Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Economic Development & Town Council Meetings - Weds, August 16
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for August 16, 2023 Meeting
a. 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.b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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.
a. Agricultural Commissioni. Daniel Morsehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_dan_morse.pdf
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirementshttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._23-898_-_grv.pdfi. Legislation for Action Item #9ab. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Maphttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdfi. Legislation for Action #9b
a. Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Directori. Current Project Updatesii. Pavement Management Program & Sidewalk Planhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8aii._franklin_ma_-_pavement_management_report_-_final_draft_8.3.2023.pdfiii. Water Tank Master Planb. Discussion: Proposition 2 ½ Operating Overridei. Process - Jamie Hellen, Town Administratorhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8b._i_-_override_discussion.pdfii. Campaign & Political Finance and Ethics Laws - Mark Cerel, Town Attorneyhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8bii._1_-_discussion_memo_-_ethics_-_mark_1.pdf
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-898 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-898_-_grv.pdfb. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-899 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._-_bylaw_amendment_23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdfc. Resolution 23-48: Appropriation of $35,000 from Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund (Motion to approve Resolution 23-48 - ⅔ Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._23-48_-_opioid_funding_35k.pdf
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
Friday, August 4, 2023
Roadwork Notice: Paving for the Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of August 7, 2023
Paving for the Union Street Mill and Overlay Project will be starting the week of August 7, 2023 by the Town's Contractor, Massachusetts Broken Stone Company, weather permitting.
The project work will take place on Union Street from before School Street to Arlington Street.
Detours will be in place and may change daily. Please seek alternate routes. Delays should be expected.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/roadwork-notice-paving-union-street-mill-overlay-project-starts-week-august-7th-2023
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Roadwork Notice: Paving for the Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of August 7, 2023 |
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Roadwork Notice: Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of July 24, 2023
Roadwork Notice: Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of July 24, 2023
Notice from the Department of Public Works:
Roadwork on the Union Street Mill and Overlay project will be starting the week of July 24, 2023 by the Town's Contractor, Massachusetts Broken Stone Company, weather permitting.
The project work will take place on Union Street from before School Street to Arlington Street.
Detours will be in place and may change daily. Please seek alternate routes. Delays should be expected.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/roadwork-notice-union-street-mill-overlay-project-starts-week-july-24th-2023
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Roadwork Notice: Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of July 24, 2023 |
Friday, April 28, 2023
Franklin Police road closure alert for Saturday (4/29/23) morning - FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE
Tomorrow (Saturday) morning (weather permitting) the Franklin Youth Baseball Organization has its annual little league parade.
Starting around 9 AM you can expect temporary road closures on West Central St by the Davis Thayer School, Cottage St, and Peck St.
https://t.co/ZpNQXvPIzt
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
DPW Notice: Janie Avenue Neighborhood Waterline Improvements to begin week of April 11, 2023
The Town's contractor, Celco, will begin work on the Janie Avenue Neighborhood Waterline Improvements project this week (April 11th, 2023).
Impacted streets include Janie Avenue, Eldon Drive, Schofield Drive, and a portion of Richard Lane. Construction will start on Schofield Drive at the end of Oak Street Extension and then continue into the neighborhood from there.
Residents are encouraged to seek alternate routes where feasible and exercise caution in construction zones.
Thank you for your patience.
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DPW Notice: Janie Avenue Neighborhood Waterline Improvements to begin week of April 11th, 2023 |
Friday, April 7, 2023
Town of Franklin: Opens a "Crack Seal Project"
Crack Seal Project
In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of preparing existing cracks and furnishing and applying a crack sealant on properly prepared bituminous streets within the Town of Franklin.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/crack-seal-project
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Town of Franklin: Opens a "Crack Seal Project" |
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Invitation for Bids (IFB): Country Club Drive Neighborhood Roadway Improvements
Country Club Drive Neighborhood Roadway Improvements
In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing approximately 7,250 feet of roadway improvements along Country Club Drive, Jordan Road, Tam-O-Shanter Road, and Burning Tree Road within the Town of Franklin.
Additional Information: Country Club Drive Neighborhood Roadway Improvements Project
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/country-club-drive-neighborhood-roadway-improvements
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Invitation for Bids (IFB): Country Club Drive Neighborhood Roadway Improvements |
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Purchasing advertises for bids on "Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements"
Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements
In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing approximately 4,200 feet of roadway improvements along Arlington Street, Howard Street, Howard Place, North Park Street, and Plain Street within the Town of Franklin.
