Planning Board reviews traffic & parking concerns for Depot Plaza (video)

The Planning Board heard from the project team on their traffic and parking plan, the BETA traffice engineer, Town Engineer Mike Maglio and then the board and community comments, questions were heard.

The next meeting for the Depot Plaza project is Nov 2, with traffic continued to the Nov 16 session.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=913TzGatVi8

Slides captured via screen grabs of the project traffic presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5XoerirwJxAwHfdw8

Project documentation on the Planning Board page

https://www.franklinma.gov/1374/9-13-and-15-Main-Street---Special-Permit

You can arrive hungry at Franklin’s Harvest Festival - Food Vendors Will Line Main Street

Bring your appetite to Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival set for Saturday, September 26, 12 noon to 5 PM. 

Rain date is Sunday, September 27, 12 noon to 4 PM. 

Food vendors and trucks will serve everything from pizza and hot chicken to Indian cuisine, sweet treats and cool desserts. Visitors will find these delicious stops along Main Street from the parking lot at The Little Shop of Olive Oils to the Franklin Public Library. 

Here’s the preview:

Near Franklin Library / Dean College

• Boston Events 
• The Chill Zone Ice Cream Truck 
• Poppy and Crumb 

Near Dean Bank / Post Office

• Applause: Gelato & Unique Finds 
• Central Pizza 
• Dean Bank 
• Intermission Cafe 
• Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub 

In The Little Shop of Olive Oils parking lot

• C&C Ice Cream Truck 
• Haven Hot Chicken 
• Maguro House 
• Mirchi Indian Cuisine 

The Harvest Festival is made possible because of generous business sponsors. Franklin Downtown Partnership is very grateful to this year’s sponsors:

Platinum – Dean Bank; G&C Plumbing & Heating; Local Town Pages

Gold – Dean College; Glen Meadow Apartments; Middlesex Savings Bank; Sunrise Montessori School

Silver – Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Hockomock YMCA; Notturno Home Services; Rockland Trust Bank; The Enclave of Franklin

Bronze – ABI New England; Camford Property Group; Connell Roofing; DCU; DG Ranieri; Fenton Financial Group; Franklin Kitchen Center; Keefe Insurance; LeafFilter; MyFM; Simon’s Furniture

For festival updates and to stay in the know about activities throughout the year follow the FDP on Instagram and Facebook:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/ and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

"what they really want is for younger people to enthusiastically carry out the same ideas"

via Small Town Startup

"Over the last few weeks, I’ve been holding curiosity chats with small business owners, current and former city council members, chambers, Main Street organizations and others working inside small towns across the country.

One theme keeps coming up: some small towns say they want younger people involved, but what they really want is for younger people to enthusiastically carry out the same ideas that have been circulating for decades.

They want the energy, volunteer hours and fresh faces but not necessarily the questions, challenges or changes that come with them.

That is SO dangerous for a community (especially one that’s stagnant or declining). When younger leaders learn that participation requires silence and new ideas are treated like disrespect, they don’t keep showing up forever. They stop attending meetings, leave boards, move away, build elsewhere or decide their hometown simply isn’t interested in what they bring to the table.

Institutional knowledge matters as does experience. But experience should help new leaders avoid old mistakes, not force them to repeat old strategies. Respect cannot mean agreeing with the person who has been there the longest.

If we want genuine participation, we have to make room for genuine influence. That may mean term limits, dedicated seats for younger leaders, mentorship that works in both directions, meeting times with virtual options that accommodate working families and a willingness to test ideas without making people survive years of small-town politics first.

Younger people do not need to earn the right to care about the future they will inherit. Invite them in, listen when they speak and let them help build something new."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdPN3uPsR-k/

24th Annual Harvest Festival scheduled to be Full of Fun, Food and Music - Saturday, September 26, 2026

Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 26, 12 noon to 5 PM. Rain date is Sunday, September 27, 12-4 PM. Like last year’s festival, it will extend up Main Street with more vendors and activities at Dean College and Franklin Library.

Main Street will be busy with more than 140 booths and thousands of visitors from Franklin and beyond. Come and enjoy live music and dance performers, lots of food, children’s activities, unique artwork and crafts, merch and services from local businesses, and meet local community groups. Celebrate the golden end of summer and get ready for the vibrant colors of autumn.

“The Harvest Festival is the ideal time to socialize, relax, and enjoy the community spirit,” said Kevin Johnson, Harvest Festival Chair. “Each year we try to add something different and recently we have expanded further north on Main Street. It is a special day.”

Here are some highlights:

• Live music performances by Jamie Barrett, Critical Mass, and the Padula Family Band. Dance performances by Feet in Motion and Desi Swag Queens. Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will perform a medley of songs and dances on Main Street.

• Touch-a-Truck, courtesy of Franklin Fire.

