivision - Balsam Estates - Planning Board - Sep 25

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)

The Codcast: "Right to shelter: Is it a migrant magnet?" (audio)

"FOR 40 YEARS, Massachusetts has had a right-to-shelter law, which requires the state to provide shelter to families with children as well as pregnant women. The law is attracting a lot of attention right now because the number of families seeking shelter has more than tripled since the start of the year, the cost to the state is up to $45 million a month, and Gov. Maura Healey recently declared a state of emergency, urging the federal government to address immigration reform and to streamline the process for obtaining work permits.

Rep. Peter Durant, a Republican from Spencer who is running for a seat in the state Senate, and Evan Horowitz, the executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, outlined very different perspectives on right to shelter on The Codcast but agreed that the state needs to do a much better job gathering information on the impact of the law, its cost, and the role of migrants in the recent crisis."

Continue reading the article online ->    https://commonwealthmagazine.org/immigration/right-to-shelter-is-it-a-migrant-magnet/

Listen to The Codcast -> https://on.soundcloud.com/KaVxG

CommonWealth Magazine · Right to shelter: Is it a migrant magnet?

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, was notified this week that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has entered into a year lease with the Best Western Plus Executive Residency on Upper Union Street in Franklin to shelter incoming migrant families.  

 

“The Town, and its departments, will lead with compassion, support and assistance for families, as allowed by the state” Hellen said. “We are working with various Town departments to proactively organize a managed response and we will communicate more information as it becomes available.”

Massachusetts law requires cities and towns to find housing for migrants coming into the state under the right to shelter provision. No local approvals are required and, at this time, the Town does not have any specifics, such as how many migrants Franklin will host, where the migrants are coming from, and the composition of these individuals. 

The Town’s Public Health Director, Cathleen Liberty, will be coordinating these efforts in close collaboration with both the Healy Administration and the Town Administrator’s office.  As more information becomes available the Town will share it broadly and post it to the Health Department’s website at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department.

More than 80 communities throughout Massachusetts are working with the state to support more than 20,000 homeless families in crisis. Once the Town becomes aware of the particulars and understands the needs associated with helping individuals and families coming to Franklin, we will notify the community for support.

“At this time we are asking the community not to send donations until the Town has a better understanding of the needs” said Liberty. “We anticipate there will be a need for aid and we will work closely with local human services organizations and the community in the coming weeks to lend a helping hand to those requiring assistance” 

“Franklin is a welcoming community, and I have no doubt we will do whatever we can to accommodate and accept migrants with open arms and an open heart,” said Hellen. “It is my understanding that the Commonwealth will be providing meals, public health services, and transitional assistance. With that said, there will still be ongoing impacts and costs associated with hosting these families for Franklin and the Town will work with the state to help alleviate these costs.”

The Town is advising the public to not visit the Best Western hotel as there are no families currently housed there and there are no services present. 

Copy of press release ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view?usp=drive_link

MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel

Master Plan Housing, Sustainability, & full committee agendas

Subcommittee - Housing

Event Date:  Monday, August 21, 2023 - 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/housing_economic_development_agenda_8212023.pdf

Subcommittee - Sustainability

Event Date:  Monday, August 21, 2023 - 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2023-08-21_0.pdf

Master Plan Update Committee

Event Date:  Wednesday, August 23, 2023 - 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_august_23rd_2023_0.pdf

Master Plan Housing, Sustainability, & full committee agendas

Healey-Driscoll administration releases "$14 Billion Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028"

"The Healey-Driscoll administration announced today (06/22/23)  a new five-year, $14 billion capital investment plan that includes more than $1.5 billion in housing-related spending and a new program to incentivize the creation of more affordable housing.

The administration’s plan, covering fiscal years 2024 through 2028, includes $97 million a year for the new HousingWorks program, which aims to encourage the production of 200 to 300 units of affordable housing each year. In addition, the spending plan also includes $90 million annually for housing acquisition, development and rehabilitation, and $120 million a year to preserve the state’s more than 43,000 units of public housing.

Besides housing, the spending plan focuses on advancing climate and economic development goals, and administration officials said it will help preserve and modernize the state’s infrastructure, invest in cities and towns, and make government more effective."

Continue reading the article ->

https://www.mma.org/gov-healey-announces-capital-plan-affordable-housing-program/ 

The Governor's official press release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-and-lieutenant-governor-driscoll-release-14-billion-capital-investment-plan-for-fiscal-years-2024-2028

Healey-Driscoll administration releases "$14 Billion Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028"

Affordable housing available at 90 Palomino Drive, Application & Flyer available

"Please see attached flyer for an affordable home resale at 90 Palomino Drive in Dover Farms. 

