Master Plan - required summer reading

The public hearing on the Master Plan drew about a dozen people to the Franklin Library on Saturday. The presentation document used for the Town Council meeting on Jul 17th was the same document shared on Saturday. It provided a thorough overview of the process to develop the plan and goals/objectives of each section.

It will be important to read the document carefully. This is what will guide all the development efforts for Franklin. It should be referenced as each new proposal comes before a board/committee for consideration. Does it fit within the plan? Does it further the progress of the plan?

The SNETT trail development?
Yes - this covers recreation, sustainability, transportation (circulation), and health aspects of the plan.

The sculpture park being put together at the former town pool location?
Yes - it covers art, outdoor recreation, sustainability and maybe some others I haven't considered.

The proposal for Cook's Farm?

Maybe, it doesn't really fit the definition of the "in fill development" as explained during the meeting. 

The plan is not a budget document. It is a guideline on how we should grown to continue to be a wonderful community. Knowing what the document says about how we should prepare for the future will be as important as understanding the background, interests and agendas for any of the candidates for our municipal election this November. Those who will sit and act on behalf of our best interests will be using this document to guide their actions. We should know the details.

A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc 
at the Franklin Public Library or 
at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Public input will be utilized to formulate the final document. Comments received will be reviewed by the Master Plan Committee and incorporated into a final Master Plan document to be endorsed by the Planning Board and Town Council at meetings during the week of September 16, 2013.

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page at:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.


My notes from the Public Hearing can be found here:

• live reporting - Public Hearing - Master Plan (con...
• Live reporting: Public Hearing - Master Plan 2013
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In the News: Master Plan, St Rocco

Housing component of Franklin master plan criticized

Broad goals for the future of housing and development in town laid out in the draft master plan drew criticism Saturday at a public hearing on the document.

Familiar faces set up Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin

Peter Brunelli says it takes more than one person to plan each new day of the 35th annual Feast of St. Rocco, a popular celebration of Franklin’s Italian-American community.

live reporting - Public Hearing - Master Plan (continued)

Committee Chair Jeff Roy providing an overview with use of a PowerPoint presentation similar to that used for the Town Council meeting Jul 17, 2013

Document link here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-master-plan-committee.html

Chris Vericker steps in to lend a hand with the section on Housing. Chris had led the work effort by that subcommittee.

Jeff Roy resumes the presentation on Natural, Cultural and Historic resources
looking to get a performance venue in the downtown area to help draw people and provide some business opportunities

the Master Plan leveraged work by the 2008 Open Space and Recreation plan, incorporating those recommendations and adding to it

leverages the School Dept Strategic Plan within this plan. This plan is updated every 5 years.

Comments open until Aug 16th. Those submitted will be reviewed and incorporated as necessary before the Sep 18th meeting with the Town Council. The document should really be an open around a living document
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/this-is-going-to-be-living-document.html

I stepped up as first commenter thank the committee for their work, this was a great effort by a bunch of volunteers. I raised the use of "in fill development" what does it mean?

Beth Dahlstrom - the term is meant to refer to developing within and on existing developments rather than developing open space.

Second term for definition is "workforce housing"

Jeff Roy - answered that the term was meant to cover broad usage around affordable housing.

This lead to my recommendation to add a glossary and improve the overall accessibility of the document. You can link within the doc from the term to the glossary.

Councilor Judy Pfeffer also commented on the use of "workforce development" looking for clarification on the term. She also objected to the recommendation of "increased funding for the Schools". As a Town Councilor, their challenge is to provide equitable all Town departments and the plan should pick one over the others.

Dennis Grillo - As a developer, the key issues should be making it affordable to business in town. I am not against any of it. I am not really sold on green energy. green energy supplies about 2 % of our tax dollars on failed projects.

Chris Vericker - This is not a spending plan, this is a guideline for the Town to use in planning.

Jeff Roy - that is what this plan is all about. If we are going to grow, we have to grow smartly. They should be considering these details. one of the struggles for a community like Franklin in achieving green status, we are already doing so much in this space that we can't easily achieve this status.

Dennis Grillo - What green costs to produce and what the return is, think about the return on the dollar. Money is easy to spend. It has to make sense.

no other comments or questions so the meeting is officially closing

Live reporting: Public Hearing - Master Plan 2013

from the Franklin Public Library

presenters: Jeff Roy

Over view with presentation similar to that provided to the Town Council on July 17th

Franklin, MA: Master Plan draft for review

"this is going to be a living document"

The public hearing on the Master Plan will be held today at 10:00 AM in the meeting room at the Franklin Public Library.

"It’s the most important part of the process," state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, committee chairman, said Friday. "We’ve gotten public input along the way in bits and pieces … but I don’t think anyone has seen the project we’ve put together in one document. People may look at some of the ideas a little differently in the context of the bigger picture." 

