Showing posts with label open space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label open space. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - Feb 7, 2017

Greetings to All:

Please mark your calendar for Feb 7 – our next meeting. 

We have now posted our 2017 Planning Document at the home page (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org). 

The document looks at achievable activities for the year ahead including signage, trail mapping, etc. as well as meeting with relevant officials. 

At our meeting (6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA) we will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help, for example, identifying access points and existing trails and planning meetings with officials. Please try to attend.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930)​
image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage
image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage



For easy reference, the 2017 Planing document can also be found here



Friday, September 23, 2016

REMINDER -- You are invited to the Charles River Meadowlands Workshop, 9/27 6:30 pm

Don't miss the upcoming Charles River Meadowlands workshop on Sept 27 starting at 6:30 at the First Universalist Society, Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. 

The event will provide an overview of the 500 acres of land protected by the Army Corps of Engineers in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway and the nearby and contiguous town parcels that help make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

A brief panel discussion will highlight models and opportunities for collaboration between towns and federal, state, and local government. The evening will then include a workshop section, where everyone will have an opportunity to air and share ideas, concerns, etc. 

For more information, please visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org or contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930. Metacomet Land Trust has provided technical assistance in helping this initiative get off the ground.

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Monday, September 12, 2016

"I've learned Horace Mann began his education using the books that Benjamin Franklin provided to the town library - it's astounding."

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The town will unveil a new statue of Horace Mann next spring. 
The statue of the town native known as the father of public education in America will be placed in a green space at 150 Emmons St. The town sold that land, once the site of a municipal building, to local developer Roger Calarese, but required an easement for a park honoring Mann. 
State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, who has been active in supporting the effort, said the statue will be unveiled on May 7, 2017. 
"(The sculptor) could have it available in November or December, but the weather then is unpredictable," he said. "We also wanted to get it as close to Horace Mann's birthday (of May 4) as possible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160911/franklin-mann-statue-being-readied-for-2017

a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from Emmons St
a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from Emmons St

a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from West Central St
a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from West Central St

Horace Mann is buried in Providence, RI
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/happy-birthday-horace-mann.html

Saturday, September 3, 2016

DelCarte Open Space Guidebook

The Guide Book for DelCarte Open Space Area has been published. Much of it seems to have been repurposed from the invasive species study conducted last year, this guide book focuses less on the technical aspects of the recreational space and more on how to utilize the space. Trail maps, sample photos of the wild life and fish are included.

You can read it and download it from here



or here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdXV2UkM5NkFxc2M


Or from the Town of Franklin webpage here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024BA540-000F8513

on the northern pond at DelCarte
on the northern pond at DelCarte


  • The full study can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/ecological-and-management-study-of.html

Friday, August 12, 2016

Town Council - Actions Taken - August 10, 2016

The official record of Actions Taken by the Town Council at Wednesday's meeting was posted on Thursday. As mentioned here previously, this is a marked improvement in the process. We still wait for the official minutes to see what the discussions were but the recorded votes are no readily available.


In summary



  • the Council recognized Frankl Liotta for his contributions to Franklin as part of the Elks
  • the newest detective and sergeant were sworn in, and the Police Dept re-established the practice of giving badge #1 to the longest serving officer
  • Police Chief Thomas Lynch also provided an update on his first 6 weeks in charge
  • the Council approved all the bylaws before them making changes to the site plan process, introducing the new parking plan for downtown (including removal of the parking meters), and approval of the open space and recreation plan


In the Council comments section Debbie Pellegri raised two objections: one to the hiring of an outside deputy Treasurer Collector (bypassing an internal candidate that 'was qualified') and to the disconnect created by the School Committee where they authorized salary increases of 2,2.5 and 3% over the next three years which is more than what the Town had settled for with the other unions.

