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 *
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 7, 2021 - 5:45 PM
Sunday, January 17, 2021
FM #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)
FM #436 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 436 in the series.
This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #5 that was held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over two hour and thirteen minutes (~2:13) Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXzHpwwS
-----------
Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-business-listening-session-5-revised
Housing Summary (not yet available - view the photos captured for some of the pages)
My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/edc-listening-session-jan-13-2021-recap.html
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
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"
Saturday, January 16, 2021
EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts
- While this was the last of the 'listening sessions' the bulk of the meeting time was spent presenting an overview of housing in Franklin. The presentation was insightful and will be shared when made available.
- Housing is one of the the key issues Franklin faces. The discussion will include the data points of this presentation, the demographics from the School study, the Market Study done by MAPC (from which these 'listening sessions' were started), and the realities of the post-pandemic world ahead of us. Keeping civil discourse with multiple threads and trying times will be a challenge but the end goal is required. Franklin needs to determine what it's housing goals will be.
For the time being photos of the slides shared during the meeting are all that is available. The doc is not part of the meeting agenda, nor if it has since been posted to the Town page, I have not found it. Once I do, I will share. Photos can be found in one folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KwjXyPtwuadMHsCF8
The audio of the meeting will be shared soon.
----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0113&src=typeahead_click
- Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
- Chair Melanie Hamblen opens meeting, runs thru the protocol statement as normal. #edc0113 Frongillo new member to subcommittee (replacing Chandler). Jones and Bissanti complete the 4 Council membership. Jamie touts the grant process deadline Friday
- #edc0113 Economic Development legislation on Gov Baker's desk for approval. Bryan Taverner to review presentation on housing for Franklin.
- #edc0113 housing slides and population slides (can't share all, will find doc to share - eventually)
- More slides #edc0113
- Getting to discussion on the legislation, not yet signed by Gov Baker; zoning change would be simple majority for Franklin 5 not the current 6 votes required. #edc0113 tenants right to purchase would be interesting for/if Franklin if chosen
- After Council comments, question raised on how do you address the small business side and get better rents as many of them are too high. If the business can't afford, that would affect the residents affordability too. #edc0113
- Could use a 'maker' or incubator type space for start ups, does require land/building owner to be willing to participate. #edc0113 new growth not likely to happen if affordability is mandated to be part of it, takes away their profit. Could renovate existing space
- Residential complex downtown was all presold, to downsizers. Condo folks do want to walk to the restaurants downtown. Not much downtown now in pandemic. #edc0113 supply chain issues due to COVID, development in another Community shd be done now but due to supply issues
- Inclusionary zoning was introduced for cities like Boston to invent development of private residence/condos Franklin at this time and foreseeable is not a good fit for this, numbers also speak to no rush to do something as we should be good thru 2030 #edc0113
- Low income units are in shortage here and all other Communities around the state. Affordable housing is a higher market rate than low income, two separate needs, can't confuse them #edc0113 terms are important. Work force housing is another slice of affordability
- "the rent for an affordable apartment is not really affordable" #edc0113 need to keep terms separate in that 'affordable' is a state housing designation and not to be confused with what 'affordable' is when used an adjective that is relative to each individual circumstance
- Consensus is to get the housing plan done, there are many problems and that may require multiple solutions to address. Need to define the problems (or problems), agree on terms to be used, and then continue the discussion. #edc0113 motion to adjourn, via roll call 4-0
- That's all for tonight, been a long one. Time for a walk and fresh air. Catch you next time #edc0113
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EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts |
Monday, November 16, 2020
Business Listening Session - Nov 16 - 6:30 PM with focus on Retail, Personal Services & Fitness Industries
Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, November 16th at 6:30 PM. Our focus for the evening will be the Retail, Personal Services & Fitness Industries. We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times. We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.
Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses. We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-11-16_edc_listening_session_agenda_.pdf
Thank you
Anne Marie
Anne Marie Tracey
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Economic Development Committee: Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020
- The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why.
- There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’
- Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the offices’ of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were present early in the pre-meeting and actual meeting
- Owner/operators of Hampton Inn, 67 Degrees Brewing Co and Rhapsody Cafe were present to share their stories of struggle to survive
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #edcls1019
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edcls1019&src=typeahead_click
Other photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgVYYxKJC6ShomA8A
- Real time reporting underway for the EDC listening session #edcls1019 Hampton open and underutilized, struggling to make it
- #edcls1019 what can we do to help? #thinkFranklinFirst one thing. Wedding market none existing, sports market little to nothing, Dean closed so no help there... Travel is down, along with excess capacity, a problem...
- Running with 9 employee on desk and a couple of house keepers, limited grab and go, could use the outdoor pool during the summer, others with indoor pools were closed. #edcls1019 extended stay have done better than hotels in this time, due to facilities
- #edcls1019 discussion on hotel tax is a local option, would require legislation to defer. (domino effects to that) (a deviation to this "listening session" by attempting to resolve the issue at hand)
- Suggestion from Lisa/FDP, maybe the ultimate 'staycation' space and coordinate with local restaurants for take out, #edcls1019 FDP working with local papers to get creative for holidays, etc.
- Jack Lank of Chamber touts their Facebook page to 'Rally round the restaurants' https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634/ #edcls1019 also the chamber has a back to business page same concept wider business spread
- https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838/ the back to business link #edcls1019 "scare the dark out of the closet"
- Chamber does verify info before posting, did see 24K visitors to social media pages in last several weeks to get info #edcls1019 Taste of the region would have been 35th year
- 67 Degrees had just opened before the super bowl, expedited their growth plan to survive, canning had not been in the plan initially. #edcls1019 initially opened with chips/hummus was good, then shifting to real food becomes a challenge, i.e. food trucks restricted
- Now looking to see what the indoor capacity req would be; currently only have 39, if 25 req that's a challenge. #edcls1019 need servesafe certified, in combo with a caterer? Looking for clarification. Hotels here don't have their own kitchen, King St has been wonderful
- #edcls1019 Bissanti knows of caterers who would stay on site; caterer business is not booming right now. Motion on Town Council agenda to help with food trucks for winter time via the farm license. Local restaurants have been good help but aren't staffed for dual ops
- Food truck serves a different market maybe lunch crowd but different from a dinner at a restaurant. #edcls1019 servesafe certified is a MA requirement. Rhapsody owner present, kinda holding their own doing all they can to stay afloat
- Outside seating will go away with weather, surviving barely. Micro grant application for business with less than 5 employee, still accepting apps. Eligible up to 10K. A lot of work for an admin to do, extra effort, working round the clock #edcls1019 worth effort or waste of time
- Rep Roy these conversations are happening every day trying to figure ways to help #edcls1019 resources are available for help, if you have trouble navigating let me know. Will see what options are for deferral
- Partnership meeting Thursday Nov 5, don't have to be a partner to attend, working on holiday happening ideas, looking to advocate Franklin first. Lighting up Franklin, little money required to get lights on, for downtown and beyond, until March 1 #edcls1019
- Oops, I guess I never signed off formally last night. Hope you all realized that! The meeting was interesting starting 30 minutes, late and all.. catch you next time #edcls1019
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Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020 |
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19
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Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19 |
Saturday, October 3, 2020
FM #358 EDC Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20 (audio)
FM #358 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 358 in the series.
This shares the Franklin, MA Economic Development SubCommittee "Listening session" that was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The session was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
A quick recap:
- The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
- While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
- It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.
The meeting runs just about 88 minutes, so let’s listen to the EDC ‘listening session’ of Sep 30, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDx4fRhK
-----------
The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-30_edc_listening_session_1_agenda.pdf
Listening Session schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-development-subcommittee.html
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA
--------------
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"
Friday, October 2, 2020
Economic Development Subcommittee: Listening Session 1 - Recap of Sep 30, 2020 Session
Recap:
- The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
- While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
- It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.
----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #edcls0930
https://twitter.com/hashtag/edcls0930?src=hashtag_click
Photos (screen captures) shared via Twitter can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA
- Ready for EDC listening session #1 #edcls0930
- Meeting opened but they are running late due to tech difficulty #edcls0930 So we'll wait.
