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

In the News: Pleasant/Chestnut St sidewalks paid for not financed

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

"A project to put sidewalks along Pleasant and Chestnut streets will continue as long as weather permits, officials said. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said work on the $1.8 million project - which looks to install new sidewalks and repair existing ones - is going very well. 

"We're on schedule," he said. "We're hoping to get as much of the work done before the snow as possible." 

When the project was first approved in April, town officials said they hoped to get the bulk of the work done this year and wrap up during next year's construction season."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161104/progress-made-on-franklin-sidewalks

• Work on the Pleasant St sidewalks in August 2016

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/reporting-by-walking-around-saturday.html

Early view of the crosswalk at DelCarte (Oct 7, 2016)

new crosswalk being added on Pleasant St to enable access to the DelCarte property
and foster walking on the newly installed sidewalk

More recent view of the crosswalk (Oct 28, 2016)

crosswalk status as of Oct 28, 2016

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalkfest challenge a success

Wrentham Factory Outlet customers were treated to a display of talented chalk artists as they shopped last Saturday. 

The show was sponsored by the Franklin Rotary Club and Simon Properties, owners of the Wrentham Outlet, with cash and trophies awarded to the winners in the adult and children's categories. 

Overall winner was Kerry St.Pierre who won both the judges' award and the people's award divisions. Other adult cash prizes went to Lee Ball (2nd) and Sarah Anzalone (3rd). 

This was the first time this was done at the Wrentham Outlets and should become even more impressive next year--Cambridge and Providence Rotary Clubs have excellent shows at their local Simon Properties

Event photos submitted by the Rotary Club:

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success 1

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success 2

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success 3

Sidewalk Chalkfest - Wrentham Village - Oct 15th

Franklin Rotary Club, in conjunction with Simon Properties, is holding a sidewalk artists Chalkfest at Wrentham Outlets on Saturday October 15th. There will be cash rewards presented courtesy of the mall to Adult/Professional artists, as well as several age groups for children. 

Adults are assigned a 8x8 ft panel of sidewalk and kids are given a 3x3 ft panel. There are plans for a storefront area for professional enrollees to display their art for sale. 

Sponsorships are $250 for adults (see rules on application forms) and $50 for children. If artists cannot get their own sponsor, the Rotary Club can match sponsors as needed.

Rotary International

This is the first time that a Chalkfest has been done at Wrentham Outlets, but the Rotary Clubs of Providence and Cambridge have been doing Chalkfests successfully for several years (some of their artists might even be at the Wrentham show to help - and to participate!)

Information and rules and application forms can be gotten from Rotary President Terry Katsaros at Rockland Trust Bank (theodosios.katsaros@rocklandtrust.com, 508-245-4127), Carlos Aguilera (caguilera@DEAN.edu, 508-541-1810) or Dr William Koplin (drwizortho@aol.com, 508-528-0528). 

Please register as soon as possible to help us set up our layout at the mall! 

Rain date is October 22nd.

Northgate / Coronation Drive Neighborhood meeting - Thursday, June 9

I had picked up via the grapevine concerns about work to be done in the Northgate/Coronation Drive neighborhood and sent an email to the DPW which resulted in this response:

"There is a neighborhood meeting tomorrow night at 6PM at regarding the reconstruction of the Northgate area, which includes Coronation Drive. 

Yes, it is planned for roadway surface reductions for stormwater, traffic calming, and most importantly costs. Also there will be sidewalk reductions, but we are aware of the poor drop off area behind the Kennedy School so we are making improvements there."

Thanks,

Robert A. Cantoreggi
Director
Department of Public Works
Town of Franklin

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

Re: Construction Notice – Neighborhood Meeting

Dear Residents:

The Franklin Department of Public Works will be working with a private contractor to reconstruct the roadways in the Northgate Neighborhood where the Town recently replaced the water mains last year. Specifically, road work will occur along Northgate Road, Coronation Drive, Parliament Drive, Regent Circle, Royal Court, Baron Road, and Brian Road. The road work will begin this summer and is expected to continue through the fall.

During construction, portions of the road may be closed or restricted to one lane of traffic, but normal two-way traffic will be resumed at the end of each work day.

We will be holding a neighborhood meeting on Thursday June 9, 2016 at 6:00pm, located under the awning at the front entrance to the Kennedy School to discuss possible roadway changes.