The Actions Taken can be found in this PDF:






You can also find the Action Taken on the Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02492F19-000F8513

My complete set of notes taken live during the meeting can be found here


Officer Fiorio getting his badge #1 pinned by his wife
Officer Fiorio getting his badge #1 pinned by his wife

Detective MacLain and Sargent Zimmerman getting their new badges pinned by family members
Detective MacLain and Sargent Zimmerman getting their new badges pinned by family members

Asst Town Clerk Danello swears in Detective MacLean and Sargent Zimmerman
Asst Town Clerk Danello swears in Detective MacLean and Sargent Zimmerman

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes Frank Liotta for his long service
Town Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes Frank Liotta for his long service

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Live reporting: Open Space plan and Legislation

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan
Bryan Taberner, Director Planing and Community Development

Note the plan can be found online
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/August%2010,%202016/TC%20Submittal.pdf

Conservation Commission developed and update to the plan
goals similar to Master Plan of 2013
Council looked to endorse the plan so it can be submitted to the State

question on the 15 recommendations from a MA official
the updates and others were included in this version

acceptance of plan allows the Town to apply for grants


  • add the Town Council to the acknowledgments
  • geographical survey for historic purposes
  • page 5-8, lists the public open space that is protected
  • over 35 open space locations on the following pages

important to take care of preserving open space

acceptance of 20 acres of land near the Sullivan School coming forward as a donation


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan
motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0


2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment: 16-762: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31 Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-762 – Roll Call Vote – 2/3 Vote – (6))
motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call)
effective updates language to current language


3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-764R: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31, Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-764R - Roll Call Vote 2/3 Vote (6))
motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call)


4. Bylaw Amendment 16-765: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article III, Traffic Signs, Signals, Markings and Zones, §170-10 Authority of Highway Foreman and §170-12 Interference Prohibited, Violations and Penalties. – 2nd Reading ( Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-765 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of Full Council (5))

motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call)


5. Bylaw Amendment 16-766: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, at Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations and §170—17 “Resident Only” Parking – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-766 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))

motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call)

provides for 2 hour parking enforced from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
effects from the Town Common to Summer St

lots of signs to be posted


6. Bylaw Amendment 16-767: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic at Article V, Parking Meter Zones, §170-19 Establishment and §170-20 Additional Regulations; Violations and Penalties – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-767 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))

motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-2 (via roll call) (Pellegri and Padula voted no)

letter from Downtown Partnership on parking changes since the meters have been removed

bylaw would eliminate the meters, would need to purchase new ones to handle credit cards and coins


Monday, August 8, 2016

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 10, 2016


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– July 13, 2016

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
– Swearing in of Police Officers

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

- Jeannette Gianotti
- Christine Manns
- Helen Reebenacker
  • Election Workers
- Listing not available (broken link)
  • Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate
- Ian Luke


F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
  1. Police Chief Update
  2. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment: 16-762: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31 Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-762 – Roll Call Vote – 2/3 Vote – (6))
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-764R: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31, Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-764R - Roll Call Vote 2/3 Vote (6))
4. Bylaw Amendment 16-765: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article III, Traffic Signs, Signals, Markings and Zones, §170-10 Authority of Highway Foreman and §170-12 Interference Prohibited, Violations and Penalties. – 2nd Reading ( Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-765 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of Full Council (5))
5. Bylaw Amendment 16-766: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, at Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations and §170—17 “Resident Only” Parking – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-766 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))
6. Bylaw Amendment 16-767: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic at Article V, Parking Meter Zones, §170-19 Establishment and §170-20 Additional Regulations; Violations and Penalties – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-767 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN

along the white blaze trail in Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St)
along the white blaze trail in Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St)


  • The documents released with this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage (PDF)
    Note: both the PDF link and the embedded doc below contains links to the specific documents support each agenda item. In my use of the doc, the links work except for the election workers (which is a duplicate of the Board of Registrars appointments).

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/August%2010,%202016%20Agenda.pdf



  • or here





Saturday, May 14, 2016

2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) - draft for review and comment

"Enclosed please find a copy of the Town of Franklin’s draft 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan for your review, comment. The official comment period is 5/16/16 through 6/16/16 and a public hearing on the Draft Plan has been scheduled by the Conservation Commission on May 26, 2016 at 7:20 in the Town Council Chambers. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information."

George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent


To submits comments contact the Conservation Commission at:
Town of Franklin 
Attn: Conservation Commission 
355 East Central Street 
Franklin, MA 02038 
508-520-4929

conservation@franklin.ma.us




SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

This 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is an update of the Town of Franklin’s 2001 and 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plans. The 2001 Plan was prepared for Franklin as well as two other communities, Bellingham and Blackstone, and addressed the region as well as each community. The 2008 OSRP document addressed only the open space and recreation issues and resources relevant to the Town of Franklin. The 2016 OSRP continues with a detailed a practical approach to preservation of public and privately owned open space through growth management techniques, public awareness, management of existing Town owned open space, enhancement of existing and development of new recreation resources and the continued protection of natural resources.