Applications are available at https://t.co/KmOrHZJX1d"

Shared from -> https://t.co/0Vi5myWRZ8

Application ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/application_2023_-_first_come_first_serve_0.pdf

Flyer ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/flyer_1_90_palomino_0.pdf   

Town of Franklin, MA: Affordable Home Available - 90 Palomino Drive

Town of Franklin, MA: Affordable Home Available - 90 Palomino Drive

"Please see attached flyer for an affordable home resale at 90 Palomino Drive in Dover Farms. 

Applications are available at https://t.co/KmOrHZJX1d"

Shared from -> https://t.co/0Vi5myWRZ8

Application ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/application_2023_-_first_come_first_serve_0.pdf

Flyer ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/flyer_1_90_palomino_0.pdf   

Town of Franklin, MA: Affordable Home Available - 90 Palomino Drive

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Name Edward M. Augustus as Housing Secretary

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today announced that they are naming former Worcester City Manager Edward (Ed) M. Augustus to serve as the state’s first Housing Secretary in more than 30 years. Augustus, who helped to create thousands of new housing units at all income levels during his tenure in Worcester, will lead Governor Healey’s new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities beginning June 1. 

“Ed Augustus is the leader Massachusetts needs to take the helm of our new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and drive an ambitious, collaborative strategy to increase housing production and lower costs across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He left Worcester a stronger city than it was a decade ago, with booming economic development in the downtown and thousands of new housing units. Importantly, he is intimately familiar with local government and knows what it takes to collaborate with municipalities to move our state forward on our housing goals.”  

“The establishment of a cabinet-level secretariat dedicated solely to housing will have a major impact on Massachusetts’ ability to address this crisis and lower costs across the state. Ed Augustus has the right experience, vision and drive to lead this important work,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “His motto is ‘How do we get to yes?’ which is an approach our entire administration is embracing. We’re committed to partnering with cities and towns to ensure they have the resources and support they need to give a hearty “Yes!” to housing development in their communities.” 

“I’m honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have placed their faith in me to lead the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Massachusetts' housing crisis impacts every single community in our state, but we know what the solution is – build more housing,” said Augustus. “This administration recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to achieving this and that we must work closely with communities to deploy a diverse toolbox of options to meet their unique needs. That’s what this new secretariat will be committed to doing.” 

Augustus served as City Manager of Worcester, functioning as the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the Gateway City of more than 200,000 people, from 2014-2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the commitment or distribution of $25.3 million in Community Development Block Group, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Worcester Lead Abatement and Healthy Homes Program funds to develop or preserve more than 2,000 affordable housing units throughout the City. Worcester is the city with the third largest subsidized housing inventory in the state. Augustus also dedicated $30 million of the ARPA funds coming into the city to housing, including $15 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

As City Manager, Augustus managed a $750 million budget, as well as the $90 million, 20-year Urban Revitalization Plan. Notably, he spearheaded the $240 million landmark redevelopment of Worcester’s Canal District, including leading the complex negotiation to relocate the Boston Red Sox AAA-affiliate (now the WooSox) to the city and construction of the multi-use Polar Park stadium, hotel, and housing development, as well as the Kelley Square intersection redesign.  

Prior to joining the City of Worcester, Augustus served as Director of Government & Community Relations for the College of Holy Cross, State Senator for the 2nd Worcester District, Chief of Staff for Congressman Jim McGovern, and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education under President Clinton’s Administration. He most recently served as Chancellor of Dean College. 

Governor Healey filed Article 87 legislation to create the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on March 1. The legislation moves the Department of Housing and Community Development out of the current Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into the new secretariat and broadens its scope of work to also include housing production. 

This new cabinet-level secretariat will be solely dedicated to housing and driving solutions to create more homes and lower costs. It will focus on the urgent need to build places to live that are affordable and closer to public transit – giving residents access to jobs, medical care, groceries, and other essential services. The Housing Secretary will work collaboratively with stakeholders – public housing authorities, cities and towns, the federal government, non-profits, developers, landlords, renters and advocates – to develop a comprehensive housing development and stabilization strategy. The secretariat will also administer financial assistance and programs focused on housing production, rehabilitation, preservation, affordability, stability and security, while centering fairness and equity with every opportunity. 

Shared from the Governor's press release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-and-lieutenant-governor-driscoll-name-edward-m-augustus-as-housing-secretary

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Name Edward M. Augustus as Housing Secretary

CommonWealth Magazine: jury greenlights transmission line; Boston combines library branches and affordable housing

Maine jury delivers hydro relief for Mass

"BAY STATE and many New England policymakers breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday after a jury in Maine voted 9-0 to green light the completion of a Massachusetts-financed transmission line carrying hydroelectricity from Quebec into New England.

