Showing posts with label peaker plant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peaker plant. Show all posts

Thursday, August 24, 2017

In the News: Story walk, Exelon money

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

"There’s a new way for kids and families to read stories together that involves actually walking from one page to the next rather than snuggling in among comfy pillows and turning them by hand or swiping fingers across the display of an electronic reader. 
It’s all about being outdoors together, taking in nature and literature at the same time, and the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is introducing the concept -- known as StoryWalks -- at the section of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) in Bellingham. 
The committee on Friday is hosting a pop-up StoryWalk, weather permitting, from 9-11 a.m. Parking for that section of the rail trail is across the way from the trailhead, on Center Street near Fox Run Road, in Bellingham. 
As a pop-up StoryWalk, the walking story will be available just for the day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170824/rail-trail-group-plans-walking-story-event

https://www.facebook.com/events/461541297550902/
https://www.facebook.com/events/461541297550902/


"The town (Medway) will consider how best to spend the about $3.8 million brought in as a result of the Exelon power plant expansion. 
The topic arose at the Monday night selectmen’s meeting, with Town Administrator Michael Boynton saying construction on the project - a 200-megawatt expansion - has begun. He suggested a September session to consider options for the money - an increase to the plant’s payment in lieu of taxes to Medway. 
“There’s $3.8 million - there might be 3.8 million ideas for what to do with it,” he said. 
Boynton said among the options are providing tax relief to residents, or getting ahead of needed roadwork projects. He recommended that the town avoid using the money to fund new positions since there would not be similar increases in future years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170823/medway-to-decide-on-options-for-exelon-money

Saturday, August 5, 2017

In the News: Exelon gets State approval; Governor appoints pot board

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

"A state board eliminated roadblocks for the construction of an expansion to the Medway Exelon plant. 
At a hearing Friday, the Energy Facilities Siting Board approved two decisions - one granting a certificate of environmental impact and public interest, and the other approving a revised water supply - in favor of the 200-megawatt expansion project. It had earlier issued tentative decisions to allow for public comment. 
Board counsel Joan Evans said her draft decision grants the certificate to Exelon. Though the company had requested the board grant 11 state and local permits, this decision requires it go through the regular permitting process. Evans said the state fire marshal’s office, for example, wanted more information on chemicals that would be stored at the plant. 
The company can seek those permits during construction, Evans said. With a favorable decision, she told the board, Exelon could begin construction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/state-oks-medway-exelon-plans



Governor Charlie Baker on Friday appointed five members to the Massachusetts’ Cannabis Advisory Board, which will make recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission on the regulation and taxation of marijuana. 
The board was established by the ballot initiative approved by voters last November and in legislation signed by Baker last week, consisting of 25 members: five appointees each from the governor, treasurer and attorney general and 10 others. 
The law requires Baker’s appointees to represent experts in minority business development, economic development strategies for under-resourced communities, farming or farming interests, employers and municipal law enforcement. 
The new members are Walpole Police Chief John Carimichael Jr.; Roxbury attorney Kimberly Napoli, co-founder of the Hempest retail clothing shop in Harvard Square; Mary Ann Pesce of Weston, an independent consultant who spent most of her career in business management for The Gillette Company in Boston; Lydia Sisson, founder and co-director of Mill City Grows, an urban food producer in Lowell; and Henry M. Thomas III, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/governor-baker-names-five-to-pot-panel

Friday, July 14, 2017

In the News: Exelon generator heaviest load on roadways

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

"A massive truck - weighing in at more than 560,000 pounds - will be on the move soon, as it continues its mission to deliver a generator to the Medway Exelon facility. 
The 16-axle truck - 5.6 times more than the Massachusetts truck weight limit - was in Uxbridge this week, awaiting Massachusetts Department of Transportation approval to complete the final stage of its trip. It began its journey at a North Kingstown, Rhode Island port, and is reportedly the largest load to travel through Rhode Island in 17 years. 
A spokeswoman with MassDOT said Thursday the department had granted the truck’s permits. The truck had been in Uxbridge since Monday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170713/medway-massive-truck-set-to-deliver-exelon-generator

While visiting family in RI last weekend, the Providence Journal was reporting on the ordeal of getting the generator to the plant. The story was updated with this article posted Thursday, July 13.