• Radio station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast on Main Street near the center island/bridge.

• In partnership with the FDP, Franklin TV and WFPR 102.9 FM will be located near the library, filming booth activities and interviewing event participants for later broadcasts.

• Franklin Library will have children’s activities on the lawn.

• Dean College will have a trackless train on their quad at Awpie Way.

• The Cultural Hub will have a pumpkin-themed art project and other activities. The Cultural Hub includes the Public Library; Cultural District Committee; Cultural Council; Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; the Historical Museum; and the Franklin Art Association.

• Enjoy great food all along Main Street. Dean Bank will be selling apple cider, donuts, popcorn, and water. Proceeds from their sales support FDP and the festival. Take a few extra steps to downtown and you can dine at more restaurants and cafes.

•   Downtown activities: the Children’s Museum of Franklin will have kid-friendly fun at their home at 157 Cottage Street. 

The Harvest Festival is made possible because of generous local business sponsors. Franklin Downtown Partnership is very grateful to this year’s sponsors:

Platinum – Dean Bank; G&C Plumbing & Heating, Local Town Pages

Gold – Dean College; Glen Meadow Apartments; Middlesex Savings Bank; Sunrise Montessori School

Silver – Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Hockomock YMCA; Notturno Home Services; Rockland Trust Bank; The Enclave of Franklin

Bronze – ABI New England; Camford Property Group; Connell Roofing; DCU; DG Ranieri; Fenton Financial Group; Franklin Kitchen Center; Keefe Insurance; LeafFilter; MyFM; Simon’s Furniture

For festival updates and to stay in the know about activities throughout the year follow the FDP on Instagram and Facebook:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/ and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Dowload the flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M-yi9EsPXjAR59-tlA6W3IOYMmtK4JB-/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 12, 2026 ???

Friday, June 12

9am Fallen Hero: Lloyd M. Ellis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

4pm Strawberry Stroll     (Main St, Franklin)

5pm A Children’s Parade (Dean College)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

REMINDER: Road Closures for Strawberry Stroll, Friday, June 12

Reminder: Road Closures for Friday’s Strawberry Stroll Strawberry Stroll-is THIS Friday June 12th 4:00-8:00 -Main Street will be closed at 2:00 pm -No parking on Main St starting at 12:00 pm -Plenty of parking in downtown parking lots -Check out our website for a full list of vendors, maps, and activities VENDORS- If you did NOT recieve your vendor instruction packet, please email fdpevent@gmail.com July Newsletter Reminder Hello Franklin Downtown Partnership Members! I would LOVE to include you in our July Newsletter. If your business has any noteworthy special events or announcements, please email them to me by End of Day next Friday, so that I may highlight them in the Newsletter. Please email submissions to Marcie DiChiara at fdpcommunications@gmail.com Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St. | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Memorial Day Update via Franklin VFW Post 3402

Via the Franklin VFW Post 3402

Memorial Day Parade Route

"We’re less than 9 weeks until Memorial Day!

The parade will be held on Monday and follow the new route that was debuted last year. 

It will begin at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Middle School and travel up Oak/Daniel McCahill St to Union St to 140 to Emmons to Main ending back at the Town Common.

I am sorry to share that there will be no Franklin Public School bands in the parade this year due to budget cuts. We do have the Benjamin Franklin Charter School band playing and we’re supposed to have the National Guard Band that performed last year back this year (we’re very lucky)! 

We hope many veterans will join us to walk (or ride) in the parade. Those veterans with kids are welcome to have their kids walk with them!

Immediately following the parade’s conclusion will be the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Town Common. There will be additional sound speakers this year to help the audience hear what is being said. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 25th!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/post3402/posts/pfbid0iwxaUY3ckJqFhjUg3PgZM2Vc62brFyZgZ18zGcpD7L67vHftH3h9SVaTMhY8JocJl

Strawberry Stroll - scheduled for June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM in Downtown Franklin

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will be hosting the Strawberry Stroll THIS SATURDAY, June 10, 2023 from 4 PM - 8 PM Downtown. Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4 PM - 6 PM and Dom DeBaggis from 6 PM - 8 PM. There will be over 95 booths full of fun, freebies and strawberry shortcake of course!

Be sure to swing by the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters to get a glimpse of the fire trucks, including the antique ladder truck up close! Sparky will be out and about greeting guests and handing out plastic red helmets to the children. 

At the Historical Museum, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed. 

Rain date has been activated for Saturday, June 10, 2023 4 PM - 8 PM. Learn more here: https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/06/many-activities-and-booths-set-for-june.html

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/weekend-fun-franklin-strawberry-stroll-june-9-2023

Weekend Fun in Franklin - Strawberry Stroll - June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM

Many Activities and Booths set for the June 9 Strawberry Stroll in downtown Franklin

The 19th Annual Strawberry Stroll is ready to go. This town favorite is set for Friday, June 9 from 4 PM to 8 PM. The rain date is Saturday, June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 pm. It will be held in downtown Franklin.

