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

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Town of Franklin, City of Beverly, City of Boston, and Town of Arlington, is collecting data from artists and creative workers to help municipalities respond to impacts of COVID-19 on artists, arts organizations, creative activity, and civic life. 

Please take five to ten minutes to fill out our survey to help the arts thrive in our region! We’ll use the results to assess the effect of COVID on artists and creative organizations and to create strategies for local governments to help.  

To learn more about the project visit  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/arts-indicators/

Action =>  Artists and creatives can respond to the survey    https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!
Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!


Saturday, January 16, 2021

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Quick Recap:
  • While this was the last of the 'listening sessions' the bulk of the meeting time was spent presenting an overview of housing in Franklin. The presentation was insightful and will be shared when made available.
  • Housing is one of the the key issues Franklin faces. The discussion will include the data points of this presentation, the demographics from the School study, the Market Study done by MAPC (from which these 'listening sessions' were started), and the realities of the post-pandemic world ahead of us. Keeping civil discourse with multiple threads and trying times will be a challenge but the end goal is required. Franklin needs to determine what it's housing goals will be.

For the time being photos of the slides shared during the meeting are all that is available. The doc is not part of the meeting agenda, nor if it has since been posted to the Town page, I have not found it. Once I do, I will share. Photos can be found in one folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KwjXyPtwuadMHsCF8

The audio of the meeting will be shared soon.


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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0113&src=typeahead_click

  • Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
  • Chair Melanie Hamblen opens meeting, runs thru the protocol statement as normal. #edc0113 Frongillo new member to subcommittee (replacing Chandler). Jones and Bissanti complete the 4 Council membership. Jamie touts the grant process deadline Friday
  • #edc0113 Economic Development legislation on Gov Baker's desk for approval. Bryan Taverner to review presentation on housing for Franklin.
  • #edc0113 housing slides and population slides (can't share all, will find doc to share - eventually)
  • More slides #edc0113
  • Getting to discussion on the legislation, not yet signed by Gov Baker; zoning change would be simple majority for Franklin 5 not the current 6 votes required. #edc0113 tenants right to purchase would be interesting for/if Franklin if chosen
  • After Council comments, question raised on how do you address the small business side and get better rents as many of them are too high. If the business can't afford, that would affect the residents affordability too. #edc0113
  • Could use a 'maker' or incubator type space for start ups, does require land/building owner to be willing to participate. #edc0113 new growth not likely to happen if affordability is mandated to be part of it, takes away their profit. Could renovate existing space
  • Residential complex downtown was all presold, to downsizers. Condo folks do want to walk to the restaurants downtown. Not much downtown now in pandemic. #edc0113 supply chain issues due to COVID, development in another Community shd be done now but due to supply issues
  • Inclusionary zoning was introduced for cities like Boston to invent development of private residence/condos Franklin at this time and foreseeable is not a good fit for this, numbers also speak to no rush to do something as we should be good thru 2030 #edc0113
  • Low income units are in shortage here and all other Communities around the state. Affordable housing is a higher market rate than low income, two separate needs, can't confuse them #edc0113 terms are important. Work force housing is another slice of affordability
  • "the rent for an affordable apartment is not really affordable" #edc0113 need to keep terms separate in that 'affordable' is a state housing designation and not to be confused with what 'affordable' is when used an adjective that is relative to each individual circumstance
  • Consensus is to get the housing plan done, there are many problems and that may require multiple solutions to address. Need to define the problems (or problems), agree on terms to be used, and then continue the discussion. #edc0113 motion to adjourn, via roll call 4-0
  • That's all for tonight, been a long one. Time for a walk and fresh air. Catch you next time #edc0113 
EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts
EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts


Monday, January 4, 2021

Interesting bits from the "Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020 Update"

To help your reading of the hazard mitigation plan, I have in my own reading captured some interesting tidbits. What do you find?