"It’s not every day that a 16-axle truck weighing more than 560,000 pounds comes through town. In fact, it’s the heaviest load - seven times the federal truck weight limit of 80,000 pounds and 5.6 times the Massachusetts 99,000-pound limit - to traverse Rhode Island, on its way to Medway, in at least 17 years, the Providence Journal reported. 
The Bay Crane tractor-trailer carrying a generator from a port in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, to the Exelon power plant in Medway was sidelined for two weeks by Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials after it was discovered the truck did not have the proper permits to carry such a heavy load. 
Among the concerns was that the truck’s planned route was over major highways: Interstates 95 and 295. Bay Crane was required to reroute along back roads through small towns, to minimize public safety risks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20170713/truck-hauling-heavy-load-from-ri-generates-concerns-in-mass-too

screen grab of Providence Journal article image on overweight truck for Exelon plan
screen grab of Providence Journal article image on overweight truck for Exelon plant

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

In the News: Medway peaker plant approved; new assistant executive director at MIAA

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued its final air quality permits for Exelon's Medway power plant - the last set of state approvals the company sought in its project to expand the facility. 
The department's official sign-off on Exelon's Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit and the Air Quality Plan this week comes after state officials issued a draft approval in October. 
A public hearing regarding both was held last month in Medway. 
Mark Rodgers, a company spokesman, said in a statement Tuesday the DEP's final decision marked an "important milestone" in the project."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


"Ann Trytko, retired educator and athletic director from Hampshire Regional High School, has joined the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as a part-time assistant executive director. 
Trytko retired at the end of last school year after a 35-year career in education that started in 1975 as a physical education teacher and concluded this past year as athletic director. She also spent several of these years coaching both middle school and high school varsity sports. 
Trytko remains an active MIAA coaches' education instructor and served several years on the MIAA tournament management and gymnastic committees, as well as the past six years as chair of gymnastics."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/massachusetts-interscholastic-athletic-association-announces-addition

Saturday, December 10, 2016

In the News: peaker plant decision appealed; Super PACs in MA

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

"The Conservation Law Foundation is appealing a state board's decision to approve Exelon's plan to expand its Medway facility by adding 200 megawatts of generating power. 
The state Energy Facilities Siting Board tentatively approved the power generating company's plan in early November and later that month after a public hearing, issued a final approve for the 200-megawatt expansion, which calls for two dual-fuel turbines and tall smokestacks. 
https://twitter.com/stopmedwaypeak
https://twitter.com/stopmedwaypeak
In the 18-page appeal, the Conservation Law Foundation - one of four interveners in the board's process of reviewing the project - called the board's final decision a violation of the state's Global Warming Solutions Act, which calls for a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - 25 percent below the 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161209/medway-law-group-appeals-exelon-decision

You can find and read the full appeal document from the Conservation Law Foundation here
http://web1.env.state.ma.us/DPU/FileRoomAPI/api/Attachments/Get/?path=efsb15-01%2fNoticeofAppeal12816.pdf



"With Election Day a month behind us, new campaign finance reports reveal the role Super PACs played in Massachusetts races this year. A Nov. 30 analysis from the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance shows those independent expenditure groups increased the amount they spent in efforts to influence Massachusetts legislature races. Here's a closer look at Super PAC activity in the Bay State.

What is a Super PAC?
A Super PAC, or independent expenditure political action committee, is an organization that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, but cannot directly coordinate with candidates or parties. They often run ads or campaigns independently to support or oppose particular candidates. Super PACs came into existence following the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161208/five-things-to-know-about-super-pacs-in-massachusetts


Saturday, November 5, 2016

In the News: Franklin TV expands to radio; "tentative" yes to Medway power plant

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

"If all goes well, the local public access cable station will be looking to venture into a new medium - radio - early next year. 
Franklin TV is hoping to begin broadcasts on 102.9 FM - with call sign WFPR, or Franklin Public Radio - in the first months of 2017, said station Executive Director Peter Fasciano. 
"Our target date for a broadcast test - or program test - is sometime between the first of the year and Feb. 12," he said. 
Once operations begin, Fasciano said, the station would look to broadcast local meetings, community events, sports, a lecture series and Franklin TV shows that would translate to the radio format."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161104/new-franklin-radio-station-may-hit-airwaves

