Master Plan Update Committee sets additional subcmte sessions and final review before bringing to Planning Board (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met for under an hour on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. 10 members participated, 7 in Council Chambers, 3 remotely.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3yl_-0_Uvgc?si=ycbQ7gKYW1H2J3b2&t=84

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-december_4_2024-_with_minutes_to_approve.pdf

Quick recap:

• The 'final' draft is to be updated with comments and potential feedback, subcommittees need to review and coordinate where there are some potential conflicts
• Planning Board is the ultimate approval at Town level (they should actually be preparing the report) although Town Council does have approval before submittal to State
• Discussion on the nature of changes, some are potential, not all need to be considered, respectfully; i.e. if a Planning Board chair makes a suggestion how is it handled? It depends...
• Discussion on adding a subcommittee meeting to the schedule to review/process the changes, use of spreadsheet rather than updating the live
• doc directly. The full committee will decide on the individual changes before they are made. For example, the pedestrian, walk ability changes even if the doc doesn't have the exact wording, when the work required gets is actually getting done, the final regulations will need to be ADA compliant to whatever is the current standard
• Discussion on scheduling joint subcommittee meetings to resolve some around overlap items (Housing, Land Use)
• Likely another full Committee session in January before bringing to Planning Board/ Town Council; discussion on processing inputs and turning around before getting to the Planning Board, discussion reiterates the Master Plan Committee is charged with development of the 10 year plan 
• Suggestion to give the Planning Board a 'redline' view of the final changes, could be easier for Planning Board for their review. 
• Consensus on the full Committee to meet Jan 15 to vote on changes, Planning Board would get the final copy redlined on the 27th; meeting starts at the same time, 6:30 PM
• Chair thanks everyone for the work done this far, wishes all great holidays, Motion to adjourn, second, passes 10-0 via roll call

My full set of notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NLCQrQ5sHv274HqRzT1G01isgi61QG4o/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Update Committee sets additional subcmte sessions and final review before bringing to Planning Board (video)

Town Council approves tax rate at 11.62, authorize CSX land purchase, accept Elks Riders gift (audio)

FM #1322  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1322 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024.  9 members were present in Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• The Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosity

• The tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)

• Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modified

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of stars to enable the start of the purchase of the unused rail bed from CSX to extend the SNETT rail trail to the Crossing and access to downtown Franklin. The process still requires multiple approvals including at the Federal level but this could be very beneficial for economic development

• Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I; moved, second, discussion. The Hero Act added a new provision effective July 1, 2025. This is a Local acceptance statue enabling annual cost of living adjustments. The measure passed 9-0

• Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002; Moved, second, discussion; reduces required age from 70 to 65, increases ceiling on income levels, broadens ownership status, effectively beneficial for seniors that met these requirements. Thanks to recommendation from Max Morrongiello made earlier this year

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs a little over 3 hours.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1322-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-11-20-24/

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Franklin TV video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/LbYhD3Ak3-4?t=137 

The Town Council full agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf 

My set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEABusbIglE2ocUlB9eKZfgBa2U2q00h/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

• 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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Elks Riders present gift

Town Council approves tax rate at 11.62, authorize CSX land purchase, accept Elks Riders gift (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 in the Council Chambers with all 9 members present in person. 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LbYhD3Ak3-4?t=137

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf

Quick recap:

• The Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosity
• The tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)
• Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modified
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of stars to enable the start of the purchase of the unused rail bed from CSX to extend the SNETT rail trail to the Crossing and access to downtown Franklin. The process still requires multiple approvals including at the Federal level but this could be very beneficial for economic development
• Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I; moved, second, discussion. The Hero Act added a new provision effective July 1, 2025. This is a Local acceptance statue enabling annual cost of living adjustments. The measure passed 9-0
• Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002; Moved, second, discussion; reduces required age from 70 to 65, increases ceiling on income levels, broadens ownership status, effectively beneficial for seniors that met these requirements. Thanks to recommendation from Max Morrongiello made earlier this year

My full set of notes from the meeting in one PDF doc ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEABusbIglE2ocUlB9eKZfgBa2U2q00h/view?usp=drive_link

Elks Riders present gift

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, Monday, November 18, 2024 ???

Monday, November 18

7:00am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Petite Picassos (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Q&A (Franklin Public Library)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date:  Monday, November 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_18_2024_0.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, November 4, 2024 ???

Monday, November 4

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

4pm Doggie Tales (Franklin Public Library)

4pm Petite Picassos (Franklin Public Library)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Housing Authority agenda

Event Date:  Monday, November 4, 2024 - 4:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fha11-4-24.pdf

Planning Board Meeting

Event Date:  Monday, November 4, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_4_2024_0.pdf

Cultural Council agenda

Event Date:  Monday, November 4, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_cultural_council_agenda_monday_november_4_2024_use_1.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, October 21, 2024 ???

Monday, October 21

7:00am Fiber Art Installation  (Franklin Public Library)

8:00am Early Voting (Town Clerk's office, Municipal Bldg)

4:00pm Cruise Night in Franklin (Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza

4:00pm  5th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

6:30pm - Franklin Q&A (Franklin Public Library)

**   Town Meetings today   **

• Planning Board Meeting (Council Chambers & Broadcast)

Event Date:  Monday, October 21, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/agenda/planning-board-agenda-192

• Franklin Cultural Council agenda (3rd floor Trng Room)

Event Date:  Monday, October 21, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_cultural_council_agenda_monday_october_21_2024.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, July 8, 2024?