Other interesting bits (and where found):

  • "Notably, 25% of Franklin’s population lives alone, and 50% of those living alone are over 65 years old." (p13)
  • "Franklin relies on local groundwater sources for all of its public water supply" (p13)
  • "Although Franklin is not a coastal community, information on sea level rise is included as an important trend that has implications for the regional economy, and considering that Franklin is on the MBTA Commuter Rail line, and a number of local residents commute to jobs in Boston." (p25)
  • "Flooding was the most prevalent natural hazard identified by local officials in Franklin" (p30)
------
 
Did you know 46% of the land in Franklin is forest?
  • that 27.2% is residential?
  • that 10.6% is wetland?
  • that only 5.3% is classified as industrial/commercial
Check out the land use table on page 55 (Table #26)

------

The Hazard Mitigation Plan  2020 Update can be found online:  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_hazard_mitigation_plan_2020_update_-_pending_adoption.pdf


 

Interesting bits from the "Hazard Mitigation Plan  2020 Update"
Interesting bits from the "Hazard Mitigation Plan  2020 Update"

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Town Council Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Quick Recap:
  • CPA promoted during Citizens Comments
  • Two more sets of lot line clean ups approved by Council; sewer extension approved for single family residence
  • Citizen comment via landline phone added later as broadcast of number did not allow time to dial and address a comment. Question was effectively following up on a study of the DPW workforce and why there were so much turnover (and recently acknowledged 5 openings being filled). Study is being worked not received yet.
  • Presentation and discussion on Planning and Community Development Dept, which includes work by Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review, Technical Review and Conservation Commission (see agenda doc for link to presentation)
  • Meeting broadcast was interrupted with loss of sound just as they moved into the Legislation for action section. Apparently, the laptop in the Chamber lost connection and no audio was broadcast either live stream or Zoom (it controlled the Zoom session). Did return approximately 20 minutes later with some disconnected audio, then it seemed to synch properly to close out the meeting
  • Light for intersection of Grove and Washington coming (yah!), plans for rework all along Grove St talked of, timeline TBD.
  • Study of South Meeting House received and to be posted to web site
  • Drought status is worsening
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter cen be found in the album https://photos.app.goo.gl/4c91qnWNXfmPKigi8
 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1007
 
