What is your Franklin residence's "Walk score"?

Walkability is a concept and frequently mentioned in current discussion. There is a web site that calculates the "walkability" of an address. I have tried it and there are a couple of addresses I have share here. It is free to use so try addresses on your own. 

Walk Score = https://www.walkscore.com/

The overall walk score for the Town of Franklin is shown below as 22 (out of 100). And as the samples show, the average is purely that, an average. Some locations (Library) are higher than others (121 Grove) and High School (218 Oak St).

The web site calculates and provide the methodology for their results on the 'walk score', 'transit score' and 'bike score'. San Francisco, New York and Boston are the Top 3 walkable cities. Interesting to note that Franklin has no 'transit score'. Other than GATRA and Commuter Rail we really don't have a public transit option.

"City of Franklin Town

This location is in the city of Franklin Town, MA. Franklin Town has an average Walk Score of 22 and has 31,635 residents."

Franklin High School - https://www.walkscore.com/score/218-oak-st-franklin-ma-02038?s=03

Franklin High School

121 Grove St (site of a proposed 40B) https://www.walkscore.com/score/121-grove-st-franklin-ma-02038

121 Grove St (site of a proposed 40B)

Franklin Library, 118 Main St - https://www.walkscore.com/score/118-main-st-franklin-ma-02038

Franklin Library, 118 Main St

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus. 

Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Chancellor Ed Augustus for this session to include his insights as former Town Manager of Worcester, MA and the lessons from the Worcester experience that might be considered for Franklin. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23

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

Principles of walkability: useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Watch the TED Talk with Jeff Speck - https://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_speck_the_walkable_city

Jane Jacobs writer and activist on urban design wrote her book in 1961  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_and_Life_of_Great_American_Cities  

Center for Living City is an organization that continues in the spirit of her work ->    https://centerforthelivingcity.org/janejacobs/#jane-and-the-center

Other podcast episodes in this series:

4th discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Brad (FM #942) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/listen-to-this-discussion-on-housing.html 

3rd discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Joel D’errico  (FM #922) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/downtown-zoning-discussion-with-derrico.html 

2nd discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December (FM #904) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

1st discussion on Franklin For All project -> (FM # 755) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.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/ 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"

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

#1 complaint: speeding - "Slow down, you move too fast"

In a soon to be released Talk Franklin episode, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen reveals that the #1 complaint to the Municipal building is speeding. Not parking, not zoning, speeding.

With schools opening this week, more traffic will be on the roads, more people will be on the sidewalks, please take care and go slow.

The new paving along King St has new crosswalk markings for the Parmenter School. 

Time for us all to

"Slow down, you move too fast

You've got to make the morning last ..."

Video link -> https://youtu.be/TJBhdKrwTOc

 

Town Council recap: special election coming in Dec, Planning Board associate selected, Purchasing process reviewed

Quick summary:

• Councilor Eamon McCarthy Earls is leaving the Council to pursue law school in VA. A special election will be held in Dec to replace him. Additional timeline details to be shared on nomination papers, last day to register, etc.
• Town Clerk Teresa Burr and newly promoted Deputy Clerk Nancy Danelo presented updates on the forth coming primary and November election.
• Town Council and Planning Board had a unique opportunity to vote on a replacement for an associate position. Four candidates were whittled down from about a dozen, three were in person at the meeting and after three rounds of voting Jennifer Williams was selected.
• John Bugbee, the Chief Procurement Officer, presented an overview of the detailed work done mostly behind the scenes for all purchasing activities.
• The snow removal bylaw which had been deactivated in 2017 came back to the Council for a discussion to determine direction. There had been a discussion at the EDC meeting in June before this. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will take the proposal back to work with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi for modification before bringing back to the Council in the future.
• The State grant to fund the regional dispatch expansion to include Mendon and Millville was indeed granted. This will save some money for the budget for the next several years. We will need to put some of the savings aside to prepare for the full allocation return when the grant expires however.