Franklin TV, located at 23 Hutchinson St
Franklin TV, located at 23 Hutchinson St


"In a tentative decision published Friday evening, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) said it approved Exelon’s petition to expand the company’s Summer Street power plant. 
The nine-member state board is the determining authority as to whether the project can proceed. 
In an email Friday afternoon, Peter Lorenz, communications director for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said the tentative decision is “a recommended decision” prepared by the siting board staff for the board's consideration and is not the board’s final decision. 
“The issuance of the tentative decision follows months of public hearings, review of over one hundred comment letters and briefs submitted and evidentiary hearings,” he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161104/medway-state-oks-exelon-plant-expansion

Thursday, May 19, 2016

In the News: cadet gets wings, SJC ruling added to Exelon file, vacation bible school, substance abuse talk scheduled, Upton schedules pipeline forum

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Cadet Matthew Williams, 18, of Franklin, received his Silver Pilot Wings recently from squadron commander Maj. Theodore Johnson at a meeting of the Lt. Col. Frank Pocher Minuteman Civil Air Patrol Squadron in Marlborough.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160518/franklin-resident-receives-silver-pilot-wings


"A state Supreme Judicial Court ruling that the state Department of Environmental Protection regulations do not fulfill requirements of a 2009 global warming law have been added to Exelon’s project file with a state board. 
The ruling, which affirms the Global Warming Solutions Act, was sent to the Energy Facilities Siting Board, which is currently reviewing Exelon’s proposal to build a 200-megawatt expansion of their existing Summer Street facility in Medway. 
The Conservation Law Foundation, one of the parties involved in the SJC case, called the ruling “binding authority that is directly relevant to the Board’s decision” on Exelon’s proposal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160518/medway-sjc-ruling-sent-to-siting-board-exelon


"Vacation Bible School will take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 18-22 at Anglican Church of the Redeemer, 31 Hayward St. 
Children ages 3 to fifth grade are welcome."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160518/anglican-church-of-redeemer-to-host-bible-school



"Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and SAFE Coalition President James Derick will speak at the Franklin Odd Fellows Speaker's Forum Series Public Talk event "Substance Abuse in 'Our Community'" at 7 p.m. June 20 at the Dean College Campus Center's Atrium, 99 Main St. 
The event will include a discussion on opioid addiction, substance abuse, addiction, government response and healing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160518/rep-jeffrey-roy-to-speak-at-substance-abuse-event


"Officials are holding a forum next week to hear comments about a proposed gas pipeline, which, if built, would pass through Upton. 
Members of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Health, Planning Board, Green Community Committee and Conservation Commission will attend the discussion on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Main Hall at the Town Hall to discuss the proposed Access Northeast project."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160518/upton-holding-pipeline-forum


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

In the News: school calendar, rail trail road race, lawsuit dismissed, Exelon PILOT approved

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The School Committee will soon decide whether to abridge February vacations in coming years.
 
The committee is scheduled to meet tonight and scheduled to take action on the school calendar. The changes, if enacted, would not take effect until the 2017-2018 school year; next year's calendar has already been set. 
Two proposals - put forward by a calendar subgroup - will be considered, though the committee can change the calendar however it sees fit. 
The first option would retain current practices. School would begin on Aug. 30, 2017 and the district would reach the required 180 days on June 13, 2018. Both February and April vacations would remain intact under the proposal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/franklin-school-calendar-decision-expected-tonight

The current two calendar options can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/fy-2017-2018-school-calendar-options.html

Parmenter School early in the morning
Parmenter School early in the morning


"The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will host a race this weekend, in an attempt to raise money and develop the trail within the towns.
 