In fall 2015, the Franklin Conservation Commission assumed the task of overseeing and preparing the update of the OSRP. Assisted by Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, Park and Recreation Department and Public Works Department, the Commission assessed the Town’s open space preservation and recreation needs; gathered input from residents regarding personal priorities, desires, and perceived needs; developed the OSRP’s goals, objectives, and five year action plan; and reviewed and edited draft versions of the OSRP. In addition, a re-evaluation of the accessibility of the Town's open space and recreation facilities was conducted (see Appendix C), an inventory of the Town's open space, recreation, and conservation properties (see Appendix B) was updated, and descriptions of the Town's substantial resources were compiled, updated and included in the OSRP.

Since the 2008 Plan was approved, progress has been made on the Goals and Objectives included in that Plan. Among them are:

  • Through a student project working with the Conservation and Engineering Departments, installed informational signage at the DelCarte Recreation Area (Goal 1, objective 1.1)
  • Created a map of the entire Town’s recreation and park areas. (Goal 1 objective 1.2) (Also objective 4.4a in the 2013 Master Plan)
  • A butterfly park was constructed in the King Street Memorial Park in 2014 as a school project and it has been well received and highly successful. (Goal 1, objective 1.2)
  • DCR and the Franklin Conservation Commission have permitted improvements to the SNETT trail from Prospect Street in Franklin into Bellingham. (Goal 3, objectives 3.4 & 3.5)
  • A major dam renovation project, canoe launches, a boardwalk over portions of a pond and a 5-12 age appropriate playground were completed in the DelCarte Recreation area all of which increase access to all sections of the area. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2) 
  • Developed a 2-12 age appropriate playground at Fletcher Field (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Developed an ADA compliant sculpture park, with walking areas and benches adjacent to the Franklin Police station (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Erected a bridge via an Eagle Scout Project in conjunction with the Town Conservation and Engineering Departments over a stream crossing in the Town’s disk gold course. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Developed a dog park at the Dacey Recreation Area. (Goal 3, objective 3.2)


The 2016 OSRP includes numerous goals, objectives and proposed actions that were the result of input from a large number of Town residents. This input was provided at two public hearings, during regular committee meetings, in letters and emails, during meetings with Town personnel and non-profit organizations, and through two citizen participation questionnaires (see Appendix F). Based on this input, it was determined that there is a desire to develop additional passive recreation areas within the Town and to improve existing recreational facilities. Specifically, Franklin’s residents’ wish for the Town to provide new bike trails, obtain and increase management of conservation lands, and provide community based areas such as bike trails, hiking trails, a youth center and swimming pools.

The open space and recreation planning process resulted in four main goals and related objectives and a five-year action plan that outlines specific tasks to meet the Town's open space and recreation goals. The goals within the updated 2016 OSRP were developed based on public input and the Conservation Commission believes these goals reflect the priorities of the Town’s residents. In general, the goals of the community should be to obtain (as needed), improve, and make fully accessible, the proper balance of active and passive recreational and conservation resources, while maintaining the community as a suburban center with a rural quality. The Town’s primary open space and recreation goals are as follows: 

GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of open space and recreation opportunities in Franklin
GOAL 2: Preserve and enhance existing Town open space resources.
GOAL 3: Maximize recreational opportunities to meet the community’s evolving needs by maintaining current inventory of facilities and programs and by providing new facilities and programs for both active and passive recreation.
GOAL 4: Protect natural, historical and cultural resources and maintain Franklin's New England character.
GOAL 5: Preserve and Protect the Town’s Water Resources.


The OSRP’s implementation, and achievement of the above goals, will require the
commitment of a broad variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit
organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards,
commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned
above the Town feels confident that the OSRP can be implemented to meet the prescribed goals over the five-year planning period.

overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field
overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field



The full report can be found here or on the Town of Franklin webpage



Saturday, May 7, 2016

“This investment is an enormous step forward”

Last week the Massachusetts House of Representatives successfully passed its 2017 fiscal year budget. Included in the $39.5 billion dollar budget was a $25,000 dollar earmark proposed by Representatives Jeffrey Roy (D—Franklin), Kevin Kuros, (R—Uxbridge) and John Fernandes (D—Milford) to help develop a management and access plan for a large plot of Army Corps of Engineers land.