The 172-page master plan includes overarching goals, which are presented with specific actions for how to achieve them. 

Roy said he has already fielded calls about certain sections of the document. 

"The initial reactions I’ve seen are on the housing component," he said. "Folks think there is too much emphasis and focus on workforce housing. I’m getting the sense that people think we have enough of that inventory in Franklin."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369946656/Hearing-this-morning-on-Franklin-master-plan#ixzz2bYtT3p41

Related posts on the 2013 Master Pin include links to the full plan document

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

Reporting from the initial presentation to the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/the-master-plan-is-here-master-plan-is.html

2013 Master Plan: Broad, overreaching goals

In preparation for the Public Hearing on the 2013 Master Plan to be held Saturday, 10:00 AM at the Franklin Public Library, I am sharing this key section. "This section of the Master Plan contains the broadest, most overreaching goals of the Master Plan, and is intended to provide a basic direction for each section."

Land-Use

The following policy statement and general goals were developed by the Land Use and Economic Development subcommittee. The focus of these goals is to establish the Town as a center for development while deterring unnecessary growth.

Policy Statement: Adopt long-term sustainability, and start-growth principles to attain fuller, more efficient development, protecting natural resources and the New England, small town character of Franklin.

General Goals:

• Designate areas for workforce housing in order to retain existing businesses and attract new industries;
• Minimize the occurrence of new development by focusing on Brownfield re-development; and
• Protect the health of our citizens and help sustain our businesses by preserving natural
• lands and the resources they provide.

Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources

This element’s policy statement and general goals were drafted by the Open Space and Recreation and the Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources subcommittee. The focus of these goals is to protect and support Franklin’s history, character, and creative and cultural resources.

Policy Statement: Preserve Franklin’s New England, small town character through controlled growth, preserving scenic vistas, supporting local arts and culture, and protecting historic architecture.

General Goals:

• Protect and preserve the integrity of natural resources in town;
• Provide resources for the arts, and support cultural initiatives in town to foster education and creativity;
• Maintain the Town’s historic appeal by identifying and protecting trademark land and historic characteristics.

Open Space and Recreation

The Open Space and Recreation and Natural, Cultural and Historic subcommittee developed this policy statement and general goals, which acknowledge the importance of open space and recreational resources for the physical and emotional health of Franklin’s residents. The policy statement and general goals aim to: increase open space and recreational availability and accessibility; maintain existing facilities and spaces for these resources; and make knowledge of these resources more abundantly available in Franklin.

Policy Statement: Open space and recreational resources are a key contributor to the quality of life in Franklin and an important aspect of the community’s appeal. Open lands help protect the Town’s water supply, manage flood waters, provide wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for passive and active outdoor recreation within the Town.

General Goals:

• Document the Town’s open space and recreational resources, and improve public awareness of these resources through increased education, signage, publicity, and events;
• Preserve existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin;
• Provide opportunities for passive and active recreation to meet the community’s evolving needs;
• Implement sustainable practices in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Franklin’s public parks and playgrounds; and
• Investigate grant programs and other revenue sources available to provide funding for the goals and objectives of this chapter.

Circulation

The Circulation and Housing subcommittee championed this section’s policy statement and general goals. This subcommittee made sure all of the Town’s priorities in transportation were up-to-date and comprehensively covered. The subcommittee and DPW were also heavily involved in the development of the specific Circulation goals, objectives and actions, for moving forward.

Policy Statement: Assure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated transportation options.

General Goals:

• Provide the necessary infrastructure to keep Franklin’s citizens and businesses moving and growing in town;
• Support green, sustainable transportation initiatives by accommodating pedestrians and cyclists throughout town;
• Reduce the dependence on single passenger vehicles by improving public transportation and ridesharing options; and
• Improve access and circulation in the Downtown.

Housing

The Circulation and Housing subcommittee created this section’s policy statement and general goals, ensuring the equal treatment of all of Franklin’s residents, while protecting natural resources and welcoming new industry for continued growth and development within Franklin.

Policy Statement: Support in-fill housing practices and provide for all affordability options, giving Franklin’s residents the opportunity to maintain a decent standard of living.

General Goals:

• Provide sufficient affordable housing;
• Encourage clustered and mixed-use housing to minimize land-clearing as well as conserve open and natural lands;
• Encourage the development of small scale housing units in and around the Downtown; and
• Welcome new industrial development by designating areas for workforce housing.