Start the summer at this popular event. Take pleasure in delicious strawberry shortcakes, listen to lively music, and have fun with the activities for your kids. The Fire Department and Historical Museum will welcome visitors to see some interesting items. There will be 95 booths displaying the many treats downtown Franklin has to offer. Main Street will be closed for visitors to easily and safely walk.

Dean Bank’s staff will be serving the signature strawberry shortcakes under tents in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes and be completed with whipped cream. Proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales are allocated to the Downtown Partnership to help fund the event.

Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4 PM to 6 PM and Dom DeBaggis from 6 PM to 8 PM. 

The Franklin Fire Department will showcase its trucks and equipment on the front ramp, including an antique ladder truck. Sparky will be giving out plastic red helmets to children.

At the Historical Museum, Greenwich Bay Brass will play music on the front porch, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed.

“The Strawberry Stroll always has a ‘special vibe’ to it because it is one of the first events in town to kick off the summer season,” said Kevin Johnson, this year’s Stroll Chairman. “We ask everyone to come downtown and enjoy strawberry shortcake, live music, great food and drink choices from local restaurants and the many interesting vendors offering goods and services.”

Franklin Downtown Partnership, the organizer of this annual tradition, is grateful for the financial support from community businesses. This year’s stroll is made possible by the support of the following sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsor: Middlesex Savings Bank 
• Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Elizabeth’s Bagels, PhysicianOne Urgent Care  
• Silver Sponsors: DCU, Elizabeth Grady-Franklin, Fenton Financial Group 
• Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Camford Property Group, Inc., Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, The Enclave of Franklin

Many Activities and Booths set for June 9 Strawberry Stroll

Many Activities and Booths set for June 9 Strawberry Stroll

The 19th Annual Strawberry Stroll is ready to go. This town favorite is set for Friday, June 9 from 4 to 8 pm. The rain date is Saturday the 10th from 4 to 8 pm. It will be held in downtown Franklin. 

Start the summer at this popular event. Take pleasure in delicious strawberry shortcakes, listen to lively music, and have fun with the activities for your kids. The fire department and historical museum will welcome visitors to see some interesting items. There will be 95 booths displaying the many treats downtown Franklin has to offer. Main Street will be closed for visitors to easily and safely walk.

Dean Bank’s staff will be serving the signature strawberry shortcakes under tents in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes and be completed with whipped cream. Proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales are allocated to the Downtown Partnership to help fund the event.

Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Dom DeBaggis from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

The Franklin Fire Dept will showcase their trucks and equipment on the front ramp, including an antique ladder truck. Sparky will be giving out plastic red helmets to children.

At the Historical Museum, Greenwich Bay Brass will play music on the front porch, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed.

“The Strawberry Stroll always has a ‘special vibe’ to it because it is one of the first events in town to kick off the summer season,” said Kevin Johnson, this year’s Stroll Chairman. “We ask everyone to come downtown and enjoy strawberry shortcake, live music, great food and drink choices from local restaurants and the many interesting vendors offering goods and services.”

Franklin Downtown Partnership, the organizer of this annual tradition, is grateful for the financial support from community businesses. This year’s stroll is made possible by the support of the following sponsors.

• Platinum Sponsor:  Middlesex Savings Bank. 
• Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Elizabeth’s Bagels, PhysicianOne Urgent Care.  
• Silver Sponsors: DCU, Elizabeth Grady-Franklin, Fenton Financial Group 
• Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Camford Property Group, Inc., Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, The Enclave of Franklin.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents are welcome to join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Save the Date for June 9 Strawberry Stroll 

Franklin Cultural Festival - map of activity locations scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10, 2022

The Franklin Cultural Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10 from noon to 6 PM in and around the Town Common with the activities shown in the areas on the map shared here:

Franklin Cultural Festival - map of activity locations scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10, 2022

Other updates on the Cultural Festival

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/franklin-cultural-festival-scheduled.html

T-shirts for sale ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/get-your-pre-order-in-for-franklin.html

Living Statues -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/living-statues-to-make-appearance-at.html

Escape into Fiction to open an indoor market space on weekends beginning March 11

"We are announcing the Second Phase of Escape so to Fiction #bookstore is ready to start scheduling!! Escape Into Fiction Indoor Market

We will be scheduling 3 vender booths for weekend placement with the first day March 11. You can request 1, 2 or 3 days. Please go to our website www.escapeintofiction.com for all of the details and how to reach out.

We are very excited about this phase of the store!! It will bring new product and people into the #Franklin downtown, and best of all it’s inside!"