“This money will help develop a plan to improve access to some beautiful recreational space in the area, and will go a long way to ensuring the property meets its full potential,” said Representative Roy, “This particular property has sat vastly unused for many years and can provide some additional recreational opportunities in the area. We look forward to working with the Army Corps of Engineers and local officials to open up this natural gem to residents while maintaining its natural beauty.”

"After touring this land with Representative Roy and Mr. Earls," said Representative Kuros, "I was convinced that we needed to work to improve access and utilization of this hidden gem that spans our districts. This gets us started on our way toward that goal."

“I was happy to sponsor this budget amendment to develop a comprehensive management and access plan,” said Representative Fernandes, “The plan will go a long way to exploring the resources that can become available to Medway, Franklin, and Bellingham.”

“This investment is an enormous step forward,” said Franklin resident, Alan Earls, who has organized a citizens group, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, to spearhead this effort. “Those of us involved with the initiative are grateful that Representatives Roy, Kuros, and Fernandes share our vision and see the great potential for this public space,” he added.

The US Army Corps of Engineers-controlled flood plain lands located in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway represent one of the largest parcels of land in the region suitable for both wildlife habitat and passive recreation (e.g. walking, fishing, boating, etc.). Growth and development in the region has reduced the number of actual and potential access points to this land; preventing the public from enjoying and using this land while at the same time making it difficult for authorities to prevent unauthorized uses such as ATVs.

The appropriation of $25,000 was included in the House of representatives budget under the care of the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Wildlife, which has operational jurisdiction over this property, to expand current signage, thereby strengthening enforcement of regulations and supervisory activities, and to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the communities of Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway and interested parties to develop a management and access plan. This plan will also consider ways in which any improvements to public access can mesh with EPA requirements to reduce runoff into the Charles River watershed.


Charles River Meadowlands photo
Charles River Meadowlands photo


Find out more about the Charles River Meadowlands on their new webpage
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Planning for the US Army Corps of Engineers Natural Valley Storage Area

From Alan Earls

​Dear Colleagues and Neighbors, 
I am writing to you in regard to the hundreds of acres of mostly contiguous open space land within Bellingham, Franklin and Medway that are part of the US Army Corps of Engineers Natural Valley Storage Area. I have had the opportunity to meet most of you at some point in the last 10 months so you will be aware of my effort to gather support for improved public access to this land. In the course of this period I have met with Metacomet Land Trust, the Conversation Commission of Bellingham, and the Open Space Committee of Medway as well as talking with several officials in Franklin. 
In September Representative Jeff Roy (D-Franklin) and Representative Kevin J. Kuros (R- Uxbridge) joined me for a morning of driving and walking around the property. Both men expressed surprise at the extent of the property and indicated a willingness to seek “seed” funding, perhaps for an engineering study, to look at how public access could be improved.

In hopes of building some momentum together, I have reserved a meeting room at the King Street fire station in Franklin to discuss how those of us in each of our three communities can better work together toward this goal while also working effectively with US and Massachusetts officials involved in management of the property. 
Specifically, I would like to include on the agenda:

  • Developing an inventory of existing or potential public access points...
  • Sharing experience/insights about working across communities and state/federal jurisdictions
  • Clarifying potential “next steps” toward making the “Charles River Meadowlands” an integral part of the open space picture across our three towns.
Mine Brook flows into the Natural Valley Storage Area
Mine Brook flows into the Natural Valley Storage Area


The meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan 28, 2016 from 6:30- 8:30 PM


LOCATION:

  • John Durand Memorial Fire Station
  • Station #2
  • 600 King Street
  • Franklin, Massachusetts

Friday, November 27, 2015

Abbreviated Survey for the Open Space and Recreation Plan

The survey to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan has been abbreviated from two pages to a single page.

