Comment period open until May 31 for the MassDOT "Beyond mobility" plan

Thank you for your interest in Beyond Mobility, MassDOT's next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. This email provides an update on the plan progress and new information available on the Plan website.

 

Extension of Public Comment Period

Thank you for the comments you have provided on the Beyond Mobility plan so far. Since the start of the comment period, we have already received many comments. This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final plan as appropriate.

 

Comment period open until May 31

With this update, we are sharing that the public comment period is being extended to 60 days and will now end on May 31^st, 2024. With this extension, we hope to provide you with more time to review the plan and provide feedback.

 

The press release on the extension of the comment period is available on the MassDOT website.  Secretary Tibbits-Nutt's quote in the press release states that “We have extended the public comment period from 30 to 60 days to make sure people have ample opportunity to review this incredibly comprehensive but very important document.”

 

The full Beyond Mobility plan and the executive summary are available for review on the plan website.

 

How to Provide Feedback

Comments on any part of the document will be accepted during the comment period through the online comment form. You may also email any comments to BeyondMobility@dot.state.ma.us.  

"Beyond Mobility is the next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. The plan is structured by six Priority Areas: Safety, Reliability, Supporting Clean Transportation, Destination Connectivity, Resiliency, and Travel Experience. These Priority Areas, informed directly by over 5,000 pieces of unique public feedback received as part of the development of the plan, serve as the backbone of Beyond Mobility.

 

Over 100 action items across these priorities have been identified within the plan for MassDOT and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to take to achieve a safer and more equitable, reliable, and resilient network.

For more information on Beyond Mobility please visit the Plan website. 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6JnAcfNoap/

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

FM #1170 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1170 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcmte meeting held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 4 members participated; (3 in Chambers, 1 remote (Frongillo).

Quick meeting recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant

• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project

• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting recording runs about 60 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1170-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. Three members were in the chamber, one remote. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

Quick recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant
• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project
• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link

Video replay available for the Economic Development Subcommittee held March 13 (video)

Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 beginning at 5:45pm. 

The agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-03-13_edc_agenda_.pdf

The meeting was recorded and live broadcast by Franklin TV to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yNNjaJCSkg 

I was recording the School Committee subcommittee meeting upstairs that started at 5 PM and joined the meeting about 6:15 so my reporting won't be available immediately.

MBTA offers Free travel on New Year's Eve

"Free travel on all modes after 8 PM New Year's Eve

All subway lines will also be operating with additional service after

3 PM on Sunday, December 31.

Commuter Rail lines will provide late-night service with last trains held at North and South Stations until after midnight. 

See more details here -> https://www.mbta.com/holidays

 

MBTA offers Free travel  on New Year's Eve

Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"

The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23rd as well as on Friday, November 24th.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Nov 17 2023 06:57 AM

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"

Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)

On Columbus Day, Monday October 9th, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a normal weekday schedule.

On the Haverhill Line, buses will continue to replace train service between Reading and Oak Grove and will operate on a weekday schedule as well.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Oct 02 2023 08:34 AM  https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)

The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023

The new Fall/Winter schedule is now in effect on all Commuter Rail Lines with extended late-night service and added peak service on select lines.

Check out your new Franklin schedule before you ride with us: 

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

 

The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023

"THE MBTA’S commuter rail service operator is preparing to expand service this fall, adding late-night departures from Boston and more trains during peak periods on select lines to meet increased demand.

The commuter rail operator, Keolis Commuter Services, already offers service at roughly one-hour intervals through most of the day. The new schedule, which begins October 2, will add a late train from Boston on weekdays and weekends to accommodate people with unconventional work schedules or those attending late-night events.

On the Providence-Stoughton Line, the last train will now depart Boston at 11:55 p.m., 55 minutes later than the current schedule. Most other train lines will follow similar schedules. The Needham Line, however, is pushing back the last train on weekdays from 11 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., but retaining 10:15 p.m. for the last train on weekends.

Keolis is also adding trains during the morning and evening peak periods on the Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, and Worcester lines, reducing the one-hour interval between trains to every 30 to 45 minutes. For example, trains on the Lowell Line will operate every 35 minutes coming into Boston between 6:25 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. and every 30 to 40 minutes departing Boston between 3:55 p.m. and 6:20 p.m."

Continue reading the article -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/ts-commuter-rail-adding-late-night-peak-service/

MBTA article -> https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-09-11/commuter-rail-announces-fallwinter-schedule-take-effect-october-2

Keolis press release -> https://www.keoliscs.com/news/commuter-rail-announces-fall-winter-schedule-to-take-effect-october-2nd/

The NEW Schedules are not yet available but should be posted here when ready     https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail notice - Trains on Monday will operate on a weekend schedule

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 4.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 30 2023 07:35 AM

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Beginning September 1st, 2023, normal fares will resume throughout the MBTA system. Passengers will no longer be able to display CharlieCards for travel to/from select stations on the Commuter Rail.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 24 2023 02:32 PM

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023

On Tuesday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.

Affected routes:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 22 2023 10:00 AM

Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023

Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect for Franklin's Commuter Rail

The Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect on all Commuter Rail lines. Visit MBTA.com to check the minor adjustments we implemented for better seasonal performance.

The Spring/Summer schedule maintains the same frequent weekday service introduced in Spring 2021, with a few changes to train times in order to factor in track work and seasonal events.