Economic Development

The Economic Development policy statement and general goals were developed by the Land Use and Economic Development subcommittee, and address the long-term financial strength and growth for the Town of Franklin. These general goals, along with the specific Goals, Objectives, and Actions outlined in the Implementation Element, are tailored to be in-line with the State’s Economic Development Plan which addresses five initiatives: advancing education and workforce development for middle-skill jobs through coordination of education; economic development and workforce development programs; supporting innovation and entrepreneurship; supporting regional development through infrastructure investments and local empowerment; increasing the ease of doing business; and addressing cost competitiveness.

Policy Statement: Adopt strategies for business and workforce retention and attraction to diversify Franklin’s economic foundation, and increase its property tax yields.

General Goals:

• Actively pursue the improvement of infrastructure to attract large industry, small businesses, and skilled workers;
• Further incentivize the biotechnology, medical device, and research industries to come to Franklin; and
• Advocate for the small business community, especially within and around the Downtown area.

Community Services and Facilities

The Community Services and Facilities subcommittee, with the assistance of Town Department Heads and other staff members, developed this section’s policy statement and general goals. The main priorities influencing this section were to serve Franklin’s residents and make sure any new services were developed sustainably.

Policy Statement: Provide adequate and appropriate facilities and infrastructure necessary to accommodate current and future community needs by maximizing use of existing resources and adding new assets in an economically prudent manner.

General Goals:

• Continue to provide quality police, fire, and emergency medical services to keep Franklin’s residents safe;
• Invest in Franklin’s future by increasing funding for its schools;
• Increase the capacity of the Town’s water and sewer supply as needed to accommodate new industrial development and strengthen Franklin’s economic and social infrastructure; and
• Support the safe and timely movement of people and goods throughout town.

The public input period is open until August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc, at Franklin Public Library or at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Public hearing: Draft 2013 Master Plan

Franklin’s Master Plan Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public input on the DRAFT 2013 Town of Franklin Master Plan. The hearing is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the conference room at Franklin Public Library. The Master Plan Committee developed documents, reviewed research and data, and obtained public input to outline and compose a Master Plan for the community. The draft report includes an Existing Conditions Report, Goals and Objectives and an Implementation Plan.

Early in the Master Plan rewrite process, the Master Plan Committee worked to develop general goals and a vision for the Town. The Town's current Mission Statement helped lead the Committee to the development of a new Mission Statement for the Master Plan Committee with a goal of adopting the Mission for Franklin as a community:

“Franklin is a community committed to high quality education and the superb delivery of public services. We strive to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non-profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center. We are committed to cultivating accessible open space, a sense of neighborhood, and a desire to preserve the character of our New England town. We support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated transportation options. We are a community dedicated to effective planning, responsible land use, balanced growth, responsive government, racial, religious and economic diversity, and care and concern for its citizens and the environment. We value our arts, cultural and natural resources, heritage, and history, in order to foster a well-balanced community.”

The public hearing will give residents the opportunity to comment on the draft document. The Draft Plan was formulated as a result of public input received from public hearings held in May of 2012, review of the 1997 Master Plan, input from Town Officials, various Departments and Master Plan Committee members.

The public input period is open until August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc, at Franklin Public Library or at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Public input will be utilized to formulate the final document. Comments received will be reviewed by the Master Plan Committee and incorporated into a final Master Plan document to be endorsed by the Planning Board and Town Council at meetings during the week of September 16, 2013.

The Master Plan Committee members are Jeffrey Roy, Chairman, Matt Kelly, Vice Chairman, Andy Bissanti, Secretary, Christi Apicella, Nathan Carlucci, John Carroll, David F. Dobrzynski, Jay Duncan, James Esterbrook , Gene Grella, Jeff Livingstone, Greg Rondeau, Timothy C. Twardowski, and Chris Vericker.

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page at:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.

Residents can offer input online at either site.

In addition, written comments can be submitted to the following address:

Franklin Master Plan Committee at Planning and Community Development,
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Master Plan: Zoning

The draft Master Plan 2013 for Franklin is chock full of great information. Zoning plans an important role in how Franklin operates and grows. Look around town, there are commercial zones and residential areas. These are all by design. The design can be changed via the zoning process and the overall guidelines to the design come from the Master Plan. The full plan document runs over 90 pages but should be required summer reading for each Franklin resident and voter.

You can participate in the Public Hearing on this draft on Saturday at the Library at 10:00 AM

The overview section on zoning is shared here:

Zoning

A municipality’s authority to create zoning laws comes from Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws and Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Zoning plays an important role in the character of the town and the spatial distribution of land uses. This distribution of land uses has social, environmental, and economic consequences on the Town. These consequences can have positive and negative impacts. For example, increased economic development can help support the Town’s tax base and provide local jobs, but it can also lead to increased traffic congestion. Also, the ways in which development occurs impacts how stormwater is managed, and therefore affects the quality and supply of the Town’s water. Since zoning regulations affect where specific types of development are allowed, it plays a crucial role in the livability of the Town.

