Beaver St. Interceptor Project: BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Monday (6/16) at 7 AM, Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks.  The area will be closed 24 hours a day until Friday (6/20) at 4 PM.  

 BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD
CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Those needing to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

The work on Beaver Street will continue into the week of June 23rd as well.

Monday (6/16) through Friday (6/20): The construction crew will also be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. No traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Boston Globe: "Towns lose their latest challenge to controversial state housing law"

"A Superior Court judge Friday dismissed a group of lawsuits from nine Eastern Massachusetts communities over a controversial state housing law that mandates cities and towns with access to the MBTA make it easier to build multifamily housing.

The lawsuits — filed by the towns of Duxbury, Hamilton, Hanson, Holden, Marshfield, Middleton, Wenham, Weston, and Wrentham — sought relief from the MBTA Communities Act on the grounds that it constitutes an “unfunded mandate,” and that more multifamily development would strain their local infrastructure like roads and sewer systems.

Judge Mark Gildea rejected the towns’ argument as “speculative,” saying they did not provide concrete examples of the costs multifamily housing would inflict on them.

“The Municipalities have neither pled specific costs for anticipated infrastructure costs, nor provided any specific timeline for anticipated construction projects,” Gildea wrote in the ruling. “Instead, the only allegations and averments before the court are generalized comments about large-scale issues they foresee, which are insufficient to sustain the Municipalities’ claims.”

Franklin Interim Compliance 
District Compliance Application in review

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/06/business/mbta-communities-lawsuit-housing/ 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

The Marblehead Current provides greater detail from the court case and decision

https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/06/06/judge-rejects-towns-lawsuit-over-mbta-housing-law-as-marblehead-braces-for-vote/

What is Franklin's Status? Per Mass.gov

Franklin Interim Compliance District Compliance Application in review

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities

June 7 & June 8: Shuttle buses will run between Forge Park/495 and Readville

Forge Park/495 – Readville
June 7 – 8, 2025, weekend only

There will be no service between Forge Park/495 and Readville to allow for work on the East Street Bridge. Commuter rail service will operate between Readville and South Station.

Shuttle buses will run between Forge Park/495 and Readville.

Check the weekend timetable at MBTA https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

June 7 & June 8: Shuttle buses will run between Forge Park/495 and Readville

MBTA issues alert on the Franklin/Foxboro Line for travel via shuttle bus on June 7 & June 8

travel via shuttle bus on June 7 & June 8

On the weekend of June 7 and 8, shuttle buses will replace service between Forge Park/495 and Readville. 

Commuter Rail service will operate between Readville and South Station. For more information visit MBTA.com/CR.

Learn more: http://mbta.com/EastStBridge

Last Updated: May 28 2025 02:03 PM

Updates to Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Grove St Closed at MBTA tracks week of 5/5 to 5/9

GROVE STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Monday (5/5) Grove Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7 AM and 4 PM.  Then on Tuesday (5/6) starting at 7 AM the area will be closed 24 hours a day until Friday (5/9).  This full time closure is needed for the installation of the sewer main under the train tracks. 

Beaver St. Interceptor Project

Traffic turning onto Grove St from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions. Access to all businesses and properties on Grove Street between Forge Hill Road and Rt. 140 will be open to local traffic only. 

The contractor will also be working off the road at 38 Pond Street, Franklin Village Mall and at 260 Fisher Street. This work will happen throughout the week and limited to no traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with preparation for the masons to be onsite to construct the exterior building structure.  

For additional info on the project -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Line Schedule Changes for April 26 & April 27 Weekend

On Saturday April 26 through Sunday April 27, the Franklin/Foxboro Line will operate on an adjusted schedule with more service to Hyde Park, Ruggles, and Back Bay to accommodate track improvement work. 

 

View PDF Timetable on the MBTA website.

Learn more: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2025-04-26-cr-franklin-line-weekend-construction-schedule.pdf

 

Franklin Line Schedule Changes for April 26 & April 27 Weekend

"Implementation of MBTA Communities Law Continues with Nearly 70 Communities Approved"

"Permanent regulations for the MBTA Communities Law have been published and nearly 70 communities are now compliant or conditionally compliant.  

The MBTA Communities Law is working."

Shared from -> https://x.com/MA_EOHLC/status/1912119967509827710?

Read the full press release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/implementation-of-mbta-communities-law-continues-with-nearly-70-communities-approved

The Town of Franklin is in the "Zoning has been adopted and/or submitted for review" category.

"Implementation of MBTA Communities Law Continues with Nearly 70 Communities Approved"

Friday (Apr 11) through Sunday (Apr 13): Franklin/Foxboro Line notice - shuttles buses in use

Franklin/Foxboro Line notice - shuttles buses in use

From Friday April 11 until Sunday April 13 shuttle buses will replace service on the Franklin/Foxboro Line. 

On Friday, April 11, Foxboro Passengers will be bused to Mansfield for Providence Line service.

Learn more: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2025-04-11-cr-franklin-foxboro-line-shuttle-bus-schedule.pdf

Last Updated: Apr 09 2025 10:02 AM

April 11-14: Franklin/Foxboro Line notice - shuttle buses will replace service

From Friday April 11 until Sunday April 13 shuttle buses will replace service on the Franklin/Foxboro Line.

Passengers on the Forge Park/495 branch will be bused to and from Readville for regularly scheduled train service.

On Friday April 11 Foxboro Station passengers will be bused to and from Mansfield station for continued Commuter Rail service on the Providence line.

Last Updated: Mar 28 2025 11:29 AM

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

April 11-14: Franklin/Foxboro Line notice - shuttle buses will replace service

Franklin-Dean Train station mural has funding, awaiting MBTA approval

Franklin-Dean Train station mural has funding

via Senator Becca Rausch: 

"The Town of Franklin MA Commuter Rail station is about to be transformed by a work of public art!  