  • Getting ready for the next meeting; Town Council up at 7 PM, agenda and connection info in doc here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/10-07-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf… #tc1007
  • Multiple options to watch/listen to meeting; Comcast channel 11 or Verizon channel 29, also live streamed from town of Franklin page  https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream… as well as the Zoom info in doc linked earlier #tc1007  oh, and you can call in via phone as well!
  • #tc1007 Meeting opens
  • Citizen comments used by two Franklin folks to talk about the Community Preservation Act on the November ballot as ballot question #3. Webinar coming Oct 15 at 7 PM send email to cpa4franklin@gmail.com or visit http://cpaforfranklin.org for info #tc1007
  • Opening 2 hearings for lot line changes more in the series of clean up. #tc1007 parcels were in multiple zones and being moved to a single zone. No material impact to current owners (had my own lot line cleaned up previously)
  • Clarification questions on reading the map and which way the zone changes would go. One question was for a lot not part of this set of changes #tc1007 only changes the lots split, if lots weren't split not part of the change. Q on mixing changes, attorney approves this use case
  • #tc1007 single family house with failing septic, had been here previously (Sep) looking for a private extension for the one house; hearings closed
  • Reopening citizen comments for one who dialed via phone but couldn't do so fast enough to get into that section of the meeting. Comment on the study of the DPW mentioned previously: 5 open positions. Will the study be available?  #tc1007
  • Bryan Taberner of Planning and Community development here to do  presentation on their work #tc1007
  • Support conservation and planning issues, #tc1007 Planning Board elected positions
  • Lots of variety in applications submitted #tc1007
  • Q to clarify some of the categories
  • Q on who does the inspection of these plans and approvals, contracted with Beta to do so. #tc1007 Beta's report comes back thru channels for decision. Q on bond holding process re: enforcement for subdivision yes, site plan no
  • Attny Cerel comments on the covenant process for the subdivisions, various methods of surety (cash, etc) #tc1007 pros, cons and things change overtime with the market place
  • There are a few problem areas that remain unresolved. #tc1007 Jen Delmore, conservation agent takes this part of the presentation
  • #tc1007 clarification on types of work covered and required for ConCom
  • ConCom has an open position, looking for a volunteer. Design review commission support provided by dept. Covers all sign requirements. #tc1007 makes recommendations to Planning Board
  • #tc1007 Q when dealing with a franchise (Wendy's, etc) how do they handle them? Are their hands tied? Attny Cerel to weigh in on this in absence of others who may be out due to power outages around this evening
  • Comprehensive planning, zoning bylaws, master plan review should be started in 2023 for approval in 2025 or so. Hazardous plan in review with MA before going to FEMA, will ultimately require Town Council endorsement #tc1007
  • #tc1007 (just photos)
  • SNETT trail tunnel almost complete, 'complete streets' project coming #tc1007  use of TIFs is great, three used so far Hamilton, Cold chain, and Tegra Medical... https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/a._planning_and_conservation_presentation_web.pdf
  • Detail doc on master plan updates https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/masterplan_update_materials.pdf
  • #tc1007
  • Oops, just lost audio from meeting on both live stream and Zoom session #tc1007  (08:15 PM)
  • Meeting continues so they are not aware of our no sound status #tc1007
  • FYI the chamber lost connection and are working on it. #tc1007 (08:25 PM)
  • 5 minutes recess called #tc1007
  • They're back albeit with gaps in the audio more than a normal voice pause, phrases being missed. Oh well. We'll do what we can #tc1007  (08:33 PM)
  • Picking up with the authorization for fixing the intersection at Grove/Washington Sts (yah!) #tc1007 revenue from the cannabis companies coming would help to pay for this work, check the details in memo https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/resolution_20-59_borrowing_authorization_-_washington_and_grove_streets_0.pdf
  • Did apply for MassWorks grant for repaving of Grove St up to Kenwood Circle, need to get this and other pieces together to do the work in 2021. #tc1007
  • Still in drought and additional measures coming to help conserve water supply. #tc1007 museum may open before election. Should get an update each meeting.
  • We are in a drought, it could get really serious, forecast doesn't show help coming soon. #tc1007
  • Could we talk with Nationalgrid again, power outages are becoming frequent? #tc1007
  • Comments DPW study is being worked coming shortly, been worked. Flag policy reached tonight for 9/11 .
  • Museum holiday Ornaments for sale this weekend, drive by purchase at museum. Fund raiser for museum #tc1007 3 families affected by the fire on Peck/Winter st a stubborn blaze to fight
  • Compliments for fire department and response from local community
  • FEF fund raising via many smaller events as the basketball game can't be played #tc1007 SAFE Coalition busy as addiction is increasing during covid-19
  • Executive session to be entered and not return to open session #tc1007 motion passed 8-0, redo vote via roll call. Still 8-0

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with an update during the Town Council meeting
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with an update during the Town Council meeting

Monday, October 5, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 7, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.
 
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
September 16, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS   
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM  
 
a. Lot Line #4: Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858, Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets
b. Bylaw Amendment 20-859: Sewer System Extension at 100 Daniels Street

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
    a. Planning and Community Development Department presentation: Bryan Taberner, Jen Delmore
        i. DPCD Department Presentation
        ii. Master Plan Update Materials

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION  
 
Resolution 20-58: Request for special legislation regarding the authority for the Town of Franklin, acting through the Franklin Town Council, to grant a wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, alcoholic beverages license in excess of the Town’s quota to Madd Deli, Inc. D/B/A Dacey’s Market (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-58 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-59: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Washington and Grove Streets Intersection Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-59 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-60: Gift Acceptance - Police Department, $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-60 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 20-859: Sewer System Extension - 100 Daniels Street - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-859 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
  
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
   
 
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
To investigate charges of criminal misconduct or to consider the filing of criminal complaints.

