Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts

Thursday, April 23, 2020

FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)

FM #251 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 251 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how the Planning work, along with that of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals is making progress in this new ‘normal’ of the pandemic world and virtual meetings.

Much of the current meeting agendas cover projects or matters that were already underway. They have held off on initiating new projects with public hearings for now. The fear is to be able to conduct business in this new manner and not have the results later challenged.

Our discussion also covers the major projects (Master Plan update, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Economic Plan from MAPC, etc.) and how these currently are delayed until how to incorporate public access including for those hearing impaired individuals. How do their needs get met via a Zoom meeting?

Attempting to end the conversation on other than a down note, we also talked about the Franklin Downtown Partnership efforts and other good opportunities that are rising to attempt to fill the gaps.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Bryan.  Audio file https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrXph087




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Planning Board  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board
Zoning Board of Appeals  https://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals
Conservation Commission  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
Dept of Planning and Community Development
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)
FM #251 Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development 4/16/20 (audio)

Friday, April 17, 2020

In the News: food pantry needs donations; guidelines for states to reopen

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

food pantry needs donations
“We expect that we’ll see the numbers continue to grow, because of people losing their jobs, and unemployment benefits taking time to kick in,” Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Lynn Calling said.

In addition to new clients, the Franklin pantry is seeing the return of people who had previously stopped needing its services.

“When we open up at 9:30 (a.m.), there is sometimes a line of cars,” she said. “Usually the first hour or so we are pretty busy. The Police Department has been helping us out with traffic control.”

DeAngelo said he thinks some of the increase is also because local churches and other organizations that offer free suppers can no longer do so."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200416/amid-spike-in-clients-food-pantries-in-metrowest-milford-area-need-donations-volunteers

Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/



guidelines for states to reopen
President Donald Trump is set to issue new guidelines to states on Thursday aimed at easing social distancing restrictions and reopening parts of the country as the U.S. grapples with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

States will have to meet a certain set of “medical metrics” before they can feel safe reopening, according to the guidelines provided by senior administration officials. The officials did not provide details on metrics, but stressed that they are “recommendations” and provide governors and local leaders with flexibility.

The president has said that some states could lift restrictions, send people back to work and open schools before the current guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus end May 1.

https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200416/trumps-new-guidelines-for-states-are-aimed-at-reopening-parts-of-us-lifting-coronavirus-restrictions

CDC "Work for America" plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KFiHXRQvTXCScL9J450JIfkdqbEYXGwg/view?usp=sharing

White House "Opening Up America Again" Plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jt_nLvQAfmMVh2_X0mU5ASQYn40iWcLG/view?usp=sharing




Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

Lifelong Community Learning is pleased to announce a special one-night expert panel discussion – "Enhancing Your Economic Security". The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at Franklin High School is FREE and open to the public but registration is required. 

Whether you are part of the “Sandwich Generation” caring for both your children and your parents, or just trying to plan your next life stage, we’ve got you covered with this interactive panel discussion. We will discuss how to find a balance between competing financial priorities, help you plan ahead, and give you ways to cope with current obligations as well as future possibilities. 

Panel members will include a senior services expert, a financial advisor, a realtor, an investment manager, an attorney, and a visiting nurse practitioner.
After the presentation, participants will have a opportunity to meet the panelists one-on-one while refreshments are served.

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7
Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Choices: Candidate Query or Visioning Workshop today

Two tough choices to make today both in regards to Franklin's future. One helping to determine what town goals around economic development we should consider. The other helping to share more about the candidates in the Biennial Election scheduled for Nov 5.

Candidate Query

Franklin in Focus, a nonpartisan organization focused on bringing information about town issues and town government to the public, is sponsoring an evening with the candidates running for office in the upcoming November 5 town election. 

The Franklin in Focus Candidate Query will be held October 22, 2019, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center. The public is invited but seating is limited, so please reserve. 

Due to time constraints, only candidates in competitive races will attend: Constable, School Committee, and Town Council. 

The program will be recorded and broadcast by Franklin TV.




The format will ensure that each candidate gets to speak on each of the questions asked. 
  • A lottery will determine order of candidate responses. 
  • The first candidate will get 2 minutes to answer the question. 
  • Each other candidate will get 1 minute to add to or differentiate from the prior answers. 
  • Each candidate will get to take a lead on a question. 
  • Each candidate will also be allowed a summary or closing statement at the end of all the questions.
Constables, then Town Council, followed by School Committee


RESERVE YOUR TICKET
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-in-focus-candidate-query-tickets-74766800513


WHEN: Tuesday, Oct 22, 2019 - 6:30 to 8:30 PM
WHERE: Franklin Senior Center



Franklin in Focus: Candidate Query - Oct 22
Franklin in Focus: Candidate Query - Oct 22

Visioning Workshop
"The Town of Franklin and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will hold an economic development visioning workshop for residents from 6-8:30 p.m. next Tuesday in the third-floor training room of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St.