In the past sixty years land use theory on zoning has changed considerably. During the mid-20th century single-use zoning became the norm. The developed areas of most communities increased substantially and spread out as residential, commercial, and industrial areas were built far apart from each other. Franklin experienced this pattern of development, commonly known as sprawl, to some extent in the mid twentieth century, but by the 1980s and 1990s residential sprawl had occurred throughout Town, substantial industrial development was occurring on industrially zoned lands west of I-495, and commercial development was
increasing along Route 140.

There are both benefits and advantages, and costs and disadvantages, to this type of development. Some of the benefits and advantages include: ease of permitting; segregated residential areas are thought of as safe; and homes segregated away from commercial and industrial uses often have higher values. Some of the disadvantages and negative consequences of sprawl include increased traffic congestion and time commuting, loss of open spaces, damaged natural resources and wildlife habitat, and loss of a rural New England character. Furthermore, low-density, sprawling development tends not to pay for itself due to the higher infrastructure costs. The Town has recognized the advantages and disadvantages of single-use development and has worked to minimize these issues by amending the Town’s Zoning Bylaws.

Description of Zones

Franklin’s zoning code is documented in Chapter 185 of the Town Code for the purpose of promoting the:

“health, safety, convenience, morals and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Franklin, to lessen the danger from fire and congestion, to encourage the most appropriate use of land and to improve the Town under the provisions of Chapter 40A of the General Laws, and of Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution. For this purpose, the use, construction, repair, alteration, height, area and the location of buildings and structures and the use of premises in the Town of Franklin are regulated as hereinafter provided.”

The zoning code is regularly modified to reflect the current needs of the Town. At present, the Town Code divides Franklin into 14 Zoning Districts. It should be noted however, that while Zoning Districts have been established within Chapter 185 Section 4 for Limited Industrial and Neighborhood Commercial, no parcels have formally been designated to those zoning districts, and thus are not shown on the Town’s Zoning Map (see Map LU-1: Zoning Map).


You can view the full document online on the Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

Master Plan: Mission and Vision Statements

Leading up to the public hearing Saturday, Aug 10th on the Master Plan, I'll share sections of the draft document to help foster discussion. The hearing will take place at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St at 10:00 AM.

From the Master Plan draft document - 

The Master Plan Committee (MPC) developed the following Master Plan Mission Statement, which it used as a guide throughout the Plan development process:

“Franklin is a community committed to high quality education and the superb delivery of public services. We strive to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non-profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center. We are committed to cultivating accessible open space, a sense of neighborhood, and a desire to preserve the character of our New England town. We support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by
providing a range of integrated transportation options. We are a community dedicated to effective planning, responsible land use, balanced growth, responsive government, racial, religious and economic diversity, and care and concern for its citizens and the environment. We value our arts, cultural and natural resources, heritage, and history, in order to foster a well-balanced community.”

The MPC also developed a vision statement for Franklin:

“To be a vibrant community that supports the arts, non-profit organizations, higher education and businesses in an atmosphere that allows growth and prosperity while at the same time conserving our heritage, natural resources, and history. We will build on and celebrate our uniqueness as a community and maintain the quality of life that is a strength and competitive advantage.”

You can find the whole master plan document here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc


The presentation and notes from the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/the-master-plan-is-here-master-plan-is.html

The Master Plan is here, the Master Plan is here!

The Master Plan Committee made its presentation to the Franklin Town Council on Wednesday evening.

Master Plan Committee

From left to right Councilor Matt Kelly, State Rep Jeff Roy (Committee Chair), Councilor Andy Bissanti, Christine Apicella, Chris Vericker, David Dobrzynski, and Nathan Carlucci. Tim Twardowski also presented a section but was not present at the time the photo was taken.

The Master Plan has been in a state of revision for the past several years with several efforts underway on sections of the full plan. The full plan was pulled together and updated over the past year with this committee. There will be a public hearing at the Franklin Library, Saturday, August 10th, 10:00 AM. Comments on the plan will be accepted through 1:00 PM on Friday August 16. The comments will be incorporated into a final draft to be presented to the Town Council at the Sep 18th meeting. There is a Planning Board meeting scheduled Sep 9th.

Franklin, MA: Master Plan draft for review by Steve Sherlock

The full Master Plan document can be found on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc.pdf


The remainder of the Town Council meeting as captured in the notes as reported live on Weds can be found here

• Live reporting - closing
• Live reporting - Master Plan Committee Report
• Live reporting - Facilities
• Live reporting - Town Council - Jul 17, 2013
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"the roadmap on Franklin’s future"

The Master Plan draft was presented to the Town Council on Weds evening and summarized by the Milford Daily News here:

The 12-person committee introduced the draft master plan, a document used by officials to inform long-term planning, to Town Council on Wednesday, formerly beginning the public comment process. 

