Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (audio)

FM #1046 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1046 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 

Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner

Brief recap

• Brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

• A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

• One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

• The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1046-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-23-23

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You may access the agenda for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf 

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI 

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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

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!

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

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

map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St

Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM. All four members were present for the brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).

map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St

You may access the agenda and links for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM.

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023

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The text of the memo in the agenda:

"As you know the Town has been asked to consider rezoning to Business two residentially zoned parcels of land adjacent to the Fire Station on King Street. The Department of Planning & Community Development has developed Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 for the Town Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee’s consideration.

If approved by Town Council, Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing the following parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district. 

This small zoning map change would allow development of the two parcels for a variety of commercial uses. Uses allowed by right include: nursery, greenhouse or garden center; restaurant; other retail sales and services; office uses including banks/credit unions, medical/dental, and other professional or administrative uses; business incubator or co-working space; artisanal and craft maker space; art gallery.

Uses that may be allowed by Planning Board special permit include: motor vehicle, boat, farm implement sales (without repair service); filling or service station; vehicular service establishment; function hall or catering; hotel or motel; brewery, distillery, or winery production with tasting room.

Uses that may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals special permit include: animal hospital, kennel, day care, training, or grooming.

Attachments 2 through 8 (Use Regulations Schedules Parts I through 7) of the Town's Zoning Bylaw (Chapter 185 of Franklin Town Code) contain a complete list of uses that are allowed by right or may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board special permit in the Business Zoning District.

Attached are the following:

• Bylaw Zoning Amendment 23-901; and
• A diagram with two maps: one showing the current zoning in the area, and one showing
• proposed Zoning Map changes.

If the Economic Development Subcommittee supports the proposed zoning map amendment, the issue should be scheduled for a Town Council meeting in the near future for further consideration. Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information."

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Register O'Donnell Reports on 2022 Annual Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for 2022 indicate a shifting real estate market, where the year started off strong and ended with significant drops in mortgage activity and average property sale price as compared to 2021.

 

In 2022, there were 130,051 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 33% decrease from 2021.

 

"The real estate market is feeling the effects of inflation and steadily rising interest rates, which is limiting how much money customers can save," said Register O'Donnell. "The total number of documents is much lower in 2022 than it was in 2021, but the change from month to month is less pronounced. The number of recorded deeds, which is one measure of document volume, shows a drop in real estate sales from the previous year."

 

Average Annual Sale Price Commercial-Residential

The number of deeds for 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, was 17,398—a decrease of 17% from 2021.

 

Sale prices for 2022 appear to have increased slightly compared to 2021. The average sale price for all of Norfolk County, both commercial and residential, this year was $1,173,256, a 10% increase from 2021. However, the total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 10% from one year ago.

 

"With the average sales price showing increases for the year as a whole and the total volume of sales decreasing, indicates that in 2022 there were fewer homes being sold, but at a higher price," said Register O'Donnell.

 

Total Number of Deeds Recorded in 2022 for Norfolk County

According to numbers from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the median interest rate of a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan started at 4.14% in January 2022 and grew to 6.61% by December 2022, a more than 63% increase.

 

"The increasing cost of living and rising interest rates that the country is currently experiencing have an effect on the local real estate market," noted O'Donnell. "With interest rates more than double what there were at the start of 2022, consumers appear to be less inclined to borrow, and the decline in average sales prices suggests sellers are lowering pricing to compensate,"

 

Overall lending activity showed a continued downward trend. A total of 23,265 mortgages were recorded at the Registry in 2022, 50% fewer than a year earlier.

 

"This year, month to month, the registry figures show significant increases in the number of pending foreclosures, with as many as 40 in one month," said O'Donnell.

 

Total Numbers of Foreclosure Deeds & Notices to Foreclose

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In 2022, there were 68 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in 2021 there were 52 recorded. However, in 2022, there were 308 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, significantly more than the 141 recorded in December of 2021.