In accordance with the Town of Franklin By-Law Amendment 03-513, Paragraph 155-1.2 street openings will not be allowed within five years of the final paving. If you anticipate excavating in the street within the next five years, you should make arrangements prior to have the work completed as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience during construction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (508) 553-5500.

Sincerely,



Robert A. Cantoreggi,
Director of Public Works

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

an image of the letter to the neighborhood which prompted the email exchange.

In the News: Council approves sidewalk project, Red Cross blood drive, Temple schedules seder, FHS SADD schedules walk

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Residents attending the Town Council meeting Wednesday night applauded after the council approved a $1.8 million sidewalk project. 

The council unanimously approved the work, which would install new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks along Pleasant and Chestnut streets. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the matter came before the council last year, with the body voting to devote $50,000 for the design of the sidewalk. The town had subsequently gone out to bid on the project, with the total cost coming to about $1.8 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-council-approves-sidewalk-project

"The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. April 21 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/american-red-cross-to-hold-franklin-blood-drive

"Temple Etz Chaim will host its annual Second Night of Passover Community Seder at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. 

The event will include Four Questions, matzo ball soup, chopped liver, brisket and traditional Passover desserts. A vegan option will be available. 

Tickets will be discounted prior to April 18. 

For information and payment arrangements: 508-528-5337; temple-etzchaim.org."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/temple-etz-chaim-to-host-community-seder-for-passover

"The annual Students Against Drunk Driving Walk of Tears, in memory of Maura Howard, a graduate of King Philip Regional High School and Amy Callaghan, of Franklin High School, both victims of drunken-driving accidents, will take place at 11 a.m. May 1 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St. 

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony; the walk will begin at 11 a.m. The walk is approximately 3 miles, and refreshments and water will be available."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-high-school-to-hold-sadd-walk-of-tears

In the News: Council considers sidewalks, Historical Museum events, Downtown Partnership schedule for year

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council is set to consider at its meeting Wednesday night a $1.8 million project to improve town sidewalks. 

The project, which would involve some borrowing by the town, would replace and improve existing sidewalks and install new sidewalks on Pleasant and Chestnut streets. If approved, work would begin this spring. 

The Pleasant Street sidewalks that run from Main Street to Dean Avenue are slated to be replaced and improved, according to town officials. The new sidewalks would run along Pleasant Street from Dean Avenue to Miller Street, and on Chestnut Street from Old Chestnut Street to East Central Street."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-council-to-consider-sidewalk-project

To review the memo from Jeff Nutting as mentioned 
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/16-20.pdf

The following are upcoming events at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St. 

Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays; and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. 

The April item featured in the museum’s ongoing Item of the Month series is a small Native American Stone Knife. There is a lot to be learned about how Native Americans in this area used stone tools to create axes, grinding tools, etc. to shape their environment and live off the land. The knife, a general purpose tool, with both a tapering point and a thick edge, demonstrates the highly advanced workmanship and ingenuity of the local Wampanoag tribe.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-historical-museum-releases-event-list

Franklin Historical Museum

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set its 2016 dates for the Strawberry Stroll, October Stroll, Holiday Stroll, Spring and Winter Beautification days, and a Progressive Dinner. The Partnership also announces its general meeting dates and spring networking luncheons, all open to the public. 

Downtown Beautification Day will be from 8 to 11 a.m. on May 21. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and volunteers will install hundreds of flowers and greens throughout downtown and on the Common. Community service hours will be available to students. Contact Eileen Mason, emason4234@gmail.com, for information about the event, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Winter Beautification Day will be Nov. 20.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-downtown-partnership-announces-2016-events

Downtown Project Update #7

July 21, 2015

Work will continue on Main Street replacing the sidewalks near the Town Common as well as finishing Emmons Street and Summer Street sidewalks. 

They plan to start working on West Central between Emmons and Union Street after that. Work will continue on light poles and traffic light bases. 

If anyone has a questions please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.

new sidewalk in front of Dean College

new period light base

new sidewalk in front of the Ginley Funeral Home

sidewalk work in progress on corner of Main and School Sts

one of the problem light poles on West Central St. 

This was shared from the Franklin webpage here

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0217F6B7-000F8513

Would a wheelchair fit here?

One of the reported benefits of the Downtown Project is to make getting around town easier. Traffic calming cross walks will be installed along Main St to make it easier for the Dean students to cross and to make it easier for drivers to slow down for the cross walk.