Those taking part in the event - scheduled to take place on Saturday morning at the Remington Middle School - have several options; a 5K race, a five-mile run or a 1.5-mile walk."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/franklin-rail-trail-race-set-for-saturday


"A U.S. District Court judge has again decided not to reconsider dismissing a local family's lawsuit against the town of Franklin and local police officers. 
In the decision announced Monday, Judge Richard Stearns affirmed his decision that ended, without prejudice, a suit filed by plaintiffs Amy and Jeffrey DeLucia against the town, Police Chief Stephan Semerjian and five police officers. 
The family had claimed several acts of police misconduct, including a physical attack in which Jeffrey DeLucia suffered broken bones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/franklin-lawsuit-dismissal-against-town-officers-upheld


"Without much discussion regarding a hotly-debated topic among residents and town officials for the better part of a year, residents at Annual Town Meeting passed a $75.2 million tax agreement for Exelon’s proposed power plant expansion. 
The agreement, a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT), has Exelon, which is proposing a 200-megawatt, two-turbine expansion at its Summer Street power plant, paying the town that amount over a 20-year period. 
Annual payments begin at just more than $3.8 million and drop to just under $3.5 million by year 20 of the agreement, according to the PILOT."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/exelon-pilot-breezes-by-medway-town-meeting

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

In the News: Exelon traffic to be minimal, two arrested for car breakins

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Exelon’s proposed 200-megawatt expansion of the power generation company’s existing Summer Street facility is not expected to cause any traffic impacts, engineers said at the Planning and Economic Development Board’s Tuesday meeting. 
Bob Michaud of MDM Transportation Consultants, a firm hired by Exelon, said the site will produce a less than a one-percent increase over existing traffic volumes during peak commuter hours. 
Exelon’s proposal to use fuel oil as a backup to natural gas – the primary fuel source - will result in a maximum of five vehicle trips over an hour, Michaud said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160503/medway-exelon-says-traffic-impact-minimal



"Two men were arraigned in Wrentham District Court Monday after being arrested in Franklin on suspicion of breaking into cars. 
Lukas Montano, 19, of 237 Monument Valley Road in Great Barrington, and Zachary Mendes, 18, of 11 Country Lane in Berkley, pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering a vehicle during the nighttime for a felony, larceny of more than $250 and receiving stolen property. Bail for each was set at $1,000."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160503/franklin-teens-charged-with-breaking-into-cars

Thursday, April 28, 2016

In the News: Franklin denied intervener, Lynch appointed Chief, close to new school calendar, reduce fare evasions



"Although a state board as ruled that Franklin can participate as a limited participant in the remainder of the proceedings regarding Exelon’s proposed expansion, the town has been denied intervener status. 
The written April 26 ruling comes more than four months after the state Energy Facilities Siting Board, at an evidentiary hearing regarding the proposed plant, orally ruled that the town would not be granted “full party status.” 
After the oral ruling on Dec. 15, the town’s representatives left the hearing and did not appear for any of the other hearings, according to the document posted on Tuesday. 
The deadline for filing for intervener status was June 25, 2015, and the Franklin Planning Board – not the Town Council - was issued notice of a public hearing on the project on May 21, but Franklin hand-delivered its petition to intervene on the third day of hearings on Dec. 11, according to the document."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/exelon-board-denies-franklin-intervener-status


"The Town Council decided after brief discussion Wednesday to name Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch as it next chief of police. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting recommended Lynch to the position at the council's meeting, noting that Chief Stephen Semerjian would be leaving in the summer. 
"After almost four years, our current chief will be retiring on June 30," he said. "We did a posting, with interviews, and Deputy Chief Lynch is my recommendation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/lynch-named-franklin-police-chief


"After a review of the district calendar, the School Committee will consider two proposals at its next meeting. 
A subcommittee - convened to examine the matter after several particularly snowy years prompted the discussion - presented its findings at Tuesday's meeting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/franklin-decision-nears-on-school-calendar


"Keolis Commuter Services pitched a plan Monday to reduce fare evasion and make buying tickets easier on the MBTA commuter rail. 
In a survey conducted earlier this year, Keolis found that 15 to 20 percent of commuter rail passengers are traveling on the wrong fare or have not purchased a ticket at all, costing the system as much as $35 million a year, according to a press release from the company. Much of the problem lies with the open design of the current fare system."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/keolis-announces-plan-to-cut-commuter-rail-fare-evasion

Friday, April 1, 2016

In the News: Chapter 90 road funds, peaker plant gets one State approval, Franklin arrested for bad checks