The single page can be downloaded to fill out from here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczT2ZVM0pmdnlDbHc


You can submit your completed survey in one of the following ways

  • Franklin Public Library
  • Franklin Town Clerk
  • Recreation Department
  • Planning and Community Development
  • Senior Center


or via postal mail to
Open Space and Recreation Planning Study 
Department of Planning and Community Development 
355 East Central St 
Franklin, MA  02038


Del Carte recreation space in autumn 2015
Del Carte recreation space in autumn 2015


The initial release of the survey and process to update the Open Space Plan
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/11/franklin-open-space-and-recreation-plan.html


The report from the public meeting at the Library on Nov 14th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/11/open-space-and-recreation-plan-public.html


Sunday, November 15, 2015

Open Space and Recreation Plan - public meeting Nov 14

The summary of the Open Space and Recreation Plan meeting on Saturday at the Franklin Library. Be sure to scroll down within the Storify summary to view all the details. There are links to the 2008 plan included.

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bocci court at the Senior Center
bocci court at the Senior Center


Charles River Meadowlands - proposal

One of the documents handed out during the public meeting for the Open Space and Recreation Plan update held at the Franklin Library on Saturday, Nov 14.

This was the topic of Alan R Earls input. Alan is the former chair of the Franklin Open Space Committee.




Thanks to Alan for allowing this document to be shared.

When I walked the Pond St property in October, I was in and among some of the land he references with this proposal.

Mine Brook as it wends its way along the wetlands between i495 and Pond St
Mine Brook as it wends its way along the wetlands between i495 and Pond St
The full set of photos and the audio I recorded while on the walk can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/reporting-by-walking-around-pond-st.html

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

In the News: Open space plan, softball registration, partial prescriptions

Selections from Today's Milford Daily News that would be of interest to Franklin

Franklin is in the process of updating its 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan and invites residents to be a part. 
The purpose of the OSRP is to create a document through a public input process that will guide Franklin in its efforts to maintain and enhance the community’s open space and recreation resources. Officials hope to have a new plan in place for 2016. 
In order to complete a plan that represents the opinions, desires and needs of the community, the Department of Planning and Community Development is attempting to gather information in a variety of different ways

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151106272/1994/NEWS



Franklin Girls Softball spring registration is open for all players ages 4-16 years old, and will close Feb. 1, 2016. 
Pitching and catching clinics will begin in January. Spaces are limited and fill fast.
For information on registration, clinics and leagues, visit fgsafastpitch.org.

The article was shared from the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151106240/1994/NEWS



U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark and other members of the Massachusetts delegation are hoping to remove one barrier that is keeping pharmacists in their home state from taking a simple action to reduce the amount of prescription pain killers that can end up in the wrong hands. 
The lawmakers, along with 38 colleagues from other states, are asking the Drug Enforcement Administration to clarify existing regulations to permit the partial filling of opioid prescriptions. The Massachusetts legislature is considering legislation to allow for partial filling but that would not overcome the current DEA prohibition.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151106211/1994/NEWS

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Update

The Town of Franklin is in the process of updating its 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).  The purpose of the OSRP is to create a document through a public input process that will guide the Town of Franklin in its continuing efforts to maintain and enhance the community's open space and recreation resources.

In order to complete a plan that represents the opinions, desires and needs of the community the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is attempting to gather information in a variety of different ways, including:

tot lot at Fletcher Field
tot lot at Fletcher Field

Open Space & Recreation Public Meeting

When:   Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Where:  Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street
The DPCD will hold a public meeting on Saturday November 14th in order to facilitate comment and gauge public support for various open space and recreation priorities.  Progress that was made by the Town implementing the 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan will be discussed, and written and verbal comment regarding future goals and suggested projects will be accepted.

Conservation Commission Public Hearing

When:   Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 7:15 p.m.
Where:  Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street.
Conservation Commission members will discuss proposed goals and objectives to be included in the 2016 OSRP, and ask for input from the public on all open space preservation and recreation issues.
community painted fish at the Sculpture Park
community painted fish at the Sculpture Park

Open Space & Recreation 2015 Citizen Participation Questionnaire

As part of the public input process the DPCD is conducting a survey; results of the Open Space & Recreation Citizen Participation Questionnaire will inform Town officials how Franklin residents feel about preservation of open space and the adequacy of parks and recreation opportunities.

Completed surveys will be accepted until December 4, 2015, at which time the DPCD will assess the collected data and develop a summary report which will include a fairly detailed analysis of specific variables.

The Questionnaire is attached. Copies of the Questionnaire can be downloaded from the Town's web site (http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/openspaceplan), or hard copies of the Questionnaire can be obtained at any of the following locations: Franklin Recreation Department, Franklin Town Library, Franklin Senior Center, and Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development.