Project information -> Additional Information: Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements
Bidders can submit here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/arlington-street-neighborhood-and-plain-street-roadway-improvements
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Purchasing advertises for bids on "Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements" |
Saturday, September 24, 2022
DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained
"Because you asked! Installing a new watermain in the "Country Club" neighborhood. For the most part, the work is going smoothly, however material shortages is slowing the job down. The new water is made of Ductile Iron pipe and it is very short supply due to COVID, which caused the foundry to shut down for a period of time. There is also an increased demand for pipe nationwide because of increased Federal Funding for Public Works projects.Two years ago there was no waiting for pipe, now there is wait time of 26 to 40 weeks till the pipe is available. For example the pipe below was ordered in February, made in New Jersey on 9/10, delivered to Franklin on 9/16 and started going into the ground on 9/19!This project was scheduled for next year, as part of the Town's on going "watermain replacement / new roads" program but we were able to use ARPA funding for this work during the current construction season. The old pipe being replaced is made out of asbestos concrete.If you would like to know more about water pipe, check out this article:Have a great Public Works Day!"
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and I get to "Talk Franklin" - 09/09/22 (audio)
FM #842 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 842 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.
Topics for this session
9/11 thoughts
Recap of Council meeting
Drought & water status
Work underway or pending
Economic Development Cmte, 9/21 at 6 PM
The conversation runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Drought-Status-and-Downtown-Priorities-e1npd7i
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Franklin for All webpage
https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/
5 year fiscal outlook ->
Town budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget
Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
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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?
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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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Notice from the DPW - Jefferson Rd. Neighborhood roadwork to begin September 15, 2022
Notice from the DPW - Jefferson Rd. Neighborhood to begin September 15th, 2022
Notice from the Department of Public Works:
Attention: Jefferson Road Neighborhood
Weather permitting, a micro surfacing road project will begin on Thursday, September 15th, 2022.
The following roads will be affected:
- Peter's Lane
- Jackson Circle
- Adams Circle
- Grant Circle Heaton Circle
- McKinley Road
- Reagan Ave.
- Jefferson Road (from Harrison pl towards McKinley)
Please seek alternate routes.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-dpw-jefferson-rd-neighborhood-begin-september-15th-2022
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Jefferson Rd. Neighborhood roadwork to begin September 15, 2022 |
Friday, August 12, 2022
Annual Report Of The Department Of Public Works - FY 2021
1. Administration2. Engineering3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)5. Sewer6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)7. Street Lighting
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue Wednesday, August 3, 2022
DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue August 3, 2022
- Sections of Beaver Street near the recycling center,
- Union Street near the Common
- the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140) will be impacted.
Notice from the Franklin Department of Public Works
Our road improvement program continues tomorrow. Areas that will be "Milled & Overlaid" (i.e. remove top inch and half of asphalt fix manholes and drains structures then repave with new asphalt) are sections of Beaver Street near the recycling center, Union Street near the Common and the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140).
This work is expected to cause significant traffic delays especially at the intersection of King / Chestnut/ East Central (Route 140)!
As always, please seek alternate routes and proceed with caution in construction areas.
Shared from Town of Franklin DPW -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-mill-overlay-project-continue-tomorrow-august-3rd-2022
DPW Notice - Mill & Overlay Project to continue Wednesday, August 3, 2022 |
Friday, July 8, 2022
Mill and Overlay work well underway on King St
"The Town's contractor, Massachusetts Broken Stone Company, will be starting up on the 2022 Mill and Overlay project the week of July 5.
Streets for this project are to include:
King Street (from Union Street to East Central Street), East Central (from Ruggles to Lewis), Union (from Beaver to School St), and Beaver St (from the RR tracks to I-495 overpass).
The contractor will be starting on King Street. The project will continue through the summer. "
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good depth at the junction with Susan's Way |
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the raised utility caps are marked with orange |
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the storm drain is covered and marked also with orange |
Monday, July 4, 2022
DPW Notice - Mill and Overlay Project To Begin Week of July 5, 2022
The Town's contractor, Massachusetts Broken Stone Company, will be starting up on the 2022 Mill and Overlay project the week of July 5.
Streets for this project are to include:
- King Street (from Union Street to East Central Street)
- East Central (from Ruggles to Lewis)
- Union (from Beaver to School St)
- Beaver St (from the RR tracks to I-495 overpass)
The contractor will be starting on King Street. The project will continue through the summer.
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DPW Notice - Mill and Overlay Project To Begin Week of July 5, 2022 |
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Attention: Road repaving work starting July 5 - sections of King St, Beaver St, Union St, & East Central
On my transits this week, I noticed covers being put on the storm drains along King St. Something was coming. With the DPW confirmation yesterday, the repaving work is going to being after the 4th of July.
Work areas
- King St from Union to East Central
- East Central from Ruggles to Lewis St
- Union St from Beaver to School
- Beaver St from the railroad tracks to i495
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Road repaving work starting July 5 |
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
National #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek
"We're kicking off National #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek today!
From 2018-2021, there were 181 work zone-related crashes that resulted in a serious injury or fatality in #MA. Please take a moment to reflect on the individuals who build, patrol & maintain the roads we travel on daily."
Shared from Twitter https://twitter.com/MassDOTSafety/status/1513496760815038466
Franklin has a number of road construction projects underway around town so please be careful!
National #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek |