Master Plan Subcommittee: Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - May 14 (virtual meeting)

Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

Master Plan Subcommittee

May 14, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held virtually

Agenda

1. Role Call

2. Discussion and edits of Open Space and Recreation & Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources Goals and Objectives in light of additional public input

Agenda doc with virtual participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_may_14th_2024.pdf

Master Plan Subcommittee: Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - May 14 (virtual meeting)

What's happening May 8 in Franklin, MA?

Wednesday, May 8
1:00pm Senior Scribblers (recording session at Franklin TV)
5:30pm My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop (Franklin Public Library)
7:00pm Pops Night (FHS Auditorium)

Town of Franklin Meetings

6:30pm Master Plan Update Cmte - Meeting 3rd floor trng room)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-may_8_2024.pdf

7:00pm Finance Cmte: Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety, Public Works (Council Chambers)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-08_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Master Plan Subcommittee and Committee meetings on the schedule for this week May 7 & May 8

On the one hand, having been there once upon a time, I understand how folks can miss, or not pay attention, to what's happening around the Town with regards to the key and critical discussions on our future. (The schools redistricting proposal or override being just 2 current topics.)

On the other hand, there are opportunities to at least be aware of what's underway so it is not a "surprise" when the output, after being crafted through multiple meetings, finally rears it's head and catches your attention.

I know. I was in your shows once upon a time. 

So for the sake of all of the residents and taxpayers, please be aware our future is in the hands of the "Master Plan Update Committee." "Our future" in that the goodness of the inputs they have facilitated will result in the action items that the Planning Board and Town Council will approve later this year (Septemberish) and then result in action items for the applicable Town departments, committees, boards, etc. to start to take action on over the next several years. 

At least until about 10 years down the road when the whole review and update process starts all over again.

• Master Plan: Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 5:15pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/housing_economic_development_subcommittee_-_05072024.pdf

• Master Plan Committee

Event Date:  Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-may_8_2024.pdf

Master Plan Subcommittee and Committee meetings on the schedule for this week May 7 & May 8

Sustainability Subcommittee schedules discussion with Conservation & Storm Water - April 30 - 5:30 PM

Master Plan Update Committee

Sustainability Subcommittee

Date:  Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 5:30pm

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-4-30.pdf

Sustainability Subcommittee schedules discussion with Conservation & Storm Water - April 30 - 5:30 PM

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings this week - Open Space, Mon & Land Use, Tues

• Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources (OSRP) Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, April 22, 2024 - 5:30pm 

Notified today, the meeting is canceled

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_april_22nd_2024_1.pdf

• Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_4.23.24.pdf

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings this week - Open Space, Mon & Land Use, Tues

Master Plan Update Committee - video replay available for 4/17/24 session

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room.

The Franklin TV video replay is available for this session ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFC0QbZaX6I

The published agenda for this session can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-april_17_2024.pdf 

Master Plan Update Committee - video replay available for 4/17/24 session

Master Plan Update Committee & Sustainability Subcmte Meetings Apr 16 & Apr 17

• Sustainability Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-4-16.pdf

• Master Plan Update Committee

Event Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-april_17_2024.pdf

Master Plan Update Committee & Sustainability Subcmte Meetings Apr 16 & Apr 17

Master Plan Update Cmte: Sustainability Subcommittee Agenda for April 16, 2024

• Sustainability Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-4-16.pdf

Master Plan Update Cmte: Sustainability Subcommittee Agenda for April 16, 2024

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings scheduled for April 1 & April 2

Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Monday, April 1, 2024 - 5:15 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-4-1.pdf

Land Use Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2024-04-02.pdf

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings scheduled for April 1 & April 2

School Committee gets an update on the Comprehensive School Facilities Planning underway in Special Meeting Tuesday (audio)

FM #1163 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1163 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin MA School Committee Special Meeting conducted March 26 to provide committee members and the community with an update on the Comprehensive School Facilities Planning underway. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. All seven of the School Committee members were present.

Quick recap:

• Supt Giguere set up for Dr Fran Locker to provide her insights and findings as part of the workshops, she has facilitated

• Capturing the slides with photos (as they were shared), the presentation copy should be posted to the School page in the next day or so. When I find it, I’ll add the link here

The meeting runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Let’s listen to the School Committee Special Meeting held on March 26, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1163-franklin-ma-special-school-committee-mtg-03-26-24

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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_3_26_24.pdf 

Supt Giguere overview -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/csfc_march_2024_update.pdf 

Photo album of the meeting & those slides Dr Locker shared -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/GasFSL4EuKTwduid9 

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ahFGCJkEf71dEhqzWJgV6e01tP1Hx70z/view?usp=drive_link 

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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"

Dr Fran Locker presenting to the School Committee

Comprehensive School Facilities Assessment - Status Update March 26, 2024

Throughout the 2023-24 school year, we have been working towards developing a master plan through the Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Subcommittee. Our goal is to provide a short-term and long-term vision that utilizes our assets strategically and fiscally responsibly. 

We are in the process of conducting that plan through the comprehensive assessment of school facilities. This is a follow-up to last year‘s redistricting assessment.  It was voted not to redistrict then and recommended that we broaden our scope and look at the district as a whole. 

Since then, we have updated our student enrollment forecast using the 2020 census data with post-pandemic figures using McKibbon and associates who conducted the last forecast.  We have also used the KBA Facilities Assessment Report 2020 as a foundation upon which to develop further.  This report outlined several options for Franklin's future. Some of these options were deemed not viable at the time due to the need for a long-term master plan.  KBA Architect Kate Jessup conducted an educational adequacy assessment of our buildings to determine the suitability of each school and the spaces within it. For example, more information was needed to account for specialized programming within the district. 

Dr. Fran Locker and Associates have been overseeing all aspects of this work with the goal of delivering a master plan with recommendations to the School Committee this Spring, 2024.  They most recently facilitated Portrait of a Graduate Application and Educational Visioning workshops in March with representative stakeholder groups.  

On March 26th, Dr. Locker will provide an update to the entire School Committee on the process. We will then host stakeholder forums in early April, which will serve as a mechanism to gather additional input from various stakeholder groups.  Forums are scheduled to take place in April 2024.

This spring, Locker and Associates will develop a final report that will include organizational options to best educate all students and present recommendations to the School Committee. 

Once again, our goal is to provide a short-term and long-term vision for the Franklin Public Schools by utilizing our assets strategically and fiscally responsibly.  While facilities assessment and budget are intertwined, it’s important to emphasize that school reorganization or closure alone will not address the district's funding deficit. However, they could play an integral role in developing a more sustainable budget.  

We are committed to this process, which will help us plan for the future and explore all options. 

We will continue to share information as we move forward, including posting all presentations and reports here.

Find the presentations and reports online ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment

Comprehensive School Facilities Assessment - Status Update March 26, 2024

Master Plan Meetings lead this week to the Open House on Saturday, March 23 - 11 AM to 3 PM

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee

Event Date:  Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 5:15 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_march_20th_2024.pdf

Master Plan Committee

Event Date:  Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-march_20_2024.pdf

Master Plan Open House

Event Date:  Saturday, March 23, 2024 - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-march_23_2024.pdf

Open House on Saturday, March 23 - 11 AM to 3 PM

Listen to Glenn Jones talk about the work of the Master Plan Update committee and the importance of the Open House on Saturday ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/glenn-jones-talks-about-what-master.html

Master Plan Subcommittees: Land Use & Zoning OR Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

You have a choice of two Master Plan subcommittee meetings to view or attend on Monday, March 18, 2024.

• Master Plan-Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2024-03-18.pdf

• Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources (OSRP) Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_march_18th_2024.pdf

And don't forget about the Master Plan Open House at Dean College on Saturday, March 23  https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/pages/events

Master Plan Subcommittees: Land Use & Zoning OR Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources 

Franklin Residents are cordially invited to the Master Plan Open House - March 23

Dear Franklin Resident,

The Town of Franklin - Master Plan Update Committee cordially invites you to

participate to a momentous event – the Master Plan Open House!

We are thrilled to extend this invitation to you, as your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of our community.

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM

Location: Dean College, Alumni Memorial Hall, enter 60 School St.

At this gathering, we will work to refine the blueprint for our community's future

development and seek your input, ideas, and feedback. This is a unique opportunity for you to engage directly with the officials, planners, and stakeholders involved in crafting this visionary plan.

During the Open House, you can expect:

• Interactive Presentations: Engage with dynamic presentations and visual aids that showcase the proposed master plan in detail. Our experts will be on hand to answer any questions and provide clarifications.

• Feedback Stations: Share your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions at designated feedback stations. Your input will play a crucial role in refining the master plan to better reflect the aspirations of our community.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow community members, local leaders, and professionals who share a passion for shaping our collective future. 

• Exchange ideas: forge new partnerships, and foster collaborations that will drive positive change.

• Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary light refreshments, generously donated by Dean College, as you explore the master plan and engage in meaningful conversations with Master Plan Committee members and other attendees.

We genuinely believe that by working together, we can create a master plan that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our community while ensuring sustainable growth and development for generations to come.

Thank you for your commitment to our community's prosperity and well-being. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our Master Plan Open House!

Respectfully,

Councilor Glenn F. Jones

Town Council - Clerk of Council

Chairman Master Plan Update Committee

gjones@franklinma.gov

Franklin Residents are cordially invited to the Master Plan Open House - March 23

Shared from ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vfAcPzQfTNsBh789Evx0ADA6Y1evo3xS/view?usp=drive_link

Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)

FM #1155 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1155 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. Glenn is currently Chair for the Master Plan Update Committee. They have been working diligently for the past year to revise and update the “Master Plan” for Franklin. 

The Committee is preparing for the Open House event, March 23. To be held at Dean College, 60 School St from 11 AM to 3 PM. Refreshments will be provided by Dean College.

We talk through the Master Planning process and what remains ahead of them.

The audio recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and come to hear more on March 23 at Dean College. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1155-master-plan-update-with-glenn-jones-03-05-24

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Master Plan Update Committee page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Inventory Report (Updated) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_inventory_assessment-rev_03-07-2024_ia_with_maps.pdf 

Event info for March 23 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-master-plan-open-house-march-23-2024 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)

Town of Franklin Master Plan Open House - March 23, 2024

Save the date!

Saturday March 23rd, from 11Am to 3PM, join us at Dean College for the Town of Franklin Master Plan Open House!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-master-plan-open-house-march-23-2024

Town of Franklin Master Plan Open House - March 23, 2024