On Aug. 10, there will be a public hearing on the master plan, and the committee will continue accepting public comments until Aug. 16. The Planning Board and council are expected to adopt the final version of the plan in September. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, the chairman of the committee, asked the council to establish an implementation committee to assure that the master plan is put in place and does not sit on a shelf, unseen and unused. 

"We really want to make this a living document, take it off the shelf and show what we can do," Roy said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x946753476/Franklins-updated-master-plan-unveiled#ixzz2ZO4PKKvk

Links to the Master Plan document and and the complete presentation used for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-master-plan-committee.html

Live reporting - Master Plan Committee Report

Councilor Jeff Roy introduced other members present this evening
public comment period on the plan opens tonight, will return Sep 18th for Town Council approval


The Master Plan document can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc.pdf


A set of documents is coming out of this process

• goals and policies
• existing conditions
• implementation plan

Franklin, MA: Master Plan draft for review

Councilor Bissanti reviewed section "Land Use"

Councilor Kelly reviewed "Economic Development"

Christine Apicella   reviewed "Circulation" (which covers all modes of transportation)

Chris Vericker reviewed the "Housing" section

Tim Twardowski reviewed the "Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources"

David Dobrzynski reviewed the "Open Space and Recreation" section

Nathan Carlucci reviewed the "Community Services and Facilities"


Roy recommends a committee to monitor the implementation of the Master Plan

The report itself is 289 pages, and in spirit of being green, there are copies available via the website (see link above)

Public comment open through Fri, Aug 16th at 1:00 PM
will take the feedback and rework as required to bring to the Town Council for final approval in Sep.

Public Hearing at the Franklin Public Library Sat Aug 10th, 10:00 AM

Planning Board meeting date should be Sep 9th (doc shows 18th)

The school's strategic plan and goals and objectives are linked to and incorporated within the Master Plan

Powderly - thank you, commendation to all for the coordination on something that is actionable

Jones - thanks to all for stepping up to the plate on the hard work and effort to bring this to where it is today
what items are already being worked on? would be good to note that these are underway

Nutting the 1997 Master Plan while not adopted was referenced as necessary, the 2008 Open Space Plan, the Housing Plan was worked on, there was a lot more work behind the scenes by the staff that helped before the committee was appointed. It is not over yet but all the good things are the results of the good work from the employees and volunteers.

Roy - everyone who was consulted stepped up to provide as much information as required. The existing conditions report highlights what has been done. Jeff Nutting has been accomplishing great things for this community.

Live reporting - Facilities

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Mike D’Angelo, Richard Gaskins

overview of work order process for maintenance within all the Franklin buildings, including the schools
general submittal may take one or two days

Note - dial connection lost for remote participation of Councilor Mercer. He had commented earlier that if he lost connection again he would not re-dial to avoid the hassle for the group

normal easy work orders get approved right away and get into the queue for work. Others requiring more extensive work, or outside work require approval of a facility approval

usually 80-100 work orders open at any time
closing out the work order in a more timely manner; information to close not always readily available
also noting drive-by work is not always recorded

Pfeffer - request for ladders in all buildings?
Gaskins - all the faclities have ladders, an upgrade to better ladders is underway

Pfeffer - what about the roof leaks?
D'Angelo - leaks on single layer buildings are standard we do them all the time

Pfeffer - I am not going to keep you, I am the one complaining the most
there must be a better way to take care of these roofs and the lighting ballasts

Kelly - it could take one or two days to approve/
Gaskins - if it is a higher priority, they would generally call so it would not take that long

Jones - how often do you review the safety measures with the fire chief? I ask because some of the lights in Davis Thayer are non-functional
D'Angelo - we walk through the buildings with the Fire Dept in spring before the issuing of the occupancy permits. Most issues do not apply to us. Paper stacked in the wrong space. The principal would be working with their staff.

D'Angelo - if they are unlit they should be replaced via a work order

Jones - I'd like to know how quickly the issues on the Fire Dept listing get fixed.
D'Angelo - ours get fixed quickly

Gastins - I'd like to commend the custodians on their work, school got out late and they are working hard. It is still the same amount of work to be done

Live reporting - Question and Answer

Deb Bartlett - love living in the town, folks are generally taking care of their space so that it looks good. For some of the property where if they are no longer being maintained and it is a concern. Is there a recourse for neighbors to get some action taken?

Beth Dalhstrom - I believe there is by-law covering abandoned properties. I can get more information on it.