• Many flag stops will also be converted into regular station stops.
• On Monday, May 29th (Memorial Day), Tuesday, July 4th (Independence Day) and Monday, September 4th (Labor Day), all lines will operate on a weekend schedule.
• On Monday, June 19th (Juneteenth), Monday, July 3rd (Day before Independence Day), and Monday, October 9th (Columbus Day), all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• For all holiday schedules, please check MBTA.com/holidays.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line  -> (full schedule - PDF)   https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6495/2023-spring-summer-cr-franklin-line.pdf

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: May 19 2023 07:58 AM

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect for Franklin's Commuter Rail

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin Line will run a "weekend" schedule on February 20 for President's Day

For Presidents Day, Monday, February 20th, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

For more information: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Feb 13 2023 08:49 AM

MBTA Commuter Rail: President's Day schedule February 20

non-MBTA team assigned to examine the production issues in Springfield

"GOV. MAURA HEALEY said on Thursday that she is putting together a team of non-MBTA technical and legal experts to review the troubling situation at the Chinese-owned Springfield assembly plant for new Red and Orange Line trains.

Healey said she learned about the problems in Springfield a couple weeks ago, apparently at roughly the same time the public learned about them in detail from a presentation by acting General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville to the MBTA board of directors.

On Monday, Healey seemed shaky on details of the situation in Springfield. On Thursday, she seemed much more up to speed.

“The project is way behind schedule. Some alarming details have emerged about the quality of the production process,” Healey said."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/healey-appointing-non-mbta-team-to-review-crrc-situation/ 

Boston Globe coverage of this topic ->    https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/02/metro/new-consultants-hired-expedite-red-orange-car-delivery-crrc-healey-says/

From left, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, Gov. Maura Healey, Transportation Undersecretary Monica Tipbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and acting MBTA General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Joel for this session to include his insights as a lifelong Franklinite, a property owner, and a former Town Councilor.

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio recording -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-downtown-zoning-discussion-01-18-23

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47 Summer St as referenced during the discussion

• Google map ->  https://goo.gl/maps/UsP5DQJXsVGTmQ7WA 

• Storm water map -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

Prior discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html

Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 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"

Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St

MHP: "Why MBTA multifamily zoning law makes sense for Massachusetts" (video)

Introductory video on how the state's new multifamily zoning requirement for communities served by Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) will help cities and towns zone for more housing near transit, increase economic opportunity, reduce sprawl and lessen impacts on the environment.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/iewb77s33XM

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/BraxLisa/status/1616459173079748610

Visit Mass Housing Project for more info on this topic -> https://www.mhp.net/

Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change

Reminder: 

Monday, January 23, 2023 a new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will go into effect. This schedule adjustment will prevent train traffic between Readville & South Station after the opening of Pawtucket station (Prov Line) and offer improved on-time performance.

The new Franklin/Foxboro Line Winter schedule is now available online and in South Station or Back Bay.  

Online schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Download updated PDF ->  https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2023-1-23-franklin-foxboro-line-fall-winter-schedule-accessible.pdf

Last Updated: Jan 17 2023 07:26 AM

Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change

CommonWealth Magazine: "Overcoming the restrictions on multi-family housing"

"CITIES AND TOWNS of Greater Boston have a long history of using zoning to restrict development of multi-family housing that might accommodate families with children. The systematic restrictions have disadvantaged multi-generational households seeking homes in condo or apartment buildings. The restrictions have also undermined the housing market’s dynamism and its ability to meet the region’s housing needs.

In response to these problems, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring cities and towns served by the MBTA to zone for transit-oriented multi-family housing “without age restrictions” and “suitable for families with children.” Once implemented, the reform should enable the market to meet the needs of diverse households.

For decades, municipalities have been limiting development of family-suitable apartments and condos through a few zoning mechanisms, including age-restrictions for occupants (typically for residents who are at least 55 years old), bedroom restrictions, and discretionary approval processes. I studied these practices in a 2018 survey of zoning bylaws and ordinances in 100 cities and towns across Greater Boston."

Last of the 5 part series

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/overcoming-the-restrictions-on-multi-family-housing/

 

Part 4 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/where-should-new-multi-family-housing-go/

Part 3   

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/seeking-predictable-permitting-for-new-housing/

Part 2 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/solving-the-mbta-communities-zoning-puzzle/

Part 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/commonwealth-magazine-understanding-new.html

New multi-family housing in Sudbury, Mass. (Photo by Amy Dain)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Seeking predictable permitting for new housing" (part 3 of 5)

 

"IF YOU LIVE in an affluent suburb of Boston, your municipality is probably not using as-of-right zoning to permit construction of apartments or condos. If your community is served by the MBTA, then the Massachusetts state Legislature has mandated that your municipality zone for multi-family housing as-of-right. The clock is now ticking on implementation.

The mandate was adopted because Boston’s suburbs have not allowed enough transit-oriented home development to meet the region’s needs for housing and transit-accessibility. Discretionary review processes are part of the problem. As-of-right zoning can help."

Part 3 of the 5 part series  

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/seeking-predictable-permitting-for-new-housing/

Part 2 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/solving-the-mbta-communities-zoning-puzzle/

Part 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/commonwealth-magazine-understanding-new.html

A public plaza within a private development, Trio, in Newton. (Photo by Amy Dain.)