Conversation with Ted Cormier-Leger on the current Franklin topics (audio)

FM #1201 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1201 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. 

Ted Cormier-Leger

 

We talk about 

• The schools’ redistricting proposal

• Davis Thayer and ‘Expression of Interest’ proposals due at end of May

• Social media not the proper place for accurate info or civil discourse

• Unfortunate timing of multiple events coming together

• Budget & the override scheduled for June 11

• Affordable housing and the real estate market

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1201-ted-cormier-leger-05-08-24

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Contact info for Ted Cormier-Leger -> tcormierleger@franklinma.gov 

Town Council page => https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council 

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Reminder: AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3

Join us for our first annual holiday market featuring 16 local small businesses and their amazing offerings!

This market will take place on the top* floor of 205 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA throughout our Community Event Space, Boutique & Clinic Space!

There will be 12 local vendors and 4 fun activities including Henna, Tarot Readings, Astrology Readings and Chair Massage so make sure to arrive early to secure a spot if you wish to partake in an activity!

Note: *Unfortunately, there is no elevator in the building.

AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3

AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3

Shop for unique hand crafted gifts for your loved ones at our first annual holiday market featuring local creatives and small business owners and their amazing creations! 

Where: Top floor of 205 E Central St

AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3

02038.com: "Home Prices Skyrocket In 2021"

"The median sale price of homes in Franklin, MA rose an extraordinary 27% in the first half of 2021, compared to 2020’s first-half median. That’s over a $120K increase in just one year!

At $585,000, the median sale price of single-family homes in Franklin, Massachusetts currently stands 19% above its prior all-time high of $489,900, set back in 2018.

It was a similar story for the overall real estate in Massachusetts: the median home sale price in the Bay State jumped 21% in the first half of the year."

Continue reading the update from Warren Reynolds
https://02038.com/2021/07/home-prices-skyrocket-in-2021/ 

02038.com: "Home Prices Skyrocket In 2021"

Farmers Market opening day -> June 4 from 2 to 6 PM

"We are excited to announce a partnership with Franklin Cultural Council this year. They will be sponsoring entertainment throughout the season.  

Join us in welcoming The Soul Estate Band on opening day! Come down and enjoy the afternoon.  

@franklinculture @thesoulestateband "

 

For more about the Soul Estate Band -> https://www.thesoulestate.com/

Find the vendor line up for 2021 -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

 

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4260210407372244/

 

Farmers Market opening day -> June 4 from 2 to 6 PM

 

Mark your calendar for Farmers Market opening day = June 4, 2021

"We're so excited to partner with the FARMERS' MARKET for opening day! Mark your calendar to come support local farmers AND hear some fantastic live music on JUNE 4th!

See you there!"

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/399575860396247/posts/1431149310572225/

The market will operate on the Town Common as usual with a slight change in hours - now 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Farmers Market page with schedule of events -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/events

 

Mark your calendar for Farmers Market opening day = June 4, 2021

 

Franklin Farmers Market set to open season June 4

We are excited to be kicking off the 2021 season in 1 month. The first Market will be on June 4, new hours this year are 2-6 PM. We have a lot of exciting vendors and events to offer. We will be posting vendor highlights on social media over the next month. Be sure to follow us daily using our new hashtag  #buyfrankfresh

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4181562898570329&id=533086900084632

Franklin Farmers Market set to open season June 4

Franklin weekend -> Oct 2 - 3 - 4, 2020

Farmers Market

Friday, Oct 2  - noon to 6:00 PM

Franklin Town Common 

Boy Scout Troop 126 bottle can drive

Sat, Oct 3 at the Franklin Elks (repeats on Sat, Oct 10)

or schedule a pick up by 5 PM on Friday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/bottlecan-drive-to-benefit-scouts-bsa.html

THE BLACK BOX presents T.3

Two virtual performances on Sat, Oct 3  6:30 PM or 8:15 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/the-black-box-presents-t3-virtual.html

Franklin weekend ->  Oct 2 - 3 - 4, 2020

Buy a Brick, join the Hall of Sponsors for the Fresh Start Market

Fresh Start Market is opening our doors to the community to be a part of our store's history. We have created a special place inside our market for a micro fundraiser where interested sponsors can "Buy a Brick" that will adorn our wall for our "Hall of Sponsors". 

As start up businesses go, we are not typically able to obtain business loans and we do no qualify for any Covid-19 programs. We have supported our store completely out of pocket and would love to include ways that our customers and community can help! We've already seen a huge outpouring of support in getting bags for our floor, let's see what we can all do with our walls! 

