Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, July 27, 2023
"Let's continue to put love out there"
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Town Council moves inclusionary zoning to 2nd reading, refers accessory dwelling zoning to Planning Board (video)
- License ownership changes for the alcohol license at The Curry House were approved
- Health Director Cathleen Liberty provides insights on the Metacomet Health Alliance and the benefits to Franklin
- The inclusionary zoning proposal back from the Planning Board review was moved to a second reading, one step closer to approval.
- The 3-part package of zoning changes for accessory dwelling units was moved forward from the EDC Plus recommendation with a modification to refer to the Planning Board for their review. It will come back to the Town Council for their review and potential approval vote sometime in the near future
- FY 2024 budget should be ready for review by Friday, with the Finance Committee and Town Council hears set for May
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Planning Board & Town Council public hearings scheduled for Inclusionary Zoning bylaw changes
![]() |
Planning Board & Town Council public hearings scheduled for Inclusionary Zoning bylaw changes |
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Town Council approves capital budget, refers inclusionary zoning bylaw to Planning Board for review (audio)
FM #947 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 947 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers (Pellegri absent).
Quick recap:
Three key items regarding the capital budget were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))
Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05
The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board
The recording runs 2 and 38 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on February 15, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-947-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-15-23
--------------
The complete agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share
One PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/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"
![]() |
Town Council approves capital budget, refers inclusionary zoning bylaw to Planning Board for review (audio) |
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)
FM #946 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 946 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Feb 15, 2023:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lane
Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))
• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05
The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board
4 podcasts in housing/zoning Franklin For All ‘series’ provide additional details
Senior Center update, café priority for opening
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.
Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 16, 2023
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-946-town-council-quarterbacking-02-16-23
--------------
The complete agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share
My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the meantime, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
![]() |
Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio) |
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Franklin TV: Town Council approves capital budget, refers inclusionary zoning bylaw to Planning Board for review (video)
The Franklin Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023 efficiently addressed the items on its agenda. The meeting last 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
- Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
- Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board
The complete agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council February 15, 2023 Agenda
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
a. February 1, 2023
a. Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lanei. Legislation for Action Item 9a
![]() |
Franklin Fire Dept - Tower 1 unit at the downtown fire station |
Friday, February 10, 2023
Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio)
FM #938 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 938 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with two Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) board members; Arielle Shearer and Patty Middelmann.
We discuss the creation of SEPAC which dates back to the education reform efforts in the early 1990’s where each community getting special education funding in MA needs to have this committee to work with the School District.
Our wide ranging discussion centers around education and accommodations for special needs kiddos, some of the many ways on how the support group helps other parents, and that the group is also open to the entire community as we are “interested parties.”
The audio recording runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Arielle and Patty about SEPAC and how you might get involved. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-938x-franklin-sepac-discussion-call-to-action-02-07-23
--------------
Franklin SEPAC links & information
Website -> http://www.franklinsepac.org/
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/franklinsepac
Mailing List and Survey -> https://forms.gle/TYuAJLeqvLzKNbNb8
SEPAC September Flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cEFAFNI_Cwg7uz45nFCwPYy6kunR8c0I/view?usp=share_link
Franklin SEPAC Spring Letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qcis7TW6uxBML1xkEUI_t-tu2AxRSYz5/view?usp=share_link
Contact Email: FranklinSEPAC@gmail.com
504 plan info -> https://www.understood.org/en/articles/504-plans-a-guide-for-teachers
Federal IDEA legislation -> https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/
MA Behavioral Help Hotline -> https://www.masshelpline.com/
The "adjacent possible" comes from this book mentioned during the conversation: Steven Johnson - Where do Good Ideas Come from (TED Talk) -> https://www.ted.com/talks/steven_johnson_where_good_ideas_come_from
Where do Good Ideas Come from Book link -> https://www.amazon.com/Where-Good-Ideas-Come-Innovation-ebook/dp/B0046ZRZ30
--------------
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"
Friday, January 27, 2023
Inclusionary zoning moved to Town Council by unanimous Economic Development Steering Cmte vote (audio)
FM #926 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 926 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development SubCmte Plus meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
- Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, B Wierling, G Rondeau, B Hunchard
- Town Administration: J Hellen, M Cerel, B Taberner, A Love (remote)
Discussion on the Inclusionary Zoning proposal and in particular items on the Use Regulations Schedule. After multiple votes to narrow down the choices around a couple of items in the table, agreement was reached and the full inclusionary zoning referral was made unanimously.
The recording runs two hours and thirty-five minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development SubCmte Plus discussion on January 25, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-926-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-01-25-23
--------------
The agenda doc for the meeting can be found here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_jan_25_2023.pdf
The Franklin TV replay for this session is available -> https://youtu.be/HukEWlkid6Q
My notes via Twitter can be found in one PDF here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19389zqBsU2LEnQMp64-WnpJKMFJHB5W8/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"