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin


"Cantoreggi said Franklin would receive just shy of $1 million under the Baker’s budget that will go to putting in new water lines and rebuilding roads. 
The Northgate neighborhood, Cleveland area and Summer Street are expected to be reconstructed. 
Like Milford, any additional money would benefit Franklin. 
“If the additional money comes through, typically what we do is preventative maintenance, which would be crack sealing and chip sealing. It is not necessarily the most glamorous type of work, but it makes the roads last a lot longer,” said Cantoreggi."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/milford-franklin-towns-counting-on-highway-money-from-state

Road construction on East Central St is currently funded with a State grant
Road construction on East Central St is currently funded with a State grant


A state official has given the environmental go-ahead to energy company Exelon to expand, but the firm still needs another key state board's approval to build. 
Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Michael Beaton said Exelon’s Final Environmental Impact Report “adequately and property complies” with the state Environmental Protection Act. 
“The project has been clearly described and presented, its impacts have been identified, feasible alternatives to the project have been analyzed commensurate with the project’s purpose and need, and the (report) includes clear commitments to mitigate (d)amage to the (e)nvironment,” Beaton wrote in the March 18 certificate which was posted on the state Department of Public Utilities website this week.


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/medway-state-executive-oks-exelon-expansion



"A Franklin man was arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court on charges of larceny and forging several checks stolen from a relative, authorities say. 
Michael J. Boudreau, 25, of 951 Pond St., faces two counts of forging a check, two counts of attempting to commit a crime and uttering (passing) a false check."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/franklin-man-arrested-for-bogus-checks

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

In the News: Faces of Recovery concert, turnpike toll booths going away, peaker plant gets water from Millis

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

A local group aimed at fighting substance abuse will be holding a concert this weekend to share treatment stories and further reach out to the community. 
The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) is slated to host a "Faces of Recovery" concert on Sunday at Franklin's Black Box Theater. The event will run from 5 to 9 p.m.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160328/franklin-coalition-to-host-recovery-awareness-concert


The state is looking for an OK from the town's Conservation Commission to tear down the toll booths and a building at the intersection of the Mass. Pike and Interstate 495 later this year, and restore the area to open space.
 
The Exit 11A toll plaza demolition and improvement project is part of the implementation of All Electronic Tolling, which eliminates the traditional toll booth system in favor of drive-under electronic toll collectors at various points on the highway, charging for distance rather than the number of exits traveled. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation expects the new system with 15 checkpoints to be in use by October.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160328/hopkinton-dot-prepares-to-demolish-toll-booths



Selectmen Monday voted to move forward with the potential sale of water to Exelon after a committee concluded that the sale is feasible. 
The Drinking Water Committee last week approved motions to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that they move forward with negotiations and planning to sell water to Exelon for its 200-megawatt expansion in Medway.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20160328/millis-selectmen-ok-exelon-water-talks



Thursday, March 24, 2016

In the News: Eversource in trouble, Millis expected to provide water



"There were more tough words for Eversource from the Planning and Economic Development Board as the power distribution company asked the board to speed up the public hearing process and issue a decision on the company's proposed upgrade of a facility on West Street. 
At the board’s Tuesday meeting, the company discussed additional material it submitted as part of its application to build two prefabricated 15-by-64-foot control buildings. 
Mary Kate Shneeweis, an engineer with Beals and Thomas who is also working on the Exelon project to build a 200-megawatt expansion on the Summer Street property, detailed landscaping and other plans that the company had yet to file last month when it first met with the board. 
The company was issued a cease and desist in January after they began construction of a retaining wall without filing a site plan application with the town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/medway-eversource-asks-for-speedy-decision


"The Drinking Water Committee is expected to recommend that the Board of Selectmen enter into negotiations with Exelon and Medway to pump 48,000 gallons of water per day into Medway’s system for Exelon’s use. 
Exelon, which proposed a 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street power plant, will require an average of 95,000 gallons of water per day to help control emissions from the two power-generating turbines proposed to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). 
The EFSB, the sole permitting authority for energy infrastructure in the state, is expected to issue a decision later this spring or early summer."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/millis-committee-to-recommend-exelon-water-sale

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

In the News: Class of 1966 looking for classmates; Exelon hearings begin in Medway