- While we have time to share the economic development page for Franklin https://franklinma.gov/economic-development #edcls0930
- And the Market Study which is one of the key inputs for the listening session soon to start https://franklinma.gov/economic-development/links/mapc-town-franklin-market-study #edcls0930
- And the MetroWest study is also for consideration https://franklinma.gov/economic-development/files/495metrowest-profile #edcls0930
- Tonight is primarily for downtown Franklin, Franklin Cultural District along with the Crossing section segments of the Franklin market place #edcls0930
- Tech resolution reached, meeting formally opening #edcls0930 (20 mins late)
- Approx 21 via Zoom, some Committee and town folks in the Council chambers #edcls0930 Live stream and Verizon/Comcast cable subscribers also have access to their local channels
- Tony Dasilva of the rail trail Committee notes an increase in traffic on the SNETT #edcls0930 Jamie adds about parking lot at Beaver and Grove, access to State forest, another lot coming to Spring St for access to the SNETT desire to be complete streets enabled
- Long term plan includes work on Kenwood Circle and eventually all along Grove #edcls0930 to bring trail all the way down to the Crossing is desired. CSX owns and uses the stretch so it will take time, time, time
- Friendly reminder if anyone needs the info to join #edcls0930
- Senator Rausch in the audience #edcls0930 Lisa Piana of Downtown Partnership has some info and will be surveying their businesses.
- #ThinkFranklinFirst campaign launches Oct 1 in town social media and newsletter #edcls0930 looking for help in sharing info. Work also underway on cultural district page to reflect current events, etc.
- Recognizing that Amazon is a competitor, is there a way to develop a local delivery service to combine resources among the businesses. Would it be worth it to avoid hitting the Amazon button. #edcls0930 a grubhub for local items (not just food)
- Suggestion on adding more lights downtown around the trees, will the sled be back? #edcls0930 Q on occupancy capacity for the next step per Gov Baker announcement yesterday. Outdoor back to 100, performance venue at half capacity doesn't cover Gillette yet
- Looking to open Library, Senior Center, and Municipal building for Nov 9... #edcls0930
- Drive through expanded hours coming to enable ballot drop off at Municipal building, stay tuned for more info coming. Visit town clerk page for updates. (will also share via https://Franklinmatters.org of course) #edcls0930
- Q on how many businesses are actually represented here? Trail folks, cultural folks, citizens, and there was out reach to business owners, etc. Personal invite to all 820 businesses by ToF office. #edcls0930
- Raul of MAPC encourages use of students at Dean as a resource for helping in marketing or creation of collateral #edcls0930
- How do we create a jingle on the #thinkFranklinFirst theme? #edcls0930 next one Oct 19, restaurants, hospitality, tourism target for that discussion but open to all
- That's all for tonight, catch you all next time. #edcls0930
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EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen |
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Economic Development Subcommittee: Business Listening & Networking Session #1 - Sep 30
Agenda:
![]() |
The Market Study |
Sunday, September 27, 2020
FM #354 Talk Franklin - 9/25/20 (audio)
FM #354 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 354 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
Temporary town clerk, election prep underway
Municipal aggregation, opt out of savings (waiting list for Nexamp)
Micro-enterprise grants – applications available
Business listening session Sep 30, first of series
ThinkBlue winners coming next week
Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.
Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/46e1958e-808b-4518-9ac5-6232e9fa129a
--------------
Town Clerk page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk
Municipal aggregation https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation
Micro-enterprise grants https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/micro_enterprise_grants_3.pdf
Business listening sessions https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.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/
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"
Saturday, September 26, 2020
FM #353 Rich Frongillo - Growing Businesses in Franklin - 9/17/20 (audio)
FM #353 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 353 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Rich Frongillo. Rich is the owner of Tinetrix, founder of the Franklin Soccer School, Inc., and most recently Downtown Sports. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Rich and I had a great winding conversation covering a bunch of topics including advice from his mother that he still lives by these days in the development and management of his technology services company, and that informed the founding of the Franklin Soccer School and the expansion of Downtown Sports.
As our conversation meandered, COVID-19 and life during the pandemic comes in frequently along the way; from dealing with uncertainty, to developing services to meet current requirements (like the Smart Hoops Program and the Monitored Virtual-Learning Program), and to the forthcoming Franklin business listening sessions.
The show notes contain links to the Rich’s businesses.
Our conversation runs just about 52 minutes, so let’s listen to Rich and I talk about business development and life here in Franklin, MA.
Audio file:https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hr1wcTgK
--------------
Rich’s LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-frongillo-4860a96/
Tinetrix, Inc. = https://www.tinetrix.com/
Franklin Soccer School, Inc. = https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/
Downtown Sports = https://www.downtownsports.net/
MVP = https://www.downtownsports.net/mvp
Smart Hoops = https://www.downtownsports.net/programs/smart-hoops
--------------
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 #353 Rich Frongillo - Growing Businesses in Franklin - 9/17/20 (audio) |
Friday, September 25, 2020
Listening Sessions start on Weds, Sep 30 - How can we help Franklin determine its future?
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"FITCHBURG MAYOR Stephen DiNatale’s office bears all the markings of the workspace of a small-city Massachusetts leader working hard to pull up his community, a place that has struggled for years following the exodus of industries that once made mill towns like this hum with economic vigor.
There are sketches of planned development projects, a big photograph showing downtown Fitchburg back in its pre-World War II heyday, and in one corner a group of shiny ceremonial shovels standing against the wall, mementos from recent groundbreaking celebrations that DiNatale is anxious to replicate. The affable 68-year-old former state representative is laser-focused on economic development, and in a hurry for it to happen. “I’m not a patient guy,” said DiNatale.It’s easy to see why. Median household income is $55,000 in Fitchburg, $22,000 below the statewide average. Meanwhile, the pandemic has hit the city hard, with its 15.5 percent unemployment rate in August the eighth highest in the state."
For reference here are links to the MAPC Town of Franklin Market Study
Friday, September 4, 2020
FM #341 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - 9/02/20 (audio)
FM #341 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 341 in the series.
This session shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The Chair, Melanie Hamblen, opens the meeting. New member Brian Chandler joins the group to replace Eamon McCarthy Earls who is leaving the Council to go to Law School.
Brief update on re-opening provided at beginning of meeting. Grant application being readied for distribution, possible next week.
Conversation shifts to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of advertising placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, also mention of a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.
Complete streets and the details around it are reviewed, some of the impact was seen with the work on the Main St and downtown project that was completed a couple of years ago. This would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).
The recording runs just about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the discussion from the meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee.
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZXrkRTK
The agenda for the meeting can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
The Market Study
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/edc-meeting-recap-franklin-first-qr.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"
Thursday, September 3, 2020
EDC Meeting Recap: "Franklin First", QR codes, and complete streets discussed
Shift to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.
Complete streets and the details around it reviewed, some of the impact seen with the rework on the Main St and downtown project completed a couple of years ago. Would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).
-----------
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click
- Shifting to real time reporting underway for EDC meeting which had just started at 5:45 PM #edc0902
- "Franklin First" campaign in the planning stages to help foster local buy, better linkage between cultural district and town page (as foreshadowed in Cultural District meeting) #edc0902
- Touting QR codes, do they realize (1) most devices don't read them (2) a major security issue is opened. #edc0902
- If you're not aware of QR codes, this link on Wikipedia can help explain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code #edc0902
- QR codes being proposed as an additional items to help with navigation and info finding #edc0902
- Website being touted as never done, actually seems to be referring to Cultural District page (Not Town page) which raises questions about what is the cultural district?
- Tapping into Metro West visitors bureau and other regional/state orgs to help with marketing in print, web, social, etc. #edc0902 an increase of biking seen in this pandemic period, work on 'complete streets' coordinate with traffic lights to get activated by bikes
- Policy proposal would need to be accepted by planning board and town Council #edc0902 complete streets would require all uses of the road would be considered, currently car is priority for road construction.
- The state is already complete streets planning, some of the road work we're doing is also complete streets (as in road narrowing) #edc0902 need to get credit for what they are doing. Framework and guidance doc, not a bylaw
- Meeting adjourned, getting ready for #3; Town Council up at 7 PM #edc0902. #tc0902
Monday, August 31, 2020
Franklin, MA: Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Sep 2 - 5:45 PM
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 2, 2020
5:45 PM
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street
Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.
1. COVID-19 Phase 3 Update
a. Microenterprise grant update
2. Market Analysis & Market Position Marketing Discussion & Work Plan