 

"The substantial increase in the number of notices to foreclose is troubling. This suggests that more of our neighbors may have financial difficulties in the future," said O'Donnell. "We have seen this number more than double this year and will continue to monitor these figures in 2023."

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

 

"If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance," said Register O'Donnell.

 

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Inflation in the US has been increasing since mid-2021, and it hit a 40-year high exceeding 8% in September 2022. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates many times in 2022 in an effort to slow the rise in inflation. As a result, borrowing money now costs more. This year, mortgage rates have doubled, which has led some buyers to pause their home searches, and, on average, fewer offers are being made to sellers."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Finance Committee hears of the assessment process which accounts for about 60% of the Town of Franklin revenue (audio)

FM #867 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 867 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Oct 26, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 6 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. 

The primary discussion was with Kevin Doyle, Assessor and Chris Feeley, Chair of the Board of assessors as the assessment process was covered at a high level. How are residential homes assessed? How are commercial/industrial properties assessed? 

Interesting fact, the assessment process produces about 60% of the Town of Franklin revenue.

The meeting recording runs about seventy minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Oct 26, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-867-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-10-26-22

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Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-26-22_finance_committee_meeting.pdf

 

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qvpZtcz3JE529S9wN1tkJJ3FB9w92B8N/view?usp=sharing

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

YouTube recording =>  https://youtu.be/OaibaQ9dOBk 

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

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/ 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!

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

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

Finance Committee hears of the assessment process which accounts for about 60% of the Town of Franklin revenue (audio)

02038.com: "Home Prices Skyrocket In 2021"

"The median sale price of homes in Franklin, MA rose an extraordinary 27% in the first half of 2021, compared to 2020’s first-half median. That’s over a $120K increase in just one year!

At $585,000, the median sale price of single-family homes in Franklin, Massachusetts currently stands 19% above its prior all-time high of $489,900, set back in 2018.

It was a similar story for the overall real estate in Massachusetts: the median home sale price in the Bay State jumped 21% in the first half of the year."

Continue reading the update from Warren Reynolds
https://02038.com/2021/07/home-prices-skyrocket-in-2021/ 

02038.com: "Home Prices Skyrocket In 2021"

Amy Adams selected as Artist In Residence for Natick Center Cultural District

Amy Adams was part of a recent Franklin Matters Radio episode. She shares some good news:

"I was selected as the first Artist In Residence for Natick Center Cultural District in Massachusetts. It will be focused on social justice and four interrelated principals: equity, access, participation, and rights. I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the opportunity to include the community in using art as a tool to enhance how we share messages in our work. I am grateful and I cannot wait to share in this journey"

Shared from  https://paintingvenus1.wixsite.com/mysite/post/when-words-aren-t-enough

Recent Franklin Matters Radio episode:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/fm-525-amy-jamele-adams-041521-audio.html

 

https://paintingvenus1.wixsite.com/mysite/post/when-words-aren-t-enough

 

Boston will soon allow ‘retail residential kitchens’ - maybe something Franklin could consider?

"Boston food entrepreneurs will get a boost beginning on Friday, April 30, when a retail residential kitchens ordinance goes into effect. This allows home cooks to prepare shelf-stable foods in their homes for resale at farmers’ markets, online, and through the mail. They can make up to $25,000 per year.

Boston City Councilor at Large Julia Mejia introduced the ordinance after a conversation with Andree Entezari, who had relocated to Boston from Los Angeles, where he ran a fruit leather business from home. He wanted to do the same here.

“This is a way to test products that aren’t cost-prohibitive,” he said. “Working out of your home reduces start-up costs and engages you in your local community. It allows you to meet others in a special way, through food.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/27/lifestyle/boost-home-cooks-with-small-business-hopes-boston-will-soon-allow-retail-residential-kitchens/

Planning Board - Public Hearings scheduled for April 22

Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "Maple Hill"

"In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision Plan application titled "Maple Hill" prepared by Bay Colony Group, Inc., dated January 15, 2019 and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on March 25, 2019, by Canoll Construction Corp., PO Box 395, Foxborough, MA. 