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin


"The Franklin High School Class of 1966 will hold its 50th class reunion June 3-5. 
The class seeks the following classmates: Warren Bennett, Joseph Boucher, David Calzolari, Nancy Cheyunski, Sandra Cosma, Jean Costello, Patricia Cunningham, Valerie DeLorenzo, Margaret Farrell, Charles Fowler, Constance Grime, Elizabeth Hagopian, Clifford Jones, Joseph Kelly, Charles Kimball, Robin Lister, Sheila Lynch, Donald McPherson, Leo Mastromatteo, Thomas McGuire, Susan Monier, Sharon Mullen, Anthony Parlin, Donna Paturzo, Jorge Pinzon, Anthony Pitasi, Susan Poellmitz, Charles Rosen, Jacqueline Shaw, David Sussan and Allan Thornton. 
To report information, call 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/frankling-high-school-class-of-1966-seeks-classmates



"Exelon presented its site plan application to the Planning and Economic Development Board Tuesday, a major step in the company’s proposal to build a 200-megawatt expansion of the company’s Summer Street power plant. 
Eric Las, an engineer with Beals and Thomas, the engineering firm retained by Exelon, provided a general overview of the project. 
The plant would operate during high-usage periods, mainly in hot summer and cold winter months. 
During construction, there will be a staging area, and several trees originally meant to provide screening from West Street will be removed, Las said, adding that after construction, the area will be regrown."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/medway-planning-board-begins-exelon-hearings

Saturday, March 19, 2016

In the News: DelCarte playground repairs scheduled, Medway board to consider site design

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, speaking at last week's Town Council meeting, said officials have met with the playground manufacturer. 
"We had a very productive meeting," he said. "They made a proposal to move forward on testing the concrete and the soil, and to come back and disassemble a portion of it and weld it back together, so it doesn't keep popping from the ice." 
Nutting said company representatives expect they can do the work at the end of April - assuming the weather is fair. The job would take two or three days. 
"They'll bear all expenses in this matter," he said. "Any final decision would be contingent on having a warranty, so we're not doing this over and over again."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160318/franklin-playground-repair-work-slated-for-april

  DelCarte playground - closed for repairs scheduled for the end of April
DelCarte playground - currently closed for repairs that are scheduled for the end of April

Medway Planning and Economic Development Board meeting


"Exelon’s project represents a much larger proposal at a cost of about $240 million, according to an environmental report. 
The company hopes to build a 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street power plant, which currently only produces about 117 megawatts of energy via three oil-fired turbines. 
Two new turbines are proposed, along with two 160-foot-tall stacks, a 1-million-gallon fuel oil tank, a 500,000-gallon water tank, a 450,000-gallon demineralized water tank and a 12,000-gallon aqueous ammonia storage tank. 
The board is restricted to only dealing with engineering and site design issues, as the state Energy Facilities Siting Board has the final say as to whether the company can build."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160318/exelon-eversoure-to-dominate-board-meeting-march-22

Friday, March 18, 2016

In the News: blood drives scheduled, Millis approaching decision on water

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April. 
The next opportunities to donate will be from 2 to 7 p.m. April 7 at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St.; and from 2 to 7 p.m. April 11 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St. 
Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring. 
To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160317/american-red-cross-announces-upcoming-blood-drives



"A town committee is expected to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen later this month on whether the town should sell water to Exelon for the company’s proposed Medway expansion. 
On Monday, the Drinking Water Committee, which has met on the issue several times, will be reviewing the final report from Kleinfelder – the engineering firm hired by Millis and paid for by Exelon – on the feasibility of the sale. 
According to the report, the sale is possible, as the town’s water supply “appears to be adequate” to meet projected water demand, including from Exelon and other developments."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160317/millis-closing-in-on-exelon-request

Thursday, March 17, 2016

In the News: audit report to Town Council, Medway BOH asks about Exelon wells

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The town's finances are in order, according to an audit by the accounting firm Melanson Heath. 
The results of the report - which covered 2015 - were discussed at last week's Town Council meeting. Accountant Frank Biron presented the findings. 
"The bottom line is that the numbers really did not change very much," he said. "They were strong numbers a year ago, and they remain strong this year." 
The most important number in the report, Biron said, is the town's unassigned fund balance - money not committed to other purposes - which was at $9,686,850."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160316/franklin-town-council-hears-positive-audit-report

