Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 25, 2023 - 6:00 PM

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

Agenda:
1. Zoning - Inclusionary Zoning
a. 22-889: Use Regulations Schedule - Residential
i. September 15, 2022 DCPD Memo & Staff Recommendation
ii. Map of a half mile circle from the train station
iii. Sample of a 40,000 square foot development in GRV
2. Initial Discussion: Accessory Dwelling Units

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Friday, December 2, 2022

Economic Development lacks consensus on approach to inclusionary zoning proposal (audio)

FM #889 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 889 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in the Council Chambers with one member (Hunchard) participating virtually (hence roll call vote).  One member absent (Wierling)


Present: Chair M Hamblen, G Jones, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Rondeau (Plng Brd), B Hunchard (ZBA)

Quick recap:

  • The discussion centered on the inclusionary zoning proposal carried over from the prior meeting. While the group had more time to review the matter, they still could not reach consensus on a recommendation and yet did move the item for discussion by the full Council. 

  • In my view, this group, which in principle approves of the concept, and yet can't recommend an approach, likely sets the full Council discussion up for failure. Stay tuned, this is an important discussion, and no matter the next vote, Franklin needs to address this properly.


My Twitter thread:

  • Ready for Iive reporting on back to back meetings; first up, economic development subcommittee and inclusionary zoning #edc1130 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

  • Planning Director Bryan Taberner provides an overview of the proposed changes to introduce this measure. #edc1130 map being shown on the screen of the zoning areas

  • Clarification on 4 vs. 5 in some of the prior drafts, should be 5 in all places. #edc1130 consideration of getting affordable units after 30% of development (so if something happens, and they were planned for the end and didn't happen, the Town would be left short)

  • Also consideration for the affordable units #edc1130 that are permitted in another area. Back to the 5vs4 question, from 5 units to 14, only 1 required as affordable to meet 10% requirements; Planning Board would need to approve the alternative site

  • Question on 15 units vs 20 units gives the Planning Board ability to regulate - this is part of the density piece not part of inclusionary #edc1130 Frongillo, Q on how did we get to 10%, Hellen explains cap by state rule at 10%

  • 10% also aligns with the 10% 40b units, it is a middle road. Rondeau clarification questions answered. Halligan (from audience) comments great example of a walkthrough to say we should be working on setbacks, etc. To make the building feasible #edc1130

  • Hellen asks Q, what is the percent that would make it work? If not 35%, then 50, 70, 100? #edc1130 Frongillo still to the point this won't get us anything (maybe up to 15-20 units be4 requiring affordable) would like to work with developers to find the #s that work

  • Hamblen Qs is what is the starting point, 5, 8, 10 (vs Frongillo at 20-25 or so). #edc1130 motion to send to full council for recommendation to planning board, 6-0 via roll call 

  • Motion to adjourn, 6-0 via roll call


The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-889-economic-development-plus-cmte-11-30-22



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The agenda and doc released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf


Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://youtu.be/sUk0eqtUzXE


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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"


the zoning map shared on the screen attempted to focus the discussion
the zoning map shared on the screen attempted to focus the discussion

Thursday, December 1, 2022

After a 2nd discussion, Economic Development still finds no consensus on approach to inclusionary zoning proposal

The Economic Development Subcommittee and Steering Committee met on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 in the Council Chambers with one member participating remotely. The discussion centered on the inclusionary zoning proposal carried over from the prior meeting. 

While the group had more time to review the matter, they still could not reach consensus on a recommendation and yet did move the item for discussion by the full Council. In my view, this group, which in principle approves of the concept, and yet can't recommend an approach, likely sets the full Council discussion up for failure. Stay tuned, this is an important discussion, and no matter the next vote, Franklin needs to address this properly.

My full set of notes and the audio will be shared shortly. The Franklin.TV video replay of the meeting is available via YouTube -> https://youtu.be/sUk0eqtUzXE


Franklin Observer also provides their recap of the meeting here ->

the zoning map shared on the screen attempted to focus the discussion
the zoning map shared on the screen attempted to focus the discussion



Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Inclusionary zoning and tax rate hearing on tap for meetings Wednesday night

Two meetings on tap for Wednesday at the Municipal Building. First up at 5:45 PM the Economic Development "Plus" subcommittee, followed by the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. I plan on reporting on both meetings. Franklin TV will be broadcasting both via cable (Verizon or Comcast), live streaming, Zoom, and YouTube. So there are multiple ways to view and/or participate in the meetings.


1 - Economic Development Agenda
1. Discussion: Zoning
a. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw
Agenda doc and remote connection info

The prior meeting started this discussion and as time ran out, the discussion resumes at this session. Catch up to the discussion before the meeting:

2 - Town Council Agenda

Full agenda and docs released ->

Charts explaining the tax rate history can be found ->


the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal
the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee Meeting - Nov 30 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
November 30, 2022 - 5:45 PM


Agenda:
1. Discussion: Zoning
a. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw
Agenda doc and remote connection info

The prior meeting started this discussion and as time ran out, the discussion resumes at this session. Catch up to the discussion before the meeting:

the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal
the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion workshop focuses on the sense of “belonging” (audio)

FM #884 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 884 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) “Deep Dive” Workshop held at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, November 19, 2022.   


Superintendent Lucas Gigiure and DEI Director Heidi Harris co-lead the session. Approx. 30 folks were in the room to participate. 