The site is located at 469 and 441 Maple Street Rural Residential H Zoning District (Assessor's Map 234, Lot 012, Map 235 Lot 142 & Map 242, Lot 027). The applicant is proposing to construct fifty-eight (58) single family residential building lots, with access from Bridle Path and Kimberlee Ave. A Conventional Subdivision and Open Space Development plans have been submitted."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_maple_hill.pdf


Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "Highland Village"

"In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision application. titled "Preliminary Subdivision Plan Highland Village, West Central Street" prepared by Gueniere & Halnon, Franklin, MA, dated March 8, 2019 and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on March 11, 2019, by Joel D'Errico, 72 Deer View Way, Franklin, MA 02038. 

The site is located on West Central Street consisting of three parcels of land in separate ownership in the General Residential V Zoning District (Assessor's Map 278, Lots 31, 32 & 35). The applicant is proposing to construct a four (4) lot subdivision with a roadway and sidewalks."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_west_central.pdf

Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "Highland Village"

Planning Board - Public Hearing - Apr 22 - "79 Grove St"

"In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:10 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit & Site Plan Modification application titled "Change of Use Plan and Special Permit for 79 Grove Street, Franklin Massachusetts" and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning & Community Development on March 18, 2019 by Patrick Weidman, 79 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. 

The site is located at 79 Grove Street in the Industrial Zoning District (Assessors Map 289, Lot 001). The purpose of the Special Permit is to grant a change in use under Chapter 185 Attachment 3, Use Regulation Part II 2.7 (c) to allow the applicant to operate an auto and truck repair business with overnight storage of towed and damage vehicles within an Industrial Zone for the entire building (9,600 sq/ft)."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_79_grove_st.pdf

Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Nov 19, 2018 has two public hearings of note. One for a new hotel on Union St and one for a 53 unit residential development off of Prospect St. 

New hotel - 725 Union St:

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:20 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit and Site Plan application titled "Proposed Hotel, 725 Union Street" Franklin, MA prepared by JK Holmgren Engineering, Inc., Brockton, MA., and submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development on October 5, 2018, by 4 SQ Development LLC, 83 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA. 

The property is located in the Commercial Il Zoning District (Assessors Map 314 Lot 016) at 725 Union Street. The applicant is proposing to construct a 58,248 sq/ft building consisting of four (4) stories, 100 room hotel building. 

The applicant is requesting two (2) Special Permits, 

• one for Building height of up to fifty (50) feet under the Chapter 185 Attachment 9, Maximum Height of Building 
• and the second for Chapter 185 Attachment 3, Hotel Use.

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_26.pdf

 Residential Development - 215 Prospect St:

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:25 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision Plan application titled "Prospect Farms" prepared by Andrews Survey and Engineering, Uxbridge, MA., dated Octobei• 29, 2018 and submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development on October 29, 2018, by Maddi North Street Development LLC, Franklin, MA. 

The site is located at 215 Prospect Street and 4 Nicholas Drive in the Rural Residential I Zoning District (Assessor's Map 325, Lot 003 and Map 326, Lot 36). 

The applicant is proposing to construct fifty-three (53) single family residential building lots along with approximately 6,650 linear feet of new roadway.

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_27.pdf

Public Hearings for (1) new hotel and (2) a 53 unit residential development

In the News: Session on how government works scheduled; NationalGrid changing rate request

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

"A small group of dedicated residents is holding a community meeting they’re calling “Franklin Town Government 101.” 

The goal of the get-together is to field questions about how local government ticks, how residents can access more information, and how to have their voices heard. 

The first of what is expected to be multiple meetings will occur on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Franklin Public Library, with a snow date of Feb. 3. 