The public comment session will feature a presentation by an MAPC representative on goals of the town and MAPC’s development project and the current state of economic activity in Franklin.

The town and the MAPC are undertaking a business development strategy to support business growth in Franklin’s three strategic growth locations: the downtown Franklin Commercial District; the Crossing (near Union and Cottage streets); and the Mixed Business Innovation District (near Fisher and Hayward streets).

The main goal of that project is to increase the economic activity within those older commercial areas and the town as a whole. The resulting market analysis will guide the development of a business recruitment and retention strategy including the future creation of business recruitment materials to capitalize on the market potential of these districts."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191018/franklin-hosts-development-workshop-on-tuesday

Get your copy of the flyer
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/econ._dev._event_10222019_flyer.pdf

Economic Development Workshop Tuesday
Economic Development Workshop Tuesday

Saturday, October 12, 2019

MBTA's Rail Vision Update: Open House and Presentation on Wednesday, October 23




MBTA's Rail Vision Update: Open House and Presentation on Wednesday, October 23
Dear Rail Vision Subscribers,

The MBTA and MassDOT invite you to participate in a Rail Vision Open House and Presentation. It will take place on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Transportation Board Room at 10 Park Plaza (2nd floor). The goal of the event is to provide updates on the results of the analysis for the Rail Vision alternatives, while gathering input from riders and non-riders alike on these futures.

The first half-hour will be an Open House format, with maps, boards describing the service alternatives, and providing an opportunity for discussion with the study team. There will be a presentation at 6:00 PM, followed by Q&A.

Please share the meeting information as widely as you can with your organizations, communities and contacts. It is posted on the project website (https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision).

Just a reminder as well that the Advisory Committee meets on Friday, October 18, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, also in the Transportation Board Room at 10 Park Plaza, 2nd floor. Public comment is welcome at the end of the meeting.

The Rail Vision Team


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of the: Massachusetts Department of Transportation · 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160 · Boston, MA 02116 877-623-6846 GovDelivery logo

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Senator Spilka: Join Me Tuesday, June 25 - MetroWest Economic Development Planning Council Engagement Session



MetroWest Economic Development Planning Council Engagement Session
You are cordially invited to join

Senate President Karen Spilka, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and
Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy

for a

MetroWest Economic Development Planning Council Engagement Session

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Time: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Location: Framingham State University
McCarthy Center Forum Room
100 State Street, Framingham
Please join me, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy as well as municipal officials, legislators, and community and business leaders for a MetroWest regional engagement session to inform the Baker-Polito Administration's economic development strategy over the next four years.

The engagement session is an opportunity to connect with local economic development leaders on their priorities as the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development writes a new Economic Development Plan to be signed by the Governor at the end of this year.

Please contact my office at 617-722-1500 if you have any questions.
Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | 617-722-1500 | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov www.karenspilka.com

Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133

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Friday, March 1, 2019

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development

The Department of Planning & Community Development (DPCD) maintains a professional staff that provides the Town of Franklin with a wide array of planning services. DPCD’s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulfill the land use-related goals of the people of Franklin. We make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic, cultural and social vitality.

The DPCD’s staffing reflects the diverse skills needed to complete the many activities and roles the Department participates. DPCD’s activities and services include, but are not limited to comprehensive planning, economic development, subdivision plan, site plan and conservation plan review, open space and wetlands preservation, historic preservation, zoning by-law and subdivision regulation development, downtown revitalization, brownfields redevelopment, affordable housing, public transportation, transit oriented development, and sustainable development including use of smart growth and low impact development concepts. The Department regularly identifies and sources funding for various community development projects and activities. DPCD balances its approach to these initiatives through long-term planning and public participation.

Support of Town Boards, Commissions and Committees
DPCD personnel provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Technical Review Committee, and the Cultural District Committee.

Approximately 65 percent of the Department’s total staff hours are utilized on Planning Board and Conservation Commission related issues. In addition, DPCD staff occasionally provides professional technical assistance to other public entities including Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Council’s Economic Development Sub-committee, and various ad hoc committees including the Town’s Master Plan Committee.

Site Permitting and Guidance
DPCD is not a permit granting authority; its function during the permitting process is to integrate laws, regulations and plans with the Town’s goals to ensure that the best interests of the Town and its residents are served. DPCD personnel organize and attend meetings, provide technical assistance, offer professional opinions, and guide developers, businesses and residents through the Town’s various permitting processes.

Conservation and Land Use
DPCD provides support to the Conservation Commission, as provided by MGL Chapter 131, Section 40. Conservation Staff, specifically the Town’s Conservation Agent, is responsible for speaking for the Conservation Commission when they are not present (see separate Conservation Commission Report). Although not a permit authority, the Conservation Agent does have limited police powers to regulate already approved Conservation Commission activities, stop unauthorized activities, and promote and protect the natural resources of Franklin and its wetlands, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes and watersheds. In addition, Conservation staff provides administrative support and reviews applications being presented to the Conservation Commission, as well as provides professional support to other Town Boards and Departments. During FY19 DPCD worked on various conservation and land use related projects.

Chapter 61 Properties.
During FY17 and FY18 DPCD staff, headed up by Conservation Agent George Russell, assessed privately-owned parcels within Franklin that are known as Chapter 61 parcels.
Chapters 61, 61A and 61B of Massachusetts General Law outline programs that require municipalities to reduce assessments of farm, forest and open space lands, provided the owners make a commitment to keep their lands in one or more of those uses. Should the owner of any of these parcels decide to remove them from their current tax status and offer them for sale, the town would have the right of first refusal. The parcels were evaluated in order to gain a greater understanding of which may be more prudent for the town to acquire, and to ensure that the Town gains the greatest benefit from its open space and recreation funds by objectively reviewing proposed land acquisition projects using established criteria.

Conservation Commission Managed Land.
During FY18, DPCD staff, again headed up by Conservation Agent George Russell, assessed the 125 Town-owned properties that are managed by the Conservation Commission. One result of the study was to identify parcels that could be utilized for passive recreation purposes, including the possibility of connecting Conservation properties with other public lands. DPCD continued to implement the Master Plan for the DelCarte Conservation area, including beginning the second year of pond treatments, and worked to procure the services of a contractor to construct ADA improvements to access the canoe launch. In addition, DPCD began the process of amending the Conservation Commission’s regulations and standard operating procedures to help streamline the approval process for "minor" projects.

Comprehensive Planning and Zoning
DPCD is responsible for traditional land-use related activities including updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws. A description of zoning and land use issues worked on by DPCD during the 2018 fiscal year is summarized below.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments.
During the 2018 fiscal year DPCD worked on amendment of several sections of Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw. Zoning Map Amendment 18-795 amended Franklin’s Zoning Map by changing the zoning district of two dozen parcels in area near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets. The Zoning Map Amendment eliminated the Commercial II Zoning District from that section of Town. Zoning Bylaw Amendments 17-797 changed the setback requirements for accessory buildings and structures. DPCD is undergoing a project to better define the Town's zoning districts by following parcel lines. Where parcels are within two or more zoning districts the subject Zoning Map Amendment will move the
Zoning District line so each parcel is only in one zoning district, in most cases based on the current land use. DPCD will develop roughly a dozen Zoning Map Amendments to complete this project. The first three, Zoning Map Amendments 18-802, 18-803 and 18-804, were developed in the last quarter of FY18.

Planning and Implementation of Community Development and Economic Development Projects
Each year the DPCD works on many community and economic development initiatives. The Department develops strategies, proposes policies, bylaw changes and Town Council resolutions, manages projects, and seeks grants in efforts to balance Franklin’s community livability and its economic viability. DPCD encourages responsible community
development that meets the goals and objectives of the Town’s various planning documents, and the State’s Sustainable Development and Smart Growth Principles. Some of DPCD’s more important recently completed or ongoing projects and initiatives are summarized below.

Regional Planning. 
DPCD attends meetings and works on various regional planning issues with a variety of regional organizations, including Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Southwest Advisory Planning Committee, I-495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, and the I-95/495 South Regional Technology Economic Target Area’s Coordinating Council. In addition, the DPCD occasionally supports the initiatives of other regional organizations including the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Friends of the SNETT, the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau, and a workforce development advisory committee established by Employment and Training Resources in Framingham. DPCD also provides support for the Charles River Meadowlands, an effort among citizens and officials from the Towns of Bellingham, Medway and Franklin, to work together and to work with Federal and State officials, to improve management and access of the Federally-owned meadowlands, and adjacent public lands.

Downtown Revitalization. 
For more than fifteen years the Town has made revitalization of Downtown Franklin a major focus and has worked to improve the Downtown in a variety of ways. The revitalization of Downtown Franklin must be carefully planned to ensure that improvements positively impact the entire community. During the 2018 fiscal year DPCD continued to work on projects related to implementation of the Franklin Center Plan, which was developed in 2002 and 2003 to provide Town officials with a vision and basic strategy for revitalization of Downtown Franklin. 

One component of the Franklin Center Plan is Cultural Uses. The issue of Cultural Economic Development has been a focus for DPCD in recent years, including working with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau on a variety of cultural economic development marketing activities. As part of these efforts DPCD provided assistance to the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee, a group of individuals and organizations working to increase the number of art and culture related events in the area, create a State designated Franklin Cultural District in Franklin center. 

The Cultural District Steering Committee has accomplished much; this group of hard working arts and culture advocates has: assisted DPCD with the Cultural District application process including development of a strong cultural district Partnership; worked hard to support art and culture programing; and even organized the annual Franklin Cultural Festival. Lovers of the arts in Franklin owe them a great deal for their passion and hard work. During recent years DPCD prepared Cultural District marketing materials, coordinated efforts with local stakeholders, and performed outreach and educational activities, including setting up booths and displays at various events.

A cultural district is a specific geographical area that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. It needs to be walkable, easily accessible, easily identifiable to visitors and residents, and serve as a center for cultural, artistic and economic activity. The goals of a Cultural District, as defined by the legislative statute, are to encourage business and job development, attract artists and cultural enterprises, establish the district as a tourist destination, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values, and foster local cultural economic development.

In June 2017 Franklin Town Council passed two resolutions that accomplished the following: created the Cultural District Committee; formally expressed Franklin’s interest in establishing a state-designated cultural district; endorsed state-sponsored cultural district goals; and endorsed submission of a Cultural District application. During FY2018 the Cultural District Committee was formed. DPCD provides the Committee with administrative and Technical support; during June 2018 the Town submitted a Cultural District application to Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Cultural District Committee’s responsibilities include applying for Cultural District designation, managing and marketing the District, assuring the Districts goals are obtained, and managing and strengthening the Town’s Cultural District Partnership.

Over the last few years a strong Partnership has formed in support of creating a state-designated cultural district in the Downtown area. The Cultural District Partnership includes many of Franklin’s well known organizations and businesses, including: Franklin’s School Department, Historic Commission, Public Library, Cultural Council, and Senior Center/COA; Franklin TV/Franklin Radio; Franklin Downtown Partnership; Dean College; Franklin Art Association; Franklin Performing Arts Company; the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse; and Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Town Properties. 
DPCD regularly works with the Administration and other Town departments to assess and develop recommendations for Town-owned parcels of land, including Tax Title Properties and lands of low value. Each year recommendations are developed for a number of these properties, and the work is submitted to the Town Administrator and Town Council for consideration. DPCD works regularly on a wide range of economic development projects and programs, and is one of DPCD’s top priorities, second only to providing excellent administrative and technical assistance to the Town’s boards, commissions and committees. Potential benefits to the Town from successful implementation of DPCD’s business retainage and attraction initiatives are significant. Efforts focus on increasing the value of Franklin’s commercial and industrial tax base, filling the Town’s empty and underutilized industrially zoned buildings, and attracting the right mix of companies to the community.

As part of efforts to market the Town of Franklin, DPCD staff maintains a site selection web page - franklinmasiteselector.com, and develops press releases, advertisements for industry periodicals, and economic development marketing brochures. DPCD regularly communicates with realtors, property owners and businesses to make them aware of State and Federal technical assistance programs and financial resources that can be made available to further their development, and to raise awareness of DPCD as a resource for local businesses. DPCD works regularly Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment and other agencies in efforts to attract the right mix of companies to Franklin’s industrial and commercial areas.

Redevelopment Projects. 
Redevelopment of Town owned properties is a regular DPCD activity. In recent years much progress has been made with three important Town-owned properties. Redevelopment of the former Municipal Building property at 150 Emmons Street was completed in FY17. The Town’s so-called Pond Street Property, former sewer beds, was sold to a developer in FY16, and construction of a condominium housing development is well on its way. 