ADJOURN   
 
Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
 
The full agenda can be found online
 
The PDF including materials released for this meeting
 
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 7, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 7, 2020

 

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Commonwealth Magazine: Ranked choice voting and the 4th District; rethinking high school in COVID

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:  

"WHEN JESSE MERMELL gave her videotaped concession speech in the 4th Congressional District primary race on Friday, she did it in front of a sign that read “Jesse Mermell for RCV,” an acronym for ranked–choice voting. “If the ranked–choice voting campaign needs a new face, give me a call, guys,” Mermell said. “I’ve got some time on my hands.” 

Mermell, a progressive who worked for former Gov. Deval Patrick, lost the Democratic primary by just 2,000 votes, or 1.3 percent, to Newton City Councilor and US Marine Corps veteran Jake Auchincloss. That means primary voters in the liberal congressional district that repeatedly reelected Joe Kennedy, Barney Frank, and Robert Drinan over the past five decades have selected seemingly the most moderate of seven Democratic candidates vying to represent them in Congress.

Auchincloss, who worked for Republican Gov. Charlie Baker’s gubernatorial campaign in 2014, won in a seven-candidate field comprised mostly of liberals. Auchincloss rejects the “centrist” label and calls himself a “pragmatic progressive.”  But his close election reflects a campaign that performed strongly in much of the more moderate southern part of the 4th Congressional District, which extends from Brookline and Newton to Fall River, and featured a crowded field that likely led liberal voters to split their vote.  

The race is calling renewed attention to a November ballot question that would implement ranked–choice voting, which lets voters select candidates in order of preference and could mitigate the effects of vote-splitting."


"FOR 20 YEARS, I’ve taught in an adult ed program in Dorchester. Every year we tweak things, adjust the schedule, hire new faculty, tinker with syllabi. Change happens gradually.

This past spring, with the advent of COVID, we had to scramble. Many of our students do not have laptops or good internet service and our class sputtered out. Around the end of June, my fellow teachers and I thought about what we would do for this coming year. What we did is, we tore up our schedule, our comfortable ideas, our expectations, and started fresh. Change happened suddenly.

Which is why I wanted to write up some ideas for the coming school year, specifically for the suburban high school where my children are enrolled.

I, like every other parent I spoke to, and like the teachers and School Committee members who wrote and spoke publicly — like everyone in town — was disappointed with the agenda for this school year — remote learning. The truth is, it’s disappointing because it’s not like previous years, and it’s not close enough to previous years to placate us."
Continue reading the article online

Monday, August 10, 2020

FM #325 Superintendent Sara Ahern Reopening Update - 8/06/20 (audio)

FM #325 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 325 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Superintendent Sara Ahern regarding the school fall re-opening status. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Sara and I picked up from where we left off last time, which was before the preliminary plan was submitted to DESE, to talk about the remote learning first plans.   A focus on the high needs learners would bring them into the school environment safely when the protocols are ready. One key difference from the remote learning done at the beginning of the pandemic, schools were closed then, schools will be open in September. Teachers will be expected to teach from school classrooms, however exceptions may be made if appropriate for remote teaching.


The show notes contain links to the Re-opening page, family webinar and presentation docs. The agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Aug 11 will be shared as soon as it is available.


Our conversation runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara on the preliminary plan and process.


Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc5Z2hzK

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


Reopening Presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation 

Reopening Comprehensive Plan https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-reopening-plan 

Proposed Revised Calendar for 2020-2021 School Year  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-revised-calendar 


Franklin Public Schools - Re-opening page https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home?authuser=0


Re-opening Plan presentation doc https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation-updated


Re-opening Webinar for Families https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-public-schools-family.html 


Webinar Presentation copy: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1u0AEgJeeT2_MJxB5D-NLI1rcrxgB73ymGd6KWaGIR-g/edit?usp=drivesdk


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

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


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!

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


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


FM #325 Superintendent Sara Ahern Reopening Update  - 8/06/20 (audio)
FM #325 Superintendent Sara Ahern Reopening Update  - 8/06/20 (audio)

The Atlantic: "How the Pandemic Defeated America"

 This article from The Atlantic summarizes how this pandemic could be different

"How did it come to this? A virus a thousand times smaller than a dust mote has humbled and humiliated the planet’s most powerful nation. America has failed to protect its people, leaving them with illness and financial ruin. It has lost its status as a global leader. It has careened between inaction and ineptitude. The breadth and magnitude of its errors are difficult, in the moment, to truly fathom.