Completed Questionnaires can be returned to the locations mentioned above or mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the following.

Franklin Open Space & Recreation Planning Study
C/O Planning and Community Development
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038-1352

Stakeholder Meetings

DPCD staff will hold meetings with non-profit organizations, town personnel, and other stake holders upon request.  Please contact DPCD staff at 508-520-4907 or planning@franklin.ma.us for more information.

Written Comments

Written comments can be mailed or emailed to DPCD staff at the address listed above.  To ensure your input is included in the development of the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan please provide written comments by December 4, 2015.

playground at DelCarte
playground at DelCarte 

Other Opportunities to Provide Input?

Once the Draft 2016 OSRP is developed the Town will implement a month-long public comment period, which will include at least one public hearing to gather input regarding the Draft plan.  DPCD expects a Final plan will be submitted to the State for approval by February or March 2016.

Questions?

Please contact DPCD at 508-520-4907 or planning@franklin.ma.us if you have any questions or would like more information.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Monday, May 25, 2015

DelCarte Playground closed, trails wide open

The playground at DelCarte is closed for repairs. Apparently the winter weather created some separation on the support structures that is being checked out and repaired before the playground will be open.

We regret to inform you that the DelCarte Playground is not safe to use at this time and will be closed for repairs until further notice. 
Thank You for your patience!

there is a searation in the support columns that needs to be checked
there is a separation in the support columns that needs to be checked


another view of the closed playground

However, the trails are wide open and ready for you to explore! These photos were taken at the beginning of the month. By now, the leaves have fully broken out to create the green canopy.

along the waterside on one trail
along the waterside on one trail

at one of the dams
at one of the dams

the new floating bridge allows for a complete trail loop
the new floating bridge allows for a complete trail loop

Photos from the official opening June 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/delcarte-opening-day-photo-essay.html

photos from October 2013 (playground under construction)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-open-space-photo-essay.html

video from December 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

DelCarte swans

The two swans that have made a home on the DelCarte property were visible when I stopped by Sunday morning on my run along Pleasant St.

Swans at the DelCarte Property, Franklin, MA
With the rain we have had recently, the water level may show some signs of rising.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DelCarte Property (video)


While on my run Sunday morning, I stopped for a couple of minutes to take some pictures and this video. It is not always good to stop while running but I use the excuse that I am making my run twice as good by reporting along the way. The DelCarte Property is wonderful open space and when the dams are fixed, the trails upgraded, this will be a treasure for all of Franklin to enjoy!




Where is the DelCarte Property?




View Larger Map


Related posts on the development of the DelCarte Property

DelCarte Tour in 2010
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/10/franklin-ma-delcarte-tour.html

Town Council approved work on the dam in June 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/in-news-leadership-delcarte-bullies.html

Ernest DelCarte donation
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/something-that-puts-franklin-on-map.html

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Outdoors in Franklin

Looking to get out of the house and do something this week? Take a hike in Franklin.

Noted author Michael Tougias also wrote a "Trailguide: Outdoors in Franklin." The trailguide can be found on the Franklin website.

Author Michael Tougias has written many area guidebooks including River Days: Exploring the Connecticut River from Source to Sea, Exploring the Hidden Charles: A Guide to Outdoor Activities on Boston's Celebrated River, and New England Wild Places: Journey's Through the Back Country, as well as Until I Have No Country: A Novel of King Philip's War in New England and the non-Fiction King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict. 
This guidebook was developed as an initiative of the Franklin Open Space Committee with support from the Department of Community Planning including former director Todd Ford, current Director Daniel Ben Yisrael, Town Ecologist Rich Vacca, and GIS Specialist Nick Alfieri as well as input and support from the Conservation Commission. Special thanks go to the graphic arts class of Mr. Eskay Sriram at Tri-County Regional Vocational School, which provided several excellent candidates for cover illustrations. The illustration selected was created by Corey Gray.

There are descriptions of walks covering the following:

• Franklin Town Forest
• Franklin State Forest
• Charles River
• Indian Rock
• DelCarte Conservation Area
• Beaver Pond
• Charles River
• Dacey Farm
• Uncas Pond and Trout Fishing
• SNETT Trail

As this was written in 2002, the some of the subject areas may have changed. The Dacey Farm has since become more formal open space for Franklin with the development of ball fields and most recently the dog park.

The trailguide can be found here (PDF):