Co-organizer and father of newly-elected town council member Eamon Earls, Alan Earls, said he’s not looking to kick up dust with town officials, but rather hopes to further unite them with their residents. 

“We don’t want it to be an ‘us versus them’ thing at all,” he said. “I realize (town officials) also have a really big challenge in working with the town, because many of us don’t know a lot of what happens, and how it works.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/franklin-meeting-to-share-with-residents-how-local-government-works

"National Grid will seek a smaller rate hike in Massachusetts than it originally requested, the utility company said Thursday, citing the benefit of the recent federal tax reform bill. 

The company announced that it will reduce its proposed rate hike for Bay Staters by $36 million -- from a total increase of $87 million to $51 million --due to unexpected savings the company is now expecting to see as a result of the federal corporate tax rate dropping from 35 percent to 21 percent. 

“We are committed to ensuring that the tax savings of the legislation are fully realized and are used to help our customers in their energy bills,” Cordi O’Hara, president and COO of National Grid in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “We’ll continue to seek opportunities to provide this benefit to all of our customers.” 

National Grid said it does not yet know exactly how the changed proposed rates will affect customers’ bills, but did say the change will “result in smaller impacts than originally proposed and will vary across rate classes and customer usage.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/citing-tax-law-national-grid-reduces-rate-hike-request

Voices of Franklin: Sarah Mabardy on the proposal for Summer St rezoning

Dear Town Council,

As a Franklin resident, I am reaching out to express my opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Summer Street property. While I appreciate a private land owner's desire to maximize personal gain from privately owned land, it is my opinion that the Franklin Town Council and Planning Board should not be complicit in making opportunistic changes that directly contradict the Franklin Master Plan and compromise Franklin's finite resources and infrastructure.

As outlined in Jeff Nutting's letter to council in October 2016 in response to this very subject, there are over 800+ units proposed in Franklin in the not so distant future. Administrator Nutting asks "Does the Town Council want to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?" I would amend this question to ask 'Does the Town Council represent the residents of Franklin in their desire to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?'

Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to serving the entire Franklin community in your role as an elected Town Councilor.

Thank you sincerely for your service and for your commitment to our city.

Sarah Mabardy
resident


The Jeff Nutting letter referred to:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jeff-nuttings-letter-to-town-council.html

Sarah's letter was shared from Facebook with her permission
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1864863610450323/


The recap of the Residential 7 zoning was covered in a 5 part Special Series published earlier this year

Part 1

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-1-residential-vii-area-on-summer.html

Part 2

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-2-residential-vii-proposal-for.html

Part 3
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-3-residential-vii-processing.html


Part 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-4-following-residential-vii-bylaw.html

Part 5
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

Cook's Farm is being built  on RT 140 as the first Residential VII development in Franklin

Franklin Town Council to consider proposal for Rural 7 zoning expansion

The Town Council has a rather full agenda scheduled for the meeting on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016. The public hearing for the proposed "rural business zone" is scheduled. There are 6 separate bylaw amendments that need to be consider together to put this proposal in effect.

The documents for the rural business zone can be summarized here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/October%2019,%202016/Hearing.pdf

and found here http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F90D5-000F8513


Also on the agenda for the meeting is a discussion on a proposal to rezone a parcel along Summer St from R 1 to R 7. The proposal would enable the property to be developed for four times the units allowed for R 1. The proposal would also require approval for a sewer extension.

The proposal documents outline the current buildings under construction and the 800+ units already approved to build.

• The associated documents for this Town Council discussion item

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/October%2019,%202016/R7%20HANDOUTS%201%20AND%202.pdf

• The 2013 Master Plan as referenced can be found here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRVFxM1hsemUzb2c/view?usp=sharing

The Cook's Farm development which was approved as the initial R 7 development

The Cook's Farm development which was approved as the initial R 7 development. Located at the entrance to Franklin on RT 140 coming in from Norfolk near the Franklin Country Club.

• The full Town Council agenda can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-19.html