In the first half of 2020, SARS‑CoV‑2—the new coronavirus behind the disease COVID‑19—infected 10 million people around the world and killed about half a million. But few countries have been as severely hit as the United States, which has just 4 percent of the world’s population but a quarter of its confirmed COVID‑19 cases and deaths. These numbers are estimates. The actual toll, though undoubtedly higher, is unknown, because the richest country in the world still lacks sufficient testing to accurately count its sick citizens.

Despite ample warning, the U.S. squandered every possible opportunity to control the coronavirus. And despite its considerable advantages—immense resources, biomedical might, scientific expertise—it floundered. While countries as different as South Korea, Thailand, Iceland, Slovakia, and Australia acted decisively to bend the curve of infections downward, the U.S. achieved merely a plateau in the spring, which changed to an appalling upward slope in the summer. “The U.S. fundamentally failed in ways that were worse than I ever could have imagined,” Julia Marcus, an infectious-disease epidemiologist at Harvard Medical School, told me."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/09/coronavirus-american-failure/614191/

How the Pandemic Defeated America
"How the Pandemic Defeated America"


Saturday, August 8, 2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Aug 11, 2020 - 4:00 PM

School Committee Workshop

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)


LOCATION:   The Committee will meet in Town Council Chambers and remotely on Zoom. Members of the public may participate remotely via:

Join Zoom Meeting           https://zoom.us/j/96025691272?pwd=aXVwelBjTUdQTERKcWRKVWY5UUtIZz09


“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

 

Call to Order

  • Team Building Exercise
  • School Committee Operating Protocols, Goals, and Self-Evaluation 
  • Anti-Racism Discussion
  • Plan 2020-2021 School Committee meeting presentations and workshops 
  • Adjournment


Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Aug 11, 2020 - 4:00 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Aug 11, 2020 - 4:00 PM

Monday, August 3, 2020

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 319 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. After running through several appointments, the agenda gets to the item for the presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner leads the presentation after an introduction by Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the Market Study.

Audio file:  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study-7-29-20

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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.html


--------------
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
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!
------------------

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

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20  (audio)
FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20  (audio)

Thursday, April 30, 2020

In the News: Franklin Food Pantry lands new home; MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

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

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home
"After three years of searching for a new home, the Franklin Food Pantry has finally found it - and it’s not too far from where it is now.

On Monday, the Franklin Food Pantry announced that it had purchased the former Dante’s Motors Inc. building at 138 East Central St. and that it intended to make that location its new home. The existing pantry is at 43 West Central St., just a mile away.

“It works - it’s close to where we are now and it’s an empty shell,” said pantry Executive Director Lynn Calling of the new building. She said it allows the pantry to continue serving those who find the current location convenient. The new location is just as accessible and has sidewalks leading to it, she said.

The price to acquire 138 East Central St. was $465,000, according to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The building is 5,360 square feet, according to real estate website Loopnet.com. By comparison, the current space where the pantry operates is 3,600 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/franklin-food-pantry-lands-new-home-after-decade-at-current-space

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home
Franklin Food Pantry lands new home


MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool
"A regional planning agency has developed a new tool to help communities streamline the way they catalog greenhouse gases emitted in their communities.

The Boston-based Metropolitan Area Planning Council has launched its so-called “Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool” - an Excel document that provides a template for municipalities to track greenhouse gas emissions by sector and year.

Accompanying the Excel document is one that outlines how municipalities can use it.

The agency hopes that by providing centralized documents that outline the state’s approach to calculating greenhouse gas emissions, municipalities will be better equipped to accurately, consistently and uniformly track how residents are emitting greenhouse gases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/tool-to-help-communities-get-grip-on-greenhouse-gases

The tool and guide are available at the organization’s website
https://www.mapc.org/planning101/community-ghg-assessment/

MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool
MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

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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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