Deb B - Grove Street is an issue where NuStyle is and that is finally coming down. We rely on volunteers too much to take care of some of the public space. The Town should have the resources to maintain these spaces. It is hard for a group to try and do something like this (the trail committee for example) but they will need some resources from the Town.

Jeff Roy - thank you, assistance from the Town and in particular the blight areas. We'll look to get these comments addressed by a subcommittee.

David Dobrzynski - In driving by, the Town looks good but when walking by or running by you get a closer look, there is a lot of trash around that we can do better cleaning up for ourselves. There is a massive amount of clean up, we are citizens, we should make some effort.

I added to David's comments about the trash and recycling pickup. I  have posted here and elsewhere about picking up recycling in my walks around town. I also mentioned that I had recently heard that the app that Boston uses for smartphones was being looked at to expand to other communities. This would be something to be explored.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/doit/apps/citizensconnect.asp

Tom DeRosa talking about the quality of life, i.e. additional traffic from the BIG Y for example. There are restrictions within the zoning by-laws that exist. Those should be looked at.

Bill Glynn raised a question on the mission statement and the vision where they are flawed. Are those going to be addressed before getting into the goals that could come from that?

Jeff Roy acknowledged that the committee has started looking at those very items.

Bill continues with a example on one of the goals. Let's also get into some of the whys for that goal. It is generic and sound good but what are the driving factors.

Jeff continues with an example from the subcommittee on Open Space and Recreation work

Nick Alferi, Conservation Agent, one of the goals should be to have a conservation property or Town property available within a 15 minute walk of each of the residents. There are reasons for protecting wetlands and trees. It is not just that they are home for critters and are nice to look at. They provide shade, provide cooling space, and other real factual reasons for saving trees and wetlands. It is not just a 'feel-good' thing, there are scientific reasons as well.

We are fairly close in some sections of town in other sections, we are challenged to do this. Obtaining space at the retail price is expensive but working with the owners and letting them know of the need and opportunities can get some space.

Ken Norman - Speaking for the 2-way traffic needed as part of the downtown improvement project. There were compromises made when the new fire station was built downtown and the senior center in its location.

Lauren Marcyn - expressed desire for inclusion of bike friendly spaces

Beth - provided an update on the downtown project that the plans are at 75% complete and awaiting State approval. The by-law for the 2-way streets was approved by the prior council and are ready for implementation.

Brad Feldman raised a question on our progress towards becoming a green community.

Jeff and then Beth provide an update on our progress. We were already so advanced that to get certified as a green community is underway but not there yet.

Brad expressed concern about the MBTA and its plans for the stations. Should we include something for a casino? Foxboro has turned their back apparently do we need to do anything? Should regionalization of the police, fire, etc be considered part of this? Maybe under the community services section? Can we do any bench marking against other communities?

Beth comments on the other regional efforts, MetroWest and other organizations are working in this area

David - had participated in the Economic Development Summit in April, had an interesting conversation with  a local business on the language of attracting new businesses. While we are focused on attracting new what are we doing to keep existing businesses? It was interesting to hear that mentioned, we are a regional player and competing against our neighbors. We need to balance between our existing companies and attracting the new businesses.

Tom DeRosa - How does Wrentham turn down a CVS when we don't turn down anything? I used to live in Needham,and people where leaving there because the property taxes were too high. You want to keep people in town. Can the senior taxes get capped?

Jeff - there are programs out there to help tax bills for seniors.

I endorsed checking with the Senior Center for the info on the tax abatements and tax breaks for the seniors.

Bill - We are in a water ban and have been forever. If we can't sustain our existing bases, can we even consider expanding? If you project this out to a silly conclusion could there be an odd even shower restriction?

Jeff -  we have capacity, that is not the problem. The state controls the permits and our pumping capacity.

Nick - we have shallow wells to supply out water and the state controls that. If we had surface water or another source, the bans would be different. I don't see anytime in the future where we are not going to have some type of water ban. In the winter time, there is no problem delivering water. We can supply the water but can provide it day after day.

David - If you have been following the storm water program, it is controversial. We need to recharge our ground water. This is a struggle that Franklin and every other community will face. It is not in the Town's best interest to reduce water use as it provides revenue for us.

Jeff - the plan will be used for directing and guiding the Town's actions for our future.

David - I am participating because in 1997 the plan was developed and then not adopted. I don't want to get to June 2013 and not have the Town Council not adopt the plan, not start implementing the action items.

Bill - what you said is key, if we put into the master plan that we need to recharge the water supply. That may give us the reasons for adjusting or declining a development

Beth - we committed staff in the Town, we are not working this hard not to have the Town Council accept the plan and follow the actions items

Bill - I am never a big fan of making a big decision when we are possibly making a bad decision because of some other factors (i.e the fire station and the senior center), would we make the 2-way decision if the fire station was not downtown.