Monday, July 8

4:00pm Cruise Night in Franklin (Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza)

4:00pm Flying High Dogs (Franklin Public Library)

9:00pm The Great American Recipe - Franklin's Marcella DiChiara (PBS Channels)

**  Town Meetings today

• Planning Board Meeting

Event Date:  Monday, July 8, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_8_2024_1.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Planning Board Meeting of May 6 (video)

The Planning Board met as scheduled on Monday evening. Their meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room and broadcast from there. 

The video was moved to their playlist on the regular Town Hall Channel. As the Finance Committee meeting was in the Council Chambers the Planning Board was broadcast on the Educational channel. Franklin TV has the capability of broadcasting 3 events simultaneously, and fortunately that doesn't happen all that often.

Planning board session for May 6 ->  https://youtu.be/Y4DENLcYzx4?si=FLvnFhCQ75kfY9-d

Planning Board archive of meetings (playlist) -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNyv0AkVasIQke5CNZkM7XcSzaCBW4IID

Planning Board agenda and documents for the May 6 meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/446861

Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

Franklin Planning Board

Public Hearing Notice

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM and the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street (also available to be attended remotely) to consider amending Chapter 185, Section 5 of the Code of the Town of Franklin.

ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 24-905 

Zoning Map Amendment 24-905 (formerly 24-901) would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing parcels 313-061-000 and 313-062-000 parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, Chairman 

Franklin Planning Board 

Tom Mercer, Chairman

Franklin Town Council

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_24-905.pdf

Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

Public Hearing scheduled by the Planning Board for the Tri-County RVTHS new building - May 6

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall (and can also be attended remotely) on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Site Plan application titled “Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School” prepared by Stephen Powers of Samiotes Consultants Inc., Southborough, MA and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on April 9, 2024, by the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District, Franklin, MA.

The property is located in the Rural Residential II Zoning District (Assessors Map 259 Lot 004) at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School on 147 Pond Street. The Applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the existing school campus for a new school building and associated reconfigured vehicular and athletic areas.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, 

Chairman

Public Hearing scheduled by the Planning Board for the Tri-County VTHS new building - May 6

Voices of Franklin: Letter to Planning Board on Autumn Hill Development

Dear Town of Franklin Planning Board members,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Summer Street residents regarding the proposed senior living development that Bruce Hunchard of 496 Summer Street, Franklin is applying to build.

Seven years ago, the Summer Street Residents fought hard to prevent Bruce Hunchard from re-zoning his 11.85 acres so he could build cluster homes just like the ones built on the Franklin Country Club driving range.  He lost due to an overwhelming objection of the residents on his street, not to mention a gentleman from town standing up and addressing the members that he thinks re-zoning parcels is a great idea, because I have 5 acres next to you, you and you and I think I will  re-zone all of these parcels. Well, what do you know, this project immediately failed.

Now, seven years later the applicant wants to build a senior development which I believe due to a certain by-law amendment (01-461) adopted by the town this could be possible without the rezoning.

Hunchard is calling this a senior development.  Condominiums that will be 2- and 3-bedrooms, with a full basement and a two-car garage that will sell for $850,000 -$900,000 dollars quoted to me by the builder.  REALLY!!!!  Does this sound like a development for anyone 55 and older that has this kind of money.  In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors that are in need of affordable senior living.   

The project could net close to $45 million dollars or more. I find it interesting that a few of the town council members told me that there is a high demand for senior living because they can no longer afford to live in their single-family homes. Well, how on earth will they be able to afford these new homes.  They won't!!!  This is preposterous.  Not to mention Bruce Hunchard is the chairperson of the zoning board committee.  This is a total conflict of interest!!!!!!!

We understand that Stobbart Nurseries will soon be building 265 units with low-income housing available.  This would be a perfect spot to have a building designated to senior living so close to town.  I also know of a great location in the town of Franklin that would be perfect for senior living with no abutters to protest which is available and for sale.

To make matters worse, this proposed development abuts many, many acres of Franklin Town Forest.  This entire development is located on a very, very steep slope that goes down into Uncas Brook, which feeds Uncas Pond. The Summer Street Residents, as well as the Rod and Gun Club and Armenian Camp are extremely concerned that the Uncas Brook Watershed which contributes water to the wells and the pump house will be compromised after a majority of trees are removed, as well as this parcel of land having to be completely re-graded.  This will make huge and unfavorable changes to the basic hydrology and siltation regardless of any measures that will be taken to prevent this from happening.

This land is zoned Rural Residential, it is NOT zoned for cluster homes or so-called senior living.  It is out of control when town starts choosing rural residential locations for these types of homes.  They need to stick with the properly zoned locations for this type of building.  Why does Tim Jones who just recently purchased 488 Summer Street get to re-zone his property for this development?? As well as Bruce Hunchard re-zoning his home located at 496 Summer Street?

All of the Summer Street residents as well as the residents that live in the four developments off Summer Street respectively ask that this development not be passed at the April 8th meeting.

I would also like to mention that a rumor is circulating that I accepted a large sum of money from Bruce Hunchard not to protest this proposed development.  This is very upsetting and could not be further from the truth.

We all also feel that a visit to the site in person would be helpful for all to see.  You can call 508-542-1800 if you would like a tour of the site the weekend before the 4/8 meeting.

Thank you for your time, it is very much appreciated.

Sally French Winters and the Summer Street Residents of Franklin, MA.

• The Autumn Hill plans as submitted can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/autumn-hill-senior-village-488-and-496-summer-street-02022024
• The 5 post series on the original proposal for the Residential 7 zoning change referred to can be found http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

Voices of Franklin: Letter to Planning Board on Autumn Hill Development