Based upon the placement of the new utility poles, handicap access according to ADA requirements was left out of the planning process. These are a couple of photos from Sunday's walk along Main St. I have several more with similar situations present along West Central.

eventually take away the 'old' pole on the right

and same here, take away the old pole on the right

Assuming the 'old' pole is removed, does that leave enough space for a wheelchair or stroller to get by?

Sidewalks, beer/wine license, and RFPs draw large crowd to Town Council meeting

There was almost a full house at the Town Council Meeting on Wednesday evenings. The coincidence of the agenda drew many members of the community for their particular interest along with the major department heads for their capital budget needs.

Neighbors along Chestnut St who had signed a petition looking for sidewalks got a commitment to be included in the design process. Sidewalks were approved for Pleasant St (from St Mary's down to Miller). The design study would look at a sidewalk from Griffin all the way up Chestnut to 140. Another phase of work would look at sidewalks along Washington St. These sidewalks were all identified as desired in the Master Plan published in 2013

Neighbors along Pond St gathered to see the discussion and vote by the Town Council to approve two RFP's. One to offer the land for lease for a potential solar farm. The second would be offering the land for sale for a multi use development including some residential but not apartments. Both RFPs were approved. This is the first of about an 8 step process according to Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. Responses to the RFPs will be reviewed by the Economic Development Committee before being brought to the Council for discussion and decision.

National Small Business Week

The Lenzi family and supporters of small business also gathered to participate in the discussion around a beer/wine license for the Big Y. After hearing arguments for an against the proposal, the Council voted 8-1 to award the license to the Big Y. Councilor Dellorco was the only 'no' vote. The 'yes' votes were essentially won over by the financial benefits that the Big Y has brought to Franklin (new construction, road improvements, and substantial tax contribution) as well as the license is only for beer/wine. The other two small businesses (Franklin Liquors and Davitas) have full liquor licenses. The argument of providing a convenience to the Big Y customers won the day. The Big Y is a MA based family owned company.

For the other license transactions on the agenda, British Beer Company did not show up so their item was continued to the next meeting. Guru now doing business as Chinese Mirch received approval for their DBA change.

The Council spent less time approving $1.7 million dollars for a variety of capital improvements. This continues the financial practice of using 'free cash' to fund the capital needs of Franklin. From putting money aside for new fire truck, adding money to the fund to replace the turf fields, to funding the removal of the modular units at Davis Thayer, protective vests for the police, emergency air units for fire fighters to highlight a few. In Capital Subcommittee Chair Matt Kelly's words, it was like Christmas morning. Everybody got something on their wish list.

In the last minute juggling of the agenda to make progress while waiting for the 7:10 time for the public hearings to begin, Alan Mercer provided an update on the Franklin Cultural District and this summer's Franklin Cultural Festival. 

Franklin TV was also scheduled for an update on the cable operations and ended up rescheduling for next time.

Tucked among the action items is a surprise rate reduction for the Trash/Recycling. The current rate is $216 and it will be reduced to $200. All the work with the single stream trash/recycling is continuing to pay off. Literally in our case with the savings coming to the rate payers. This is the lowest the rate has been in years. It may still go up some time in the future but not some much each time and maybe not for a couple of years. We all can enjoy the savings in the meantime!

My set of notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting - Closing
• Live reporting: Legislation for action
• Live reporting: License transactions
• Live reporting: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 201...

Live reporting: FinCom (continued) - Capital Budget

Jeff Nutting providing an overview of the stabilization accounts

turf field is subject to a bounce test every year, wears out due to the sun rays
about $500,000 needed to replace the 'carpet' at the turf fields

Chief Semerjian
discussion the police capital request
car replacement, try to keep cars in a rotation and replace the vehicles that are high mileage and maintenance issues

looking for 3-4 cruisers each year, try to keep it even year to year
3 marked units, requested as SUV vehicle types
1 unmarked units as a sedan
fully loaded for the police technology
computer, lights, electrical components, locking brackets for firearms
piggy back up on the State bid

body armor to be replaced 13 units, this year and another 13 next year
attempting to get some grants to help offset the costs
units are targeted to last 5 years
policy in place to wear the body armor at all times

tasers, rotated among the shifts
some assigned to tactical units; would like to have enough for everyone to have one per shift
affords another level of protection, less lethal
the business can recycle units but under the program where we own it
after 5 years, it is time to go

computer technology, pretty basic - $17,000
all cleared through T Raposa, the Technical Director

study done previously on the maintenance of old vehicles didn't actually save any money
tend to buy good used vehicles as a better (cost effective) option

the police cars do take a beating, they are running 24 hours

DPW
Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi,  DPW Director

need a street sweeper, both units need to be on the streets now especially after the winter
both units are actually broken at the moment, the main one (to be replaced) needs a new hydraulic units