The Town’s so-called “Nu-Style” Property on Grove Street, has been the subject of environmental assessment and remedial activities since 2006. The results of testing showed that to fully assess the property’s soil and groundwater contamination, a dilapidated former manufacturing building on site needs to be removed. During FY18 DPCD developed and the Town advertised a Request for Proposals, in attempt to find a company or individual to purchase, clean and redevelop the site. One proposal was received from an adjacent property owner, and the Town is working to execute a purchase and sale agreement.

DPCD will continue to undertake a wide range of community and economic development projects, programs, and planning initiatives that will keep the Town of Franklin’s goals and objectives current and representative of residents’ needs and desires. DPCD is proud of its accomplishments and welcomes public input on all of its efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,

Department of Planning & Community Development Staff.




You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development
Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Planning & Community Development

Saturday, February 23, 2019

On this date: Feb 23, 2011 - Long Range Financial Planning Committee meeting

I did live reporting from the Long Range Planning Committee meeting on Feb 23, 2011:

Live reporting - Long Range Financial Planning Committee

Present: Doug Hardesty, Deb Bartlett, Craig DiMarzio, Graydon Smith, Sue Rohrbach, Steve Whalen,
Absent: Jeff Nutting, Orrin Bean, John Hogan,  Ken Harvey, Tina Powderly

Approval of minutes - postponed to next meeting
Action items - none

Discussion:
Metrics and benchmarking - Steve Whalen (Vice Chair, Town Council)

background, research analyst for an investment banking firm
drawn in by a comment made by J Nutting at a meeting sometime ago; "a town's budget is a reflection of their values"
started collecting data, started with a map and filled in data for the communities around us
The DOR site is a tremendous source of info, so much data is available
came up with 30 communities
walking through the info on his comparison worksheet
color coded communities by single versus split tax rate
we have a low tax rate compared to other communities with either a split or single tax rate
we are 21st in comparison on the average tax bill (of the 30)
we are 26th on relative tax burden which is a comparison of tax rate to community wealth
we rank 28th in percent of local property tax contributing to the total community revenue
we rank 1st in the percent of state aid contributing to the total community revenue

Continue reading about the meeting and the introduction of the community comparison
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/02/live-reporting-long-range-financial_23.html

The five year forecast the Committee put together and completed (in 2012) has been updated and re-issued each year as part of the budget cycle.

The initial 2012 report:
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/files/financial-plan-committee-report-2012

The FY 2018-2022 version can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/five_year_fiscal_forecast_fy18_-_fy22.pdf

On this date: Feb 23, 2011 - Long Range Financial Planning Committee meeting
On this date: Feb 23, 2011 - Long Range Financial Planning Committee meeting


Saturday, February 16, 2019

MBTA's Rail Vision Update: Open House on Tuesday, March 5




MBTA's Rail Vision Update: Open House on Tuesday, March 5


The MBTA and MassDOT invite you to participate in a Rail Vision Open House


It will take place on Tuesday, March 5, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM in the Transportation Board Room at 10 Park Plaza (2nd floor). The goal of the event is to provide information on the seven service alternatives we are considering in Rail Vision, while gathering input from riders and non-riders alike on these futures.

The first hour will be an Open House format, where attendees can browse maps and boards describing the seven service alternatives and discuss questions and feedback with the study team. There will be a presentation at 5:30, followed by Q&A and then a return to the Open House format.



Please share the meeting information as widely as you can with your organizations, communities, and contacts. 

https://www.mbta.com/events/2019-03-05/rail-vision-open-house


For more information about Rail Vision, please visit the study website at 
  https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision

The Rail Vision Team

Friday, September 14, 2018

nationalgrid: Storm Season Safety: Are You Prepared?



Storm Season Alert: Important safety information for our customers. As storm season approaches, severe weather could impact our service territory, causing damage and threatening your safety. National Grid is ready, and we want to ensure that you and your family are prepared before the next storm hits.
To view this email as a web page, click here.
Storm Season Alert: Important safety information for our customers.
As storm season approaches, severe weather could impact our service territory, causing damage and threatening your safety. National Grid is ready, and we want to ensure that you and your family are prepared before the next storm hits.
Storm Safety Tips:
  • Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
  • It is a good idea to keep a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. It is also recommended to charge mobile devices prior to the storm so you can stay connected in the event of a power outage.
  • Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
Stay Connected:
  • Use your mobile device to track outage information, report outages and storm-related safety tips through National Grid's mobile site accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile
  • To receive text message alerts and updates from National Grid, text the word STORM to NGRID (64743).
  • Other ways to stay in touch: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram; we post all the latest storm and restoration updates.