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 #tc0812  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0812&src=typeahead_click

•     Real time reporting underway for #tc0812 Town Council agenda posted to ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/august-12-town-council-meeting
•     Announcement from Eamon McCarthy Earls stepping down Sep 26 (?) to start law school. Heading to VA for school hence leaving the Council for this opportunity. #tc0812
•     Town Clerk Teresa Burr making some information announcements - (1) Nancy Danelo as deputy clerk. (2) Sat Dec 5th special election for Earls' seat, additional dates for nomination papers etc to be shared #tc0812
•     They are busy processing ballot application, expect lines at the polls to ensure appropriate protection for all. #tc0812 masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to be issued. Each voter gets a pen, pens cleaned after. Early voting starts Aug 22 at the high school
•     If you did apply for a mail in ballot, and want to go in person, your mail in ballot will be deleted and then record your in person vote. #tc0812
•     Citizen comments, no hands raised, only 9 on Zoom tonight. #tc0812
•     Motion to approve minutes from 2  prior meetings, both passed via roll call 9-0 #tc0812
•     Moving to appointments, Barbara Steele as member of Library board of directors; seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call. #tc0812 of note all and participants wearing masks tonight (were not wearing masks for last meeting, this was while speaking, some did wear off camera)
•     Special appointment selection process for planning board associate, charter not explicit on process, hence multiple candidates in joint session with Planning Board tonight #tc0812 Cobi Frongillo first up.  Youngest candidate
•     Next up, Beth Wierling franklin resident, over 20 years experience in planning worked for ToF as planner, now at Kraft Group for planning and large projects. #tc0812 not opposed to change but it depends upon what the change was proposed to be
•     Next up Jennifer Williams, lives downtown, came in 5 years ago is an architect, worked on from large scale to small, master plan, so experience from a different perspective, i.e from construction side. #tc0812 well accredited professional, looking at social impact
•     Parks and rec is a huge asset that she didn't really appreciate until she had young kids, now what else do we need, how does it fit? #tc0812
•     Roll call of council and planning board, each person says one name can add a reason #tc0812 would like to hear from Planning Board as they would be working with the individual. All the applicants are qualified per Padula, Halligan torn between the three
•     After round of comments on appreciation for applicants, all quality individuals. Difficult choice recognized. #tc0812 Frongillo 6, Williams 6, Wierling 2. So top 2 go into second round; 7 - 7 in second round, also a tie
•     Williams got 3-2 both times by my count from planning board, will go to vote again: Williams 8 to 6 on third round of voting. #tc0812 request for town Council seat in Dec or planning board next year.
•     Applications are kept in file as other openings occur. Taking 3 mins recess #tc0812
•     Meetings back to order, planning board public hearing closed, #tc0812
•     Procurement presentation per request from Councilor Earls, John Bugbee covering the basics.
•     Process defined by dollar value, #tc0812 full presentation doc online at ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._franklin_procurement_overview_3.0.pdf
•     Chris Sandini, finance director adds to the presentation #tc0812 attny Mark Cerel adds also in regards to the written contract to provide legal protection for the Town (Mark remote via phone)
•     Kelly: "I don't ever want to know how the soup is made, I just want to get it done" #tc0812 criteria built into the specs may permit leeway in not taking the low bidder, if auction process do have to take low bid as long as they meet the criteria.
•     If the company/vendor is not on the state list, you can pick them. #tc0812 if procurement is not done properly or timely, things just slow down. Everything can back up behind it. All equipment is sold via municibid (sic)  (https://municibid.com/)