I was proud to secure $50,000 in the FY25 state budget for this project, which will showcase Franklin’s exciting and creative side for residents and visitors alike.  

I can’t wait to see the mural that Franklin Culture and the artistic team create to honor Franklin’s unique history and dynamic community.

Thanks to Greet Franklin #mapoli #publicart"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1QRvNGHro1/

Find the Greet Franklin Magazine online -> https://greetmag.com/locations/franklin-ma/

Listen to the cultural conversation from October 2024 where this was one of the topics -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-franklin-arts-culture-economic.html

Commuter Rail notice for schedule on MLK Jr Day January 20-21

On Monday, January 20th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), all Commuter Rail trains will operate on a regular weekday 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 Line
• Greenbush Line

Learn more: https://www.mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jan 13 2025 09:29 AM

Commuter Rail notice for schedule on MLK Jr Day January 20-21 

MassBudget publishes report on MASS State Transportation Funding

MassBudget (@MassBudget) posted Wed, Jan 08, 2025:

MASS State Transportation Funding

🚌 NEW Report: If you're looking to understand where the resources come from to operate our state's extensive transportation system, and where exactly that money is spent, look no further. 

Check out our latest for all the details: https://t.co/ptW0WZAiaZ #mapoli

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassBudget/status/1877066746755961318

Note: I am sharing this before I have got into the details of the report. A cursory view of the image shared raises some questions that I hope are answered within the report. 

You should be aware that Franklin is served by the MBTA and the regional transit services of GATRA, both of which are covered in this report on the flows of money in, where from, where does it go. Should be interesting reading.

Did you hear Jonathan Berk gave Franklin an MBTA Communities Gold Star?

"Franklin's strategy for complying with MBTA Communities builds upon the excellent efforts already undertaken by the Town, aided by a strong coalition of housing advocates, to promote the production of missing middle housing near its downtown & train station."

Did you hear Jonathan Berk gave Franklin an MBTA Communities Gold Star? 

Who is Jonathan Berk?

"Supporting a new generation of walkable neighborhoods with housing abundance, active public realms, & thriving small business ecosystems." 

Founder @remainplaces - "The Walkable Neighborhood Accelerator"

https://www.remainplaces.com/

Shared from -> https://x.com/berkie1/status/1869476228329296108

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on MBTA Community status and Nu-Style brownfield (audio)

FM #1343 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1343 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).

Quick recap

• The Nu-Style project history is laid out in the presentation doc, progress is being made but complicated by the split of ownership of the properties involved. Especially as the building on the Town property that needs to come down is adjoining to the neighboring property building which has structural issues. Grant money is primarily being used for remediation work, additional grants are being sought to complete the work required.

• After all the zoning bylaw changes made for the Franklin For All project and specifically to meet the MBTA Community requirements,  we may finally be there. The last paperwork was submitted to the State and an answer is expected hopefully to confirm we do meet (actually exceed) the requirements. The timeline on the changes including the critical zoning changes is included in the presentation doc (shared below)

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 

The recording of the meeting runs about 55 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1343-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-12-18-24/

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

Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/AcTwbyEEB9s?&t=91

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-12-18_edc_agenda.pdf 

Presentation doc ->   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JJz3RhlTZXN7gA8Ux2O8wSqFxhUDFYnC/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DqhtXZdJneqbD0nDshW3iqBbgB9R1PRX/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Nu-Style property photo

MBTA Community status summary

Boston Globe: "The MBTA is plotting a revamp of the commuter rail. How will they do it?"

"State officials have been talking about offering far more frequent commuter rail service, powered by electricity, for years.

Now, with the MBTA’s current commuter rail contract approaching an end, it’s time to solve this riddle — to go from talk to action.

Mike Muller, the T’s commuter rail chief, made a presentation Thursday to the MBTA board about what it will take to revamp the entire system, and how the transportation industry has responded so far to requests for feedback that Muller’s team sent out earlier this year. The big question: to bundle or not to bundle? In other words, should the T hand over a long-term contract to one lead contractor, in charge of both running the trains and rebuilding the system, or break the contracts up?"

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/19/business/mbta-commuter-rail-contract-keolis/

Boston Globe: "The MBTA is plotting a revamp of the commuter rail. How will they do it?"

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on MBTA Community status and Nu-Style brownfield (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee got updates on 2 continuing items; the MBTA Community status and the Nu-Style brownfield site on Grove St. All four members of the committee were present in Chambers.

Bryan Taberner, Director of Community Planning along with Town Planner Amy Love provided the historical update on both items starting with Nu-Style.

Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/AcTwbyEEB9s?&t=91

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-12-18_edc_agenda.pdf 

Quick recap

• The Nu-Style project history is laid out in the presentation doc, progress is being made but complicated by the split of ownership of the properties involved. Especially as the building on the Town property that needs to come down is adjoining to the neighboring property building which has structural issues. Grant money is primarily being used for remediation work, additional grants are being sought to complete the work required.
• After all the zoning bylaw changes made for the Franklin For All project and specifically to meet the MBTA Community requirements,  we may finally be there. The last paperwork was submitted to the State and an answer is expected hopefully to confirm we do meet (actually exceed) the requirements. The timeline on the changes including the critical zoning changes is included in the presentation doc (shared below)

Presentation doc ->   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JJz3RhlTZXN7gA8Ux2O8wSqFxhUDFYnC/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

Nu-Style property photo

MBTA Community status summary

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DqhtXZdJneqbD0nDshW3iqBbgB9R1PRX/view?usp=drive_link