"an open door for future such developments"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Despite strong opposition from neighboring residents, the Town Council gave preliminary approval to a move that would allow for a dense residential development along Summer Street. 

The council at its meeting Wednesday night held a public hearing to consider whether the 11-acre parcel at 496 Summer St. should be rezoned from rural residential to a zone that allows denser development. Councilors voted to move the matter to a second reading. 

Representatives from Medway-based developer Grandis Homes said they were hoping to put in 34 single-family townhouses there. Attorney Richard Cornetta said the parcel was about one acre from Franklin's downtown, and was near an exit for Interstate 495. He said the project would generate about $270,000 in one-time permit fees for the town, as well as about $250,000 in additional tax revenue a year. 

A number of residents, though, expressed opposition with the project, citing traffic, a loss of privacy and a change to the character of the neighborhood as concerns."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161221/franklin-rezoning-considered-in-contentious-hearing

Attorney Richard Cornetta and a representative from the developer making their case to the Town Council

For my notes recorded during the first hour
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/real-time-reporting-public-hearing-on.html

I left the broadcast of the meeting to participate in a work conference call and when I was able to return, the Town Council voted 9-0 to move the measure to a second reading. Likely for the second meeting in January (Jan 18, 2017). 

The Council needed to move the measure forward with a minimum of a 5-4 vote. For the second reading to move to a law, the measure needs to pass by a 2/3 vote (meaning 6 of the 9 need to vote for). As the vote was 9-0, this seems certain for passage despite the neighbors points of contention.

Northgate / Coronation Drive Neighborhood meeting - Thursday, June 9

I had picked up via the grapevine concerns about work to be done in the Northgate/Coronation Drive neighborhood and sent an email to the DPW which resulted in this response:

"There is a neighborhood meeting tomorrow night at 6PM at regarding the reconstruction of the Northgate area, which includes Coronation Drive. 

Yes, it is planned for roadway surface reductions for stormwater, traffic calming, and most importantly costs. Also there will be sidewalk reductions, but we are aware of the poor drop off area behind the Kennedy School so we are making improvements there."

Thanks,

Robert A. Cantoreggi
Director
Department of Public Works
Town of Franklin

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

Re: Construction Notice – Neighborhood Meeting

Dear Residents:

The Franklin Department of Public Works will be working with a private contractor to reconstruct the roadways in the Northgate Neighborhood where the Town recently replaced the water mains last year. Specifically, road work will occur along Northgate Road, Coronation Drive, Parliament Drive, Regent Circle, Royal Court, Baron Road, and Brian Road. The road work will begin this summer and is expected to continue through the fall.

During construction, portions of the road may be closed or restricted to one lane of traffic, but normal two-way traffic will be resumed at the end of each work day.

We will be holding a neighborhood meeting on Thursday June 9, 2016 at 6:00pm, located under the awning at the front entrance to the Kennedy School to discuss possible roadway changes.

In accordance with the Town of Franklin By-Law Amendment 03-513, Paragraph 155-1.2 street openings will not be allowed within five years of the final paving. If you anticipate excavating in the street within the next five years, you should make arrangements prior to have the work completed as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience during construction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (508) 553-5500.

Sincerely,



Robert A. Cantoreggi,
Director of Public Works

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

an image of the letter to the neighborhood which prompted the email exchange.

Yes, there is a Neighbor Brigade in Franklin

Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a resourceful group of volunteers ready to help when immediate friends and family can’t do it all. We are ready to help families in times of crisis, such as illness, serious injury or tragic events. “Help is next door” is what we look to achieve in connecting with others to help during times of temporary crisis.

How do you reach out to the Neighbor Brigade?

You can contact

Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org

In the News: neighbors, finish, holiday

Neighbors to the rescue in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News correspondent

Franklin family team takes on Finish at the 50

by Kathleen Sullivan/Special to the Daily News

Area towns to hold holiday bashes

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

You can help your neighbor

You may recall hearing of the house fire in on Hillside Road last Wednesday. The Milford Daily News story is here http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x826299284/Cat-dies-in-Franklin-fire

Fortunately, no one was hurt as the family escaped although they did lose one of their cats. The house and contents were destroyed. Neighbors have rallied to help collect food, clothing and money for the family.

Cheryl Hobbs is one of the neighbors leading this effort. Her post in the Yahoo Group for "Franklin Area Parents" summarized the situation last Wednesday:

Today has been a very terrible day for our neighbors (Lazanski/Kelly) on Hillside Road, they lost their home and all their belongings. Taryn is a senior at Franklin High. Tom graduated 2 years ago. All 4 are safe and being well taken care of. They, of course, are devastated! They did lose one cat and the other cat was revived and staying well at Tufts. I, first, want to thank my neighbors who came in in a clutch and gave clothing. Many of you have asked what you can do in lieu of clothes (because you don't have kids their size, etc.). Monetary donations are being accepted. Checks made payable to: Michelle Kelly. Please drop off your donation (or mail) to: Cheryl Hobbs - 144 Hillside Road, Franklin

Her update on Easter:

I just want to update everyone on the happenings here on Hillside. Michelle is in better spirits this morning...smiling, laughing and so thankful for all that has been given to her, her husband and kids. The cat is back home and not leaving Michelle's side. 

I am going to try and email once a week now, however, please know, I am still collecting. Again, it is overwhelming the generosity of this community. I was surprised to what I came home to last night..letter box over flowing, as well as, foyer filled with envelopes.

What can you do?
Make your check made payable to: Michelle Kelly.

Provide a gift card for Walmart, Kohls, Stop & Shop or any other retail outlet the family could use.

You can drop off your donation (or sent via mail) to: Cheryl Hobbs - 144 Hillside Road, Franklin

Finding compassion

On the train of thought around the words we use and how we use them, this talk by Krista Trippett makes some compelling points about compassion.

Krista talks at point about this remarkable observation from Matthew Sanford:

"He says that he has yet to experience someone who became more aware of their body in all its frailty and all its grace without at the same time becoming more compassionate towards all of life."

Later in the talk she shares some insights from Albert Einstein including:

"... He foresaw that as we grow more modern and technologically advanced, we need the virtues our traditions carried forward in time more, not less."

Franklin's charter was updated recently to bring some of the language to a more appropriate usage for today. I do believe we need to remember the values and virtues that Einstein remind us to use more not less.

We are members of a commonwealth. We need to help each other, together we can do more than survive. Divided we won't stand a chance.



Franklin, MA

Neighborhood sign today

Neighborhood sign today; Happy Birthday Betsy!, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Happy Birthday Betsy!

Autumn color

This neighborhood tree shows it range of color.



Enjoy!