•     Next up the snow bylaw for discussion and possible reposition for approval https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._snow_and_ice_removal_bylaw_discussion_memo_supporting_docs_and_proposed_bylaw.pdf…
•     #tc0812 drafted a map for sidewalk clearing
•     No legislation for action yet, open discussion to help provide direction on how to proceed. Was discussed at an EDC meeting 6/10/20 #tc0812 for reference, the meeting recording and notes are found here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-297-economic-dev-subcomm-61020-audio.html
•     Link provides a good example from downtown, walking in the snow, and it shows the difference as you move from building to building, block to block, no consistency. Frankly (no pun intended) we can't afford to do it right #tc0812 h https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/walking-franklin-in-snow.html
•     Brutus (formally DPW Director) Cantoreggi addresses some of the comments and questions on the snow issues #tc0812
•     Streets are always a priority, the route is prioritized and published. Since some Councilors are saying we won't have a bad winter, guess what we will get? #tc0812 Attny Cerel provides historical background on snow sidewalk bylaws for New England, and liability
•     Just went down a legal deadend, per Attny. #tc0812 used to have contractors doing plows, have had trouble recently obtaining help. Understaffed also at DPW. School snow days will help per Kelly (except for when teachers go to the building to teach remotely?)
•     Jennifer Williams (new planning board associate) speaks on her experience of walking in the snow downtown, hasn't been able to walk on a sidewalk safely after a storm #tc0812 (see my photo link shared earlier for proof)
•     Jamie to regroup with Brutus to see if they can make changes, no dissent on the objective, trying to do something makes sense, it will be a challenge #tc0812 will talk with Superintendent to include the schools in the conversation
•     Capital subcommittee no meeting, budget no meeting, EDC has met, will meet again on Aug 20 to work on Economic Development plan MAPC market study #tc0812
•     Motion to accept donation #tc0812 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10a-legislation-action-35…, passes 9-0 via roll call
•     Motion to accept gift https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-36… passes 9-0 via roll call
•     8 active cases yesterday, same as last week for COVID-19, formally awarded development grant for MECC which helps our budget for next several years, Mendon and Millville will join the regional dispatch #tc0812
•     Future items, nothing at this time; Councilor comments: Chandler feels for working parents after SchCom meeting last night. Hamblen congrats on Earl's, congrats to Nancy, keep everyone safe so folks can get back to school #tc0812
•     Pellegri looking for volunteers to work in the gift store at the historical museum for when they can open. (No timeline yet) may not be far away i.e.  after Labor day #tc0812 folks getting together for CPA, if interested let Jamie know.
•     Bissanti thanks to chair for innovative leadership during this pandemic period. Kelly thanks and congrats for Earls, come back and be town attny when Mark gives up #tc0812 Jones congrats to Nancy, Earls to SchCom and school dept for their hard work on the plan
•     Dellorco congrats to Nancy and Eamon, #tc0812 (clarification on Earls' end date Sep 6: I recall puting 26 with a ???) Earls saved for next to last word tonight, close to 3 years. Will miss time here. Mercer congratulations, was honored to write a letter, glad it didn't hurt
•     Mercer echoes fellow Councilors comments, they spent many hours, made a smart decision last night, we want the kids back in school but not right now. #tc0812 important reminder of TC role is only a bottom line budget, everything else is SchCom and superintendent control
•     "thank God it is their decision" I applaud them for putting this plan together. Motion to adjourn, passed via roll call 9-0 #tc0812   So that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