The transmission line and the power it will carry are of pivotal importance if Massachusetts is going to reach its climate change goals, but the project has been in legal limbo since 2021 when 59 percent of Maine voters approved a ballot question that retroactively killed it."

Continue reading the article online ->
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/maine-jury-delivers-hydro-relief-for-mass/

Boston pitches libraries, affordable housing as perfect match

"In three Boston neighborhoods, home could soon be where the stacks are.

The city is set to join a handful of other places that combine public libraries with affordable housing, a popular pairing that addresses increasingly pricey housing markets and limited land for new development."

Continue reading the article online ->
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/boston-pitches-libraries-affordable-housing-as-perfect-match-2/

 

The Fields Corner branch of the Boston Public Library. (Photo by Michael Jonas)

A "Franklin For All" discussion on buildable & affordable - 04/12/23 (audio)

FM #974 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 974 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Joe Halligan. We were all in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. 

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Joe Halligan for this session to include his insights as a former Planning Board member, Franklin developer, and recently appointed to the Master Plan Update Committee. 

The conversation centered on the numbers Joe had walked through at a prior EDC Plus meeting (Nov 2022) on the costs of combining parcels to make a buildable project. We define ‘buildable’ from a developer’s perspective to help differentiate from the two definitions of affordable (Capital A - affordable as set by Federal HUD and State calculations, and lower case “a” affordable, what someone could afford which will still vary by situation).

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 63 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-974-franklin-for-all-discusses-buildable-affordable-04-12-23

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The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->

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

The November 2022 meeting at which affordable housing was discussed and Joe Halligan laid out his ‘homework’ initially ->  beginning approx 35 minutes if you want to jump to that point)   https://www.youtube.com/live/sUk0eqtUzXE?feature=share  

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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"

A "Franklin For All" discussion on buildable & affordable - 04/12/23 (audio)

MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

Dedicated Secretariat designed to assist the administration in prioritizing housing for all residents

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday (4/13/23) passed a reorganization plan to create a state Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, a cabinet-level position which will assist the Commonwealth with meeting its long-term goals in addressing the housing crisis and expanding safe, accessible, and affordable housing for residents.

"As a state, we must work towards a creating a sustainable and inclusive future, where no one is prevented from calling Massachusetts home simply because of the cost of housing," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am grateful that Governor Healey has brought this legislation before us, and we in the Legislature look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to support housing that is affordable and livable, vibrant communities. I'd also like to thank Senator Collins and Senator Edwards for their attention and hard work to ensure that the Senate could reach consensus on this issue in a timely fashion."

In Massachusetts, housing-related issues are currently addressed by the administration through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The reorganization plan passed in the Senate today would elevate housing issues to a separate executive agency tasked with supporting housing availability and assessing the Commonwealth's progress in this area.

"I want to thank Senate President Spilka for prioritizing this legislation's passage in the Senate today," said Senator Nick Collins (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. "The creation of a new Secretariat will bring a cabinet-level focus to the Commonwealth's housing crisis.  I would like to congratulate Governor Healey as well, who will now be able put her vision for housing and livable communities into action."

In response to ongoing concerns over housing availability, last session, the Massachusetts Legislature allocated over $1 billion in direct appropriations to support affordable housing in Massachusetts. This followed a session that saw the long-awaited 'housing choice' legislation become law with important housing production incentives, including requiring multi-family zoning near transit.

"I am excited about Governor Healey's newly established Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, which offers Massachusetts a clear steward in the mission to ensure dignified housing for all residents," said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. "We need a dedicated think tank for housing justice, generational wealth, and eradicating discrimination."

The reorganization plan is also in the House of Representatives for consideration.

MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

Town of Franklin, MA: Affordable housing opportunity - 1st come, 1st serve

Affordable Housing Opportunity Alert! 

You can learn more about the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust here: https://t.co/mD62awSRBL  or  https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust

Details on the 67 Palomino Drive – Dover Farms – Franklin, MA - $310,500 – First Come, First Serve - Resale

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/flyer_1_0.pdf

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/TwqjPb9L4n  or https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1645435228742197249

Town of Franklin, MA: Affordable housing opportunity - 1st come, 1st serve

Surprise: "we haven’t built enough housing to keep up with demand"

"Every day, more than 10,000 Americans turn 65, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

By 2030, the US Census Bureau says, 70 million Americans will be 65 years old or older. Historically, homeowners in that age group have sold their single-family home and moved into a smaller place, often in the Sun Belt, but experts say that’s not happening.