Shared from :https://www.facebook.com/100063476202969/posts/375139797945224/

indoor market space for 3 vendors

Main St sign for "Escape Into Fiction"

Escape Into Fiction announces lease agreement for Main St space

Escape Into Fiction (@EscapeIntoFictn) tweeted Tue, Dec 14, 2021:

We want to spread the word! With all of the support from #franklin and success of the #popupshop in #franklinma, We have secured a lease for our new permanent #bookstore!! 

More news to come as we close out the year!! 

#shoplocal #shopsmallbusiness #franklinmassachusetts #OnMainSt https://t.co/AWIHG4HsB0

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/EscapeIntoFictn/status/1470828305142235141

Escape Into Fiction announces lease agreement for Main St space

Franklin Downtown Partnership Prepares for Harvest Festival - October 2, 2021

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is making plans for its 18th annual Harvest Festival, a family-fun community event, scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021.

The Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin from noon to 5 PM on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. The event’s rain date is Sunday, October 3. 

During the event, visitors will be treated to exciting local entertainment, delicious fall flavors from local restaurants, fun kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and helpful information from community groups and vendors. There will also be an Oktoberfest featuring local breweries and wineries.

"We’re thrilled to be able to bring back the Harvest Festival this year after last year’s COVID-imposed break,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Harvest Festival chairperson. “The Harvest Festival is a great opportunity to invite people to gather downtown, learn more about local businesses and organizations, and catch up with their neighbors.”

Registration for vendor booth spaces will open on Aug 10, 2021, and organizers expect booth space to sell out. Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses must register to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. Please add a $35 late fee if you register after September 15. Registration will close on September 20. Email Chris Peterson, Harvest Festival vendor relations coordinator, at fdpevent@gmail.com with questions about the event.

The Partnership also welcomes businesses to help support the Harvest Festival. Sponsor forms are posted on the website, or business owners can contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com. Harvest Festival sponsors can promote and advertise their business while supporting the Harvest Festival. Sponsors get prominent booth locations and publicity prior, during and after the event.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Learn more about the Partnership at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. 

 

Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 2

Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk

"The Town of Norfolk will begin roadwork on Main Street (beginning at the Franklin town line), which will impact traffic for Franklin. This work is projected to begin Monday, August 10th. Please see the attached map for detour information."

Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1287827718621614081?s=09

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Strawberry Stroll - June 14, 2019

The Franklin Downtown Partnership’s annual Strawberry Stroll is scheduled in downtown Franklin on Friday, June 14 and is expected to be the largest Stroll in its 17-year history. Come to the family-fun event and enjoy live bands, sidewalk sales and activities from 4 PM to 8 PM Main Street and Dean Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic during the Strawberry Stroll. The rain date is Saturday, June 15.

Franklin Downtown Partnership:
Strawberry Stroll - June 14, 2019

“The Strawberry Stroll is our opportunity to invite people to come together downtown and have fun experiencing the local businesses throughout our community that are unique to this area,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and event chairperson. “The mix of activities, crafters and entertainment we have for this year’s festival will make this community event special for all ages, while showcasing what shopping and dining downtown offers.”

For the first time, the FDP is inviting residents to wear straw hats to the Stroll to honor Franklin’s straw hat manufacturing history!

For the second year in a row, Dean Bank has organized Dancing on Dean, a fun dance party featuring two local bands: Matt Zajac and The Northeast Groove.

Read all the details of the Strawberry Stroll here 
https://files.constantcontact.com/ceff47be401/1ca5267a-4ba9-42a6-a728-39b90f317aef.pdf

and view the performance schedule here
https://files.constantcontact.com/ceff47be401/214b2b97-14b6-4358-8f35-1395c2d71e85.pdf

On this date: Mar 8, 2013: Downtown Project finally getting to bid

Stepping back into the archives for March 8, 2013 we find that the Downtown Project is about to go to bid in the fall. Yes, hard to believe is has already re-routed traffic for a couple of years now. It took a while to prepare for and really didn't take that long to complete once it started.

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The Downtown Project is making some planning progress as reported in the Milford Daily News:

"Almost ten years in the making, the project aims to bring business back to the heart of town, in part through several cosmetic and safety improvements. 

Construction — slated to begin next fall after the project goes out to bid in August — will include: converting one-way traffic on Main Street and West Central Street to two-way; fixing roadways and sidewalks; upgrading lighting; and installing interconnected traffic signals and calming devices. 

With a total length of more than a mile, the work, the bulk of which should wrap up in the spring of 2014, will encompass a large swath of the downtown."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1433793532/Franklin-plans-for-downtown-improvement-project#ixzz2MwW3XNm8

Additional information on the project can be found on the Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/downtown-project.html

The post from March 8, 2013
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/how-construction-would-affect-businesses.html

updated lane markings were part of the Downtown Project finish work