The first part of the meeting is noted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-master-plan-public.html

Live reporting - Master Plan Public Hearing

Introductory remarks by Jeff Roy

Copy of presentation to be added later



Committee appointed in Jan 2012, plan due in 2013, will provide an interim update to the Town Council
Will recommend monitoring measures to ensure that this plan gets fully incorporated unlike the last master plan which did not get fully incorporated.

Committee has a page on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan

Committee also has a page on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan



Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner takes over to get into the details of the plan components

One item that needs to be incorporated is the current census data which is just been released and available for analysis. This provides the latest demographic information on who the residents of Franklin are.

Looking for input from the public to help guide and direct the master plan. Use either web site link to provide feedback. The committee is looking to gather input via whatever medium is acceptable. It is more important to gather the input.

The current Franklin mission statement and master plan vision statement are open for discussion. Copies available via links above (and in presentation to be added).

In the presentation copy (to be added) there are sections on each of the subject areas with existing goals and in some cases proposed goals. For example, the Open Space and Recreation plan has been fairly active with work accomplished with the implementation of the Dog Park, the Community Gardens,and  the work on SNETT Trail to highlight a few of the key ones.

On economic development there are separate town-wide and downtown strategies

end of presentation overview


The second part of the meeting continues here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-question-and-answer.html

Weekend Outlook

Friday


Low flying helicopters today
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/alert-low-flying-helicopters-friday-may.html


Saturday


Oak St PCC Fund Raiser - Franklin Caf'e & Grill - 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/oak-st-pcc-fund-raiser-sat-may-19th.html

Library Book Sale - 9:00 - 4:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/library-book-sale-this-weekend.html



DPW - "Touch a truck" - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM



A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/2012/05/may-educational-and-event-calendar.html






Master Plan Committee Public Hearing - 10:00 AM - noon?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/master-plan-hearing-this-saturday.html

Sunday Cub Scout Registration - Sunday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-cub-scouts-running.html


HMEA 5K Independence Run/Walk
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/hmea-11th-annual-independence-5k-may.html



BBC Fund Raiser for Kelly/Lazinski Family
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/bbc-fundraiser-for-kellylazinski-family.html

Master Plan Hearing this Saturday

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Master Plan Hearing this Saturday

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/16/12

FRANKLIN - Franklin's Master Plan Committee will hold its second of two public hearings on Saturday morning to hear from residents about what they want for the future of Franklin. The hearing is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 in the conference room at Franklin Public Library.

"This hearing will afford Franklin residents another opportunity to provide input on the planning process, and get involved early in developing the Franklin's Master Plan," noted Committee Chairman and Town Councilor Jeffrey Roy. "We have been meeting for several months formulating a structure for our work, and we want to hear from the Franklin community about priorities and concerns. We have scheduled the two hearings to afford citizens a good opportunity to participate in the process."

The committee held its first public hearing on Tuesday, May 9, 2012. You can read the Milford Daily News report on that meeting at http://tinyurl.com/7q5pxbc

In December 2011, following the election of a new Town Council, the Master Plan Committee was formed to develop documents, review research and data, and obtain public input to outline and compose a Master Plan for the community. In addition, the Committee will incorporate a strategic plan into this effort that will invite residents to visit the questions of who we are and what we want for our community.

"Attending a public hearing will provide Franklin's residents and organizations a great opportunity to provide the Town's Master Plan Committee with input as the Committee works toward development of a vision for the Town's future," said Bryan Taberner, the Director of Franklin's Planning & Community Development Department. "The public process is an extremely important component of any comprehensive planning process, as the resulting goals and objectives will help to focus the decision making of Town officials well into the future." 

By law, a Master Plan is a statement through text, maps, illustrations or other forms of communication that is designed to provide a basis for decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality. In that context, the committee is looking at the following elements: Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Circulation, Open Space and Recreation, Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources, Community Services, and Facilities. The Committee will establish recommendations for goals and policies in these areas and develop an implementation plan. The report is expected to be delivered to the Town Council by June 2013.

Beth Dahlstrom, Franklin's Town Planner is hoping to learn how the residents of Franklin view the community in which they live. She is interested in learning about what the residents see as the most important aspects of the community and what can the Town can do to enhance areas within the community to make it a better place to live. "I then hope the Master Plan Committee will be able to then use the information obtained at the Public Hearing to help formulate goals and objectives for use in the Master Plan," noted Dahlstrom..

The Master Plan Committee members are Jeffrey Roy, Chairman, Matt Kelly, Vice Chairman, Andy Bissanti, Secretary, Christi Apicella, Nathan Carlucci, John Carroll, David F. Dobrzynski, Jay Duncan, James Esterbrook , Gene Grella, Jeff Livingstone, Greg Rondeau, Timothy C. Twardowski, and Chris Vericker. 

