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, December 1, 2022
Reminder: AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3
Saturday, October 29, 2022
AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3
Saturday, July 17, 2021
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."
https://02038.com/2021/07/home-prices-skyrocket-in-2021/
Monday, May 31, 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 "
Thursday, May 20, 2021
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!"
Monday, May 3, 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 #buyfrankfreshShared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4181562898570329&id=533086900084632
Franklin Farmers Market set to open season June 4 |
Friday, October 2, 2020
Franklin weekend -> Oct 2 - 3 - 4, 2020
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Buy a Brick, join the Hall of Sponsors for the Fresh Start Market
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!
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!
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
Friday, September 25, 2020
Franklin's Weekend - Sep 25, 26, 27
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
FM #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/20 (audio)
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
--------------
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
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) |
Monday, August 3, 2020
FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20 (audio)
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
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) |
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - July 30, 2020
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 |
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020
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 |
Monday, July 20, 2020
Town of Franklin: Market Study
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 |
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020
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/86025870247
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 860 2587 0247 --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 22, 2020 |
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Franklin Farmers Market re-opens for the season on Friday, June 5
"The market is on schedule for opening day this Friday, June 5th!
While the farmers' market has been a great social gathering space for many years, we have to adjust to the current world climate and make it a shopping only experience for 2020.
Due to that, there are going to some changes. Please review the new shopper guidelines so that you can be prepared for shopping local this season.
When you arrive at the market on Friday, proceed to the market entrance and please be patient as we adjust to our new setup. We all look forward to bringing you the best foods and goods from our local farms and producers."
Some of the vendors will require pre-order, check out to confirm the vendor requirements to not be disappointed on Friday https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFarmersMarketMA/
Franklin Farmers Market re-opens for the season on Friday, June 5 |