For the Franklin Matters reporting on the Town Council meeting 3/9/16
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/from-financial-audit-to-mandatory.html

DelCarte playground closed at least until the end of April when repairs will be made
DelCarte playground closed at least until the end of April when repairs will be made


"The Board of Health will be sending a letter to the state Department of Environmental Protection asking that the department provide the town with assurance that a power plant planning an expansion will not draw down the town’s access to water. 
The concern comes after the plant, Exelon, asked the Board of Health to sign off on a second well, that along with another well, could withdraw an annual average of 51,840 gallons per day. 
Board member Jordan Warnick said the board is concerned that the two wells, combined with the potential use of 45,000 gallons of water per day from Millis, could upset the town’s aquifer."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160316/medway-health-board-questions-exelon-wells

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

In the News: tax bills rise, Exelon questions Franklin, Vallee elected vice-chair

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Property tax bills for the average homeowner would rise $118 after the Town Council set the rate at its set Dec. 8 session. 
The council set the fiscal 2016 tax rate at $14.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The rate actually dropped from fiscal 2015's $14.84, but property values have increased, meaning most bills will increase.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151215/NEWS/151217375/1994/NEWS


Exelon is questioning Franklin’s motive in filing to intervene in the permitting process of the company’s proposed power plant expansion, arguing that the town is driven by the possibility of a large settlement rather than environmental concerns. 
In a legal brief filed with the state Energy Facilities Siting Board late Monday, Exelon, in response to Franklin filing a petition to intervene, called attention to an Oct. 7 meeting of the Franklin Town Council, at which members briefly discussed the plant.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151215/NEWS/151217348/1994/NEWS


The Town Council elected Robert Vallee as its new vice-chairman last week, after a recount delayed its reorganization by nearly a month. 
Vallee, who had previously served as chairman, was named to the vice-chairmanship on a 5-4 vote.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151215/NEWS/151217346/1994/NEWS

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

In the News: Medway objects, testing transition

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"In a letter to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board, Medway said it opposes Franklin’s intervention in the board’s permitting of Exelon’s proposed expansion of the existing power plant on Summer Street. 
The letter, written by Jeffrey Bernstein, a lawyer hired to represent the town in all dealings with Exelon, called into question the Franklin’s reasons for participation, calling them legally insufficient “to allow the late filing of a petition to intervene nearly six months” after the deadline to intervene in June. 
“The town of Medway has significant concerns about the veracity of statements made both in the Town of Franklin’s filings and the affidavit in support thereof,” Bernstein wrote."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151217920/1994/NEWS


"The Franklin School District is in the midst of transitioning from the MCAS test to PARCC, and school officials said local students performed well in both this past year. 
Assistant Superintendent Joyce Edwards noted that students outperformed the state in PARCC, but said the test itself is not in its final form. 
"It takes a very long time until a new test is fully tested and validated," she said. "I think it will be a few years before the data is completely reliable."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151217926/1994/NEWS

Monday, December 14, 2015

In the News: Franklin intervenes on Medway power plant, Laflamme to perform in Seussical

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Although a state board’s hearings on a proposed expansion of Exelon’s power plant in Medway are underway, Franklin has filed a petition to become the fifth intervener in the process. 
In its petition to intervene with the state Energy Facilities Siting Board in its process of permitting Exelon’s proposed project, the town said it is “substantially and specifically” affected by the plant. 
According to the petition, filed Thursday, the proposed 200-megawatt expansion of the 117-megawatt Summer Street facility would be located less than 3,000 feet from the Franklin town line “and may potentially have a number of significant impacts to Franklin and its residents…”

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151218332/1994/NEWS

If you want to see the set of documents as filed to intervene, follow this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/motion-for-leave-to-file-late-petition.html


Sara Laflamme, of Franklin, will perform in the ensemble during Bridgewater State University Family Performing Arts Center’s production of “Seussical.” 
The performances will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 9 and 16; and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 and 17 in the Rondileau Campus Center Auditorium, 19 Park Avenue, on campus at Bridgewater State University.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151219265/1994/NEWS