The agenda doc is linked to in the thread above and repeated here for ease of finding

Photos shared via Twitter during the meeting are found online in this album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ff3xHRJisu2MtQLo8

Town Clerk Teresa Burr and newly promoted Deputy Clerk Nancy Danelo

Franklin events today!

Catch the show outdoor at THE BLACK BOX, stop by the Farmers Market, visit the yard sale at Franklin Federated Church, and enjoy the Concerts on the Town Common - all today.

• Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM

• Concerts on the Common = Friday, July 24

5 - 6:30 PM = "Pub Kings"
6:30 - 8:00 PM = "Frank Padula Band"
8:15 PM - Movie Night = "Toy Story #4"

• Franklin Federated Church Sidewalk sale info

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/sidewalk-sale-franklin-federated-church.html

• THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series 

Ali Funkhouser! Sponsored by Dean Bank. RESCHEDULED to Friday, July 24!
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/the-black-box-ali-funkhouser-i-only.html

Franklin events today!

Sidewalk Sale! Franklin Federated Church Friday, July 24, 12-5

Franklin Federated Church at 171 Main Street is in the process of renovating and upgrading its dining room and kitchen. On Friday, July 24 from 12-5, as a result of intense cleaning and purging of the cabinets, church members will set up tables at the church containing silverware, utensils, dishes, glassware, etc.

The public is invited to peruse the items, take what they want, and make a goodwill donation. 

• No pricing, no money exchanging hands. 
• No direct social contact needed but some masked, friendly conversation always welcome.

Sidewalk Sale! Franklin Federated Church Friday, July 24, 12-5

FM #296 Capital Budget SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

FM #296 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 296 in the series.

This session shares the Capital Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Debbie Pellegri opened the meeting and member Matt Kelly did the honors outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.

The recording runs about 45 minutes, let’s listen to the Capital Budget SubCommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 10

Audio file - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1xF88Y7



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

My notes captured during this meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-recap-june.html

The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

The budget for FY 2021 is available
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Additional info on the Finance Committee meeting where these items were discussed can be found   Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.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 #296 Capital Budget SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

Capital Budget SubCommittee - Recap - June 10, 2020

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 #cbsc0610
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cbsc0610&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the capital budget Subcommittee meeting today. Chair Pellegri has Kelly read the protocol statement as she was connected via phone only. #cbsc0610
• First up, a van for the electrician to use, purchased from Franklin Ford, passed via roll call as 4-0 (Kelly, Chandler, Dellorco, Pellegri) 2nd item the additional funds for the server replacement missed the first time around. Also passes 4-0 #cbsc0610
• Next item to close out some road/sidewalk work already started and underway. Will leave $300k in 'free cash' unencumbered for something needed down the road. Can be used in July/Aug per recent Legislation #cbsc0610 vote to approve passed 4-0 normal road money is chap 90
• Good piece of info, to add sidewalk where not already cost about $100/foot. Beaver St up next, followed by Washington St. #cbsc0610
• Next up another ambulance, $350k, would give us 2 in reserve, can only put 2 on road at a time. To fund a third is major personnel requirements. #cbsc0610
• Next up debt authorization, rationale for some other capital improvement to be done with less than a debt exclusion (which is used for complete new or refurbed schools). This method did the Library, Senior Center, fire station, etc. Previously. #cbsc0610
• Combined great credit score and low interest rates, as well as likely obtain favorable pricing just sets us up for doing needed for very cost effectively. Recommend for Council next week, actual authorization would be later. #cbsc0610
• That completes the agenda, the FinCom had voted 8-0 on all of these last week. Worried about the windows in the municipal building, not sure what's behind the walls. #cbsc0610
• Motion to adjourn, that completes reporting for this meeting. Stay tuned, Economic Development Subcommittee up at 6:30 #cbsc0610 #edc0610 and we'll roll along!

 

screen grab of virtual meeting

screen grab of capital funding project list

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Agenda - January 8, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. 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
a. December 4, 2019  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3a._12-4-19_web.pdf

b. December 11, 2019   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3b._12-11-19_web.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM
a. Franklin Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a 67 Degrees, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Brewery, located at 158 Grove Street

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-847_plastic_bag_web.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._snow_ice_web.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-20

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $2,675 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-01 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-02: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Council on Aging, $1,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-02 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-8-town-council-agenda

The full agenda and documents released can be found in one PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/1-8-20_tc_full_agenda_final_final.pdf

Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading

Photo walk Wednesday (Dec 18) morning

On my walk around Franklin Wednesday morning, the sun popped out from behind the clouds often enough to get some photos. I was not the only one out and about with a camera.

view of the downtown train station

sidewalk shoveling quality varies around town

On the Town Common

More photos I found to share:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kyGNGfYmwLqb7Tm57

Double Pedestrian Crash, E Central Street - Feb 17

On Friday February 17th at approximately 5:43pm the Franklin Police responded to a report of two pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle in the area of 110 East Central Street. Franklin Police and Fire responded to the scene. 