Much of the workshop was a review of the efforts to date, sharing definitions for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the findings of the equity audit, and understanding the drive to develop a sense of “belonging.”


The equity audit was referred to multiple times as “one slice of the pie” in gathering info to develop the “Equity Action Plan to meet the needs of all learners.” Other sessions like this one will be scheduled to provide opportunity for the community to explore DEI and work toward the plan development.


Given this was a working session, the whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There are breaks in the audio when 

  • The participants found a person they did not know to introduce themselves

  • The participants found another person they did not know to discuss an instance of belonging and then of feeling left out

  • The table discussion to review the sticky notes written by the members providing feedback


The breaks are indicated by a few seconds of music then the group discussion resumes


The edit meeting audio recording runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen to DEI “Deep Dive” Workshop.


Audio file ->
  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-884-fps-dei-deep-dive-workshop-11-19-22


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Franklin Public Schools Diversity Equity & Inclusion department page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/diversity-equity-and-inclusion 


DEI page -> https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-diversity-equity-inclusion/home?authuser=0 


Equity audit (1 slice of the pie)  ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fps_equity_audit_final_report_october_2022.pdf 


DEI Plan for 2022-2023 -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fps_dei_plan_2022-23_for_sc_0.pdf


DEI Presentation to School Committee Oct 25, 2022 -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fps_dei_presentation_10_25_2022_0.pdf


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

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"


Diversity, Equity & Inclusion workshop focuses on the sense of “belonging” (audio)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion workshop focuses on the sense of “belonging” (audio)

Friday, November 18, 2022

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - November 2022



Franklin Public Schools

District Newsletter

November 2022

22-23 School Calendar


Nov. 23 -25 Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 7 - Early Release Day


Access the 22-23 School Calendar 

We're Back in Action!

We are excited to welcome families from across the district and the greater Franklin Community to attend our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Deep Dives event!


Join us as we dive deeper into the Climate and Culture findings from our 21-22 Equity Audit and look towards the development of our Equity Action Plan throughout the 2022-2023 year. During this session, community members will be able to engage with District Adminstration to discuss questions, concerns, experiences, and solutions. The event will be held at the Franklin Public Library meeting room (School Street entrance) on Saturday, 11/19 from 10am - 11:30am.

You can review our D.E.I. Presentation to the School Committee here.

Art of Rangolis During Diwali

Oak Street teachers Ms. Kinney teamed up with Mrs. Parikh to help share the history of Diwali with their classrooms. Students were able to learn more about how many other people from around the world as well as their peers, celebrate this holiday. Students even designed their very own Rangolis, which is an Indian art form typically displayed at entryways to welcome prosperity and blessings. This was a wonderful way for students to learn more about their friends.


Clock is Ticking to See Cinderella

Franklin High School Theatre Company delivered a fantastic performance of Cinderella (Broadway Version) on Friday, November 11th. Audiences have two additional opportunity to experience this magical performance with shows...

Saturday, November 18th at 7pm

Sunday, November 19th at 7pm


Be sure to grab your ticket before this horse drawn carriage bids farewell!


Kindergarten Technology Win!

Our Digital Learning Integrationists work to educate our FPS community on how to effectively utilize the variety of digital tools. Recently, our DLI's streamlined a way to assist our educators and kindergarteners during instances of digital enrichment. Logging into a Chromebook can be difficult for our kindergarten kiddos who are still learning their lowercase letters and digital skills. When it's time to sign into these Chromebooks using their logins, it can be a challenge to get a classroom to login quickly. DLI's and IT techs developed a system which allows kindergarteners to login using their own unique QR code while these young learners begin to develop the important skill of being able to enter user and password information independently. Now login is a breeze for these students and they get right to the planned digital activity. What was once a task that took 20-30 minutes to master, is now accomplished in under 3 minutes! The confidence in the faces of these young learners and their teachers show how much of a game changer this system is!

Wednesday, November 16th was National Education Support Professionals Day! Our ESP's give their all to keep our schools running efficiently. We couldn't do it without our team of passionate and dedicated ESP's. Thank you for all that you do!

Inclement Weather Procedure

The FPS Inclement Weather Procedure outlines the decision making process for school cancellation or delays in response to weather related incidents. Families are encouraged to review the procedure as we enter the start of the winter season.

View the procedure here.

From the School Committee

Redistricting Analysis


As part of the Redistricting Analysis that is being done in collaboration with the Franklin School Committee, we established a Redistricting Advisory Group of 60 individuals composed of FPS parents/ guardians, educators, administrators. This group will meet with our redistricting consultant App Geo, through May 2023 to provide input, feedback, and local context on proposed scenarios to potential updates to attendance boundaries within Franklin. The initial meeting was held on Tuesday, November 15th.



The results and recommendations will be presented at the conclusion to the School Committee in the Spring of 2023. Any recommendations that may be approved by the School Committee will not go into effect during the 2022-2023 school year. The School Committee will continue to engage the public prior to reaching a final decision on any boundary adjustments.


We encourage folks to review the materials from the November 15th meeting here. You can learn more about the Redistricting Advisory Committee here.


Please join us for our next School Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 at 7pm.

Were thankful for the support of our FPS Families, Faculty Staff and Franklin Community!

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 www.franklinps.net

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