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page athttp://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan. It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan. In addition to the public hearings, residents can offer input online at either site.

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“What is Franklin?"

The last master plan was drafted in 1997, and is the document Franklin officials refer to now when making any developmental changes to town, but even that draft was never fully adopted, officials said last night. 

“We need your input,” Town Councilor and Master Plan Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy told residents, and a local cable TV camera.

“We can’t do this alone. We can’t make this work unless you participate.” 

The master plan has seven sections, explained town Planning Department Director Bryan Taberner: economic development; land use; community service and facilities; housing; natural, cultural, and historic resources; circulation; and open space and recreation. Public opinion is sought when making any changes.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500175/Franklin-residents-offer-guidance-for-town-master-plan#ixzz1uSS7gvV3


Related posts on the Master Plan
From Dec 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/what-is-franklins-master-plan.html

The recent announcement of these public hearings (next one Sat May 19th 10:00 AM at the library)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklins-master-plan-public-hearings.html

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page athttp://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.  

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.  

Franklin's 'Master Plan' public hearings scheduled

FRANKLIN - Franklin's Master Plan Committee will hold its first two public hearings this month to hear from residents about what they want for the future of Franklin.  The first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the training room on the 3rd floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.  For those unable to attend a weeknight meeting, a second hearing has been scheduled on Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 in the conference room at Franklin Public Library.

"These hearings will afford Franklin residents an opportunity to provide input on the planning process, and get involved early in developing the Franklin's Master Plan," noted Committee Chairman and Town Councilor Jeffrey Roy.  "We have been meeting for several months formulating a structure for our work, and we want to hear from the Franklin community about priorities and concerns.  We have scheduled the two hearings to afford citizens a good opportunity to participate in the process."

In December 2011, following the election of a new Town Council, the Master Plan Committee was formed to develop documents, review research and data, and obtain public input to outline and compose a Master Plan for the community.  In addition, the Committee will incorporate a strategic plan into this effort that will invite residents to visit the questions of who we are and what we want for our community.

"Attending a public hearing will provide Franklin's residents and organizations a great opportunity to provide the Town's Master Plan Committee with input as the Committee works toward development of a vision for the Town's future," said Bryan Taberner, the Director of Franklin's Planning & Community Development Department.  "The public process is an extremely important component of any comprehensive planning process, as the resulting goals and objectives will help to focus the decision making of Town officials well into the future."

By law, a Master Plan is a statement through text, maps, illustrations or other forms of communication that is designed to provide a basis for decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality.  In that context, the committee is looking at the following elements:  Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Circulation, Open Space and Recreation, Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources, Community Services, and Facilities. The Committee will establish recommendations for goals and policies in these areas and develop an implementation plan.  The report is expected to be delivered to the Town Council by June 2013.

Beth Dahlstrom, Franklin's Town Planner is hoping to learn how the residents of Franklin view the community in which they live.  She is interested in learning about what the residents see as the most important aspects of the community and what can the Town can do to enhance areas within the community to make it a better place to live. "I then hope the Master Plan Committee will be able to then use the information obtained at the Public Hearing to help formulate goals and objectives for use in the Master Plan," noted Dahlstrom..

The Master Plan Committee members are Jeffrey Roy, Chairman, Matt Kelly, Vice Chairman, Andy Bissanti, Secretary, Christi Apicella, Nathan Carlucci, John Carroll, David F. Dobrzynski, Jay Duncan, James Esterbrook , Gene Grella, Jeff Livingstone, Greg Rondeau, Timothy C. Twardowski, and Chris Vericker. 

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page at http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.  

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.  

In addition to the public hearings, residents can offer input online at either site.

"dictates the path the town should follow"

The town is still looking for two to three members of the public to serve on the committee. 

Members appointed to the Master Plan Committee last night were Town Councilors Andrew Bissanti, Matthew Kelly and Jeffrey Roy, Planning Board member John Carroll, Conservation Commission member Jeffrey Livingstone, Public Land Use Committee member Timothy Twardowski, and James Esterbrook from the Department of Public Works. 

“It would be nice to get two to three more people, to have diversity on the committee,” Town Administrator Jeffrey Roy said, noting that the various town committees are acceptably represented.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1481469559/Members-picked-for-Franklin-master-plan-panel#ixzz1hG7DqN5v

Related post on the Master Plan
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/what-is-franklins-master-plan.html

Updated 12/22/11
Per email from Town Councilor Judy Pfeffer, Steve Whalen was also added to the Master Plan committee as a citizen member during the meeting last night.