One of the injured was transported to Milford Hospital while the second injured pedestrian was transported to Rhode Island Hospital. The operator of the vehicle remained at the scene, and will be interviewed by officers from the Franklin Police Accident Reconstruction Unit. At this time the injuries to one victim appear to be serious. 

No further information is available at this time. 

This crash remains under investigation by the Franklin Accident Reconstruction Unit. The names of the involved parties are not being released at this time.

This report was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dpartment page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-double-pedestrian-crash-e-central-street


As frequent readers know, I walk about town quite a bit. I happened to have walked down this section of East Central St Friday morning. The eastbound sidewalk for the most part has been cleared and it is pretty safe going until just about this spot where the sidewalk was blocked and you are forced into the road side. The road side is also partially blocked. I stopped and waited for several cars to pass before I ventured around the snow. Assuming the women were wearing dark winter clothes, walking in the same direction, and at dusk, the driver of the vehicle may not have been able to see them.

If you walk in the dark, please wear light colored clothing or something reflective. Give yourself and the driver a chance to see each other.

Recall that the Town Council recently voted to repeal the sidewalk snow removal bylaw. Part of the rationale was (1) the bylaw as written was unenforceable and (2) the DPW clears the sidewalks downtown.

From the Feb 1, Town Council meeting:

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

9. BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-785: REPEAL OF SIDEWALK SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL BYLAW - 2ND READING (MOTION TO MOVE BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-785 - MAJORITY ROLL CALL VOTE (5)) as currently written it is not enforced, nor is it practical to be enforced should be eliminated  motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call

For other legislative action taken by the Town Council on Feb 1
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Milford Daily News article from Jan 10 about the proposal to repeal the snow removal bylaw
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/felt-bylaw-as-written-was-anti-business.html

evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow. However one must also ask if the Downtown Project took so long, to plan, couldn't they at least have put the pole on the side of the sidewalk?

Sidewalk bylaw should be re-written not removed

The quick poll taken by the Franklin Matters readers shows that 94% (16 of 17) of the responses favor rewriting the current sidewalk snow removal bylaw rather than removing it from the books.

Sidewalk bylaw should be re-written not removed

From the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/j3_snow_and_ice_removal.pdf

"felt the bylaw as written was anti-business"

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

"The town is reconsidering a 1975 bylaw that requires businesses to clear nearby sidewalks of snow. 

The Town Council recently voted to repeal the bylaw - which sets a 12-hour time limit for businesses to remove snow - at the suggestion of Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. A second vote is needed before the repeal occurs. 

When the bylaw was passed, Nutting said, most of the Franklin's businesses were located downtown, so clearing the sidewalk in front of storefronts was a straightforward proposition. Now, he said, businesses are located in many places throughout town, including the area along Rte. 140, Kenwood Circle and Union Street and in the two industrial parks. 

"I don't think it's practical any more," he said. "I don't think we've written tickets (for it) in the years that I know of."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170109/franklin-re-examining-snow-bylaw

evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow. However one must also ask if the Downtown Project took so long, to plan, couldn't they atleast have put the pole on the side of the sidewalk?

Take the poll on this to rewrite or remove the bylaw
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/should-sidewalk-snow-removal-bylaw-be.html

Should the sidewalk snow removal bylaw be rewritten or removed?

Town Council is considering disabling the bylaw on sidewalk snow removal for retail areas. Given that as currently written it is reported to be unenforceable; should it be (1) rewritten or (2) removed?

There is a poll widget on the Franklin Matters page in the top right corner. Please record your answer there and feel free to elaborate in the comments here.

-----------

From the Town Code  http://ecode360.com/10434215?highlight=sidewalk#10434215

§ 147-1Time limit for removal.

Owners of premises in which business may be conducted and which premises abut a public way shall, within 12 hours after a snowstorm, remove all accumulations of snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of said premises.

§ 147-2Violations and penalties.

[Added 12-9-1987 by Bylaw Amendment 87-114]

Whoever violates the provision of § 147-1 above shall forfeit and pay for each violation a fine not exceeding $25.

taken on a walk Sunday morning, approx 12 hours after the storm ended