 

The way it works :
We have a great wall in our hallway between the 2 main parts of the store. We're putting up brick panels and we're selling each "brick" to interested sponsors (you!). Each brick can say anything you'd like (family friendly, of course) up to 35 characters. We encourage family names. 

Each brick is $25 and can be made payable to Fresh Start Market safely and securely through Venmo using our email address Freshstartmkt@gmail.com. Please include what you'd like your brick to say in the payment notes. Payments without notes will be contacted to inquire about what to scribe. 

You can also drop off a check at our store made payable to Fresh Start Market, Inc. PayPal is also an option, please contact us for more details. And cash is always welcome.

We are adding 2 more options! $50 for a silver purchase and $100 for gold! Lettering will be done in correspondence with donation. Great for local businesses to get involved!

We're grateful to everyone who is able to help! If you have any questions regarding this fundraiser, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to being open and welcoming our community! 

 

Thank you for your support! 

Buy a Brick, join the Hall of Sponsors for the Fresh Start Market

Disclosure: After following the development of Fresh Start Market over the past couple of years, they found the Market Study that the Town of Franklin did with MAPC and we shared here, as a critical piece of their planning. Very happy to put a brick on the wall to help them!

Market Study   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf

Franklin's Weekend - Sep 25, 26, 27

Farmers Market

Friday, Sep 25  - noon to 6:00 PM

 

THE BLACK BOX Sings... WICKED

September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30; September 27 at 2:00 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/the-black-box-sings-wicked-sep-26-27.html

 

St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk

Saturday Sept. 26, 2020  -registration required

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/st-vincent-de-paul-announces-friends-of.html

Franklin's Weekend - Sep 25, 26, 27

 

FM #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/20 (audio)

FM #322 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 322 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting at 6:01 PM. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides a brief update on Reopening Phase 3. Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development provides a recap of presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner presented the study the day before at the Town Council meeting.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 90 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting of July 30.

Audio file: https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-7-30-20

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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.html

Audio segment from the Town Council meeting on MAPC Market Study
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study.html

My notes from the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/economic-development-subcommittee-recap.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/
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"

FM #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/30 (audio)

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 319 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. After running through several appointments, the agenda gets to the item for the presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner leads the presentation after an introduction by Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the Market Study.

Audio file:  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study-7-29-20

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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.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/
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"

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20  (audio)

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - July 30, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

July 30, 2020

6:00 PM

Remote Meeting - Held on “Zoom” Platform

Agenda:
1. Reopening Phase 3 Discussion
2. Market Analysis & Market Position Presentation Discussion



You can find the agenda and Market Analysis on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-30-2020_edc_meeting_agenda.pdf

or the Google doc displayed here (same contents

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - July 30, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87066659039
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 870 6665 9039--Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• a. May 6, 2020
• b. May 20, 2020
• c. June 3, 2020
• d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments

• i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
• ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
• iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
• iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

• COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

Town of Franklin: Market Study

The Market Study is on the listing of Presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on July 22, 2020. Link to the full agenda can be found below. 

From the MAPC Market Analysis 
for the Town of Franklin:

"The Town of Franklin, its community partners, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, through research, outreach, and analysis, have worked to create the following Market Study. Within this study, the input of residents, businesses, and students and staff from Dean College were incorporated. The three focus areas of the study were Downtown Franklin, the Mixed Business Innovation District, and the Crossing, as well as the Franklin Cultural District. 

Research included demographic, housing, transportation, and business data, with consumer spending habits, and market potential, and expenditures incorporated within the study. Additionally, the Town of Franklin Market Study held multiple community engagement sessions, with a town-wide open house, a Business Roundtable, a Dean College Roundtable consisting of students and staff, and a town-wide survey, in addition to the Cultural District Roundtable already mentioned. Furthermore, a town Economic Development Survey was provided, with over 700 responses. 

Through research, interviews, and public outreach, a list of eleven recommendations were created in ranked order. These recommendations build upon the strengths of Franklin’s history, its arts and culture community, its active boards and committees, its inspiring college, and its distinctive neighborhood businesses. A full breakdown these recommendations can be found at the end of the study.

...
Based on results from the market study, along with input from the community (through the Open House, Business Roundtable, Arts & Culture Roundtable, Dean College Roundtable and Economic Development Survey), a set of recommended goals, strategies and actions were developed. Recommended goals, strategies and actions focus on marketing Franklin’s existing and potential future amenities to attract more business activity; concentrating development in the existing economic corridors of Franklin Center, The Crossing, and the Mixed Business Innovation District; and growing industry sectors identified in the market study as holding the potential for growth."

Read the full report on the Town of Franklin page or the copy below
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting July 22, 2020
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Town of Franklin: Market Study