Baby boomers are booming, but they’re just not going to hit the residential real estate market the way some experts thought they would, according to Selma Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic, a property data analytics firm.

...

“Across the region, approximately 45 percent of large units are occupied by an over-fifty-five household. Nearly 15 percent of large units — 114,000 homes — are occupied by an over-seventy household. While many of these seniors are staying in large homes because they want to, others may be interested in moving but have few other options in their community. As noted above, there are relatively few one- and two-bedroom units in many towns.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/03/15/real-estate/sun-belt-meh-many-baby-boomers-are-staying-put/

Surprise: "we haven’t built enough housing to keep up with demand"

Economic Development Subcmte took a deep dive into 40b, then got a preview of a friendly 40b proposal for 121 Grove St (audio)

FM #949 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 949 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development SubCmte meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, February 23, 2023. Some of the audience participated via Zoom, some were in person in the Council Chambers.

Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan

Town Administration: J Hellen, M Cerel, B Taberner, A Love, G Brown

1 - Discussion on the ins and outs of 40b. 

2 - Informational overview of “friendly 40b” development proposed for 121 Grove St

The recording runs two hours and thirty-six minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development SubCmte meeting on February 23, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-949-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-02-22-23

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Quick recap:

40b overview

• The 40b legislation was enacted in 1969 to help expand the number of communities and neighborhoods where households with low and moderate incomes could secure a safe, affordable home

• The 40b legislation is an "Affordable" housing production tool. 40B Projects must have at least 20 to 25% of housing units deeded as affordable

• The permitting process of a 40B Project is through the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), not the Planning Board

• The ZBA is formally a "Comprehensive Permit Process" which allows for a streamlined permit process. The ZBA may apply more flexible standards than the local zoning requirements

• Note it is capital A “Affordable”, there are legal requirements built into either the home ownership deed or to the rental agreements to create “Affordable” units. This is not to say that the units are market rate ‘affordable.’ Affordability is a relative term but per 40b it does have legal requirements set at the Federal & State level, enforced locally

• The Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) is the List of Affordable Housing Units that Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) uses to calculate a Community’s percentage of low-or moderate-income housing. Owned units are counted differently (i.e. condos) than apartments. A 100 unit proposal with 25% “Affordable” (note the capital A) if owned would add 25 units to the SHI. If these units were apartments, then all 100 (assuming the 25% “Affordable”) would add 100 units to the SHI

• Franklin is believed to be above the 10% requirement. The census data from 2020 has not yet been processed by DHCD to determine the specific percent we are today. We were 11.96% with 2010 data, it is projected that we are above 10% but exactly where is not known today

• Information on some of the presentation pages provide details on current 40b developments as well as proposed developments (as of today anyway)

121 Grove St (begins approx 80 minutes into the recording)

• The second part of the meeting was an overview of the proposal for 300 or so units at 121 Grove St

• The slides shown are noted as “draft”. This is shared as part of the informational work of the “friendly 40b” process created by the Town of Franklin. Based upon the feedback received there are changes likely to the specifics to address the concerns or items raised. For example, there is an open Conservation permitting process underway where the back and forth negotiation could lead to changes in the number of or at least layout of the buildings on the land.

• One point raised in the discussion that should be considered is the “loss” of land zoned as commercial industrial when we need that. This particular property overtime has proved the point that it is not fit for C/I development due to its terrain and wetlands. The residential proposal can work around the land in particular to create revenue that for years has not been able to be addressed in any other way

• All the slide of the presentation as shown overhead in the Council Chambers were captured in one photo album and the link is provided below

• The 121 Grove St proposal will be scheduled to come before the Town Council in the near future and assuming fairly received could begin the formal process by applying through the Zoning Board of Appeals as outlined in the 40b discussion

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The agenda doc for the meeting can be found here ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-02-22_edc_agenda_.pdf 

40b overview presentation -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YcwAKFPdjcjYNAbPlF4PtuSVr8K8Ns8Z/view?usp=share_link 

The Franklin TV replay for this session is available ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/K9BYvCAcE1s?feature=share 

My notes via Twitter can be found in one PDF here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AIKI1EdTZML5WLCqhhbwLXO6RTi2l2HL/view?usp=share_link     

121 Grove St slides (photo album) -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/ySstvYGTnhGYh3rp9 

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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"

 

Economic Development Subcmte took a deep dive into 40b, then heard a friendly 40b proposal for 121 Grove St (audio)