1 ton dump truck, haven't replaced one in some time
buying gas engine rather than diesel as the diesel don't get the mileage to make it worth while

hot box, approved by Town Council last week

9 foot mower, part of the replacement program

streets 

attempted override last year, it did not pass

Oak St in front of high school, needs to be done soon
was waiting for high school work to be done and now is the time
put some islands in, like on Lincoln St
worked very well on Lincoln this winter, won't be as many as Lincoln
just at the beginning and end of the 'longest' school zone in Franklin

Miller and Pleasant St
drainage issue as well as frequent accident site
getting multiple things done at one
drainage, safety and storm water treatment

Sidewalks

St Mary's down Pleasant St to Miller ($900,000)
Griffin ($15K) and Chestnut ($15K)

do some design work this year, put out to bid next year
could use the hotel money or short term borrowing to provide the funds for the work
called for in the Master Plan

would normally be covered during road rebuild but these streets are not part of the road plan immediately

granite curbing and bituminous surface

asking for $200K to do desing and the two smaller sections
once the design is complete, the total cost will be know and could be bid

the reason Beaver St is not on the list is due to the railroad and the bridge

Water

developer put the water line in, now the street piece needs to be replaced
Crocker and Hill Road, Lewis St

water treatment membrane

Dale St water main to be done 'in-house', needs to provide the pipe to be used

study on water facilities being done, numbers should be ready for next year

Sewer

from Cook's Farm to Shaw's the sewer pipe is almost blocked
need to burst the pipe and replace with a new layer
sewer is normally gravity fed, this section is pumped as it is a low spot

26 sewer lift stations around Franklin

Council has authorized $7.5M to bond
15 year rolling, every 5 years, 5 million bond authorizations

Northgate neighborhood being done this year

water master plan being updated

no water rate increase foreseen in the next 2-3 years
maybe 3-5 years a small increase to fix a maganese issue that the DEP has raised

65% of the Charles River is 'owned' by Franklin hence we owe that amount of the expenses
took 1 million gallons out of the sewer treatment, to save money via leakage

positive planning with DEP has paid off, with awards and recognition

Medway found their $1M leak

Fire Dept, Schools, Facilities, Technology for next time

one item is to replace wireless connections in the municipal buildings
if this is going to be changed every 5 years, maybe start another stabilzation fund to cover those recurring expenses
schools are expanding their chromebooks, cost of hardware and installation

overall budget

quick update on overall budget
health insurance meeting this Thursday, $8M line item
out to bid and should have decision this week

charter school number was wrong and through the cherry sheet number off, overdue in reply
fire fighters arbitation award for 4 years, awaiting deal
4 years of retroactive pay for 48 people is going to be a chunk
possible gap coming but hopeful to get it soon

otherwise will need to make some educated guesses and get started
if we get started and need to make some adjustments, we will

everything later this year due to new Governor and his first budget which came out in March instead of January

regional transportation, circuit breaker issues
what will it be? don't know

early May to start budgeting, first two weeks
possibly five meetings

all the department heads have their budgets ready, what they have submitted may not be what I (Nutting) recommend to go forward so they can at least talk about it

Dispatch Center

have design, architect, Norfolk is also looking to put their police station in same building, we'd be on first floor; still a year and half away
all the equipment and coordination together
did put money in budget to start in 4thQ, will know more in a month or so

during day, secretary and kiosk at night for fire dept
doing analysis for the police station to monitor the lock up
does it make sense to have a central lock up? where? how many cells would be needed?
all in the talk stage at this point

Streetscape meeting today

plan to do the whole project this year with the exception of Main st
do the drainage work that is left
put up the bases for the new lights
Emmons, West Central, East Central and do Main St in 2016
they want to start in 2 weeks
it is going to be painful, some trees at Dean will be taken down
High St to be done as part of the project (it needs it)

ripping up the road down by Brick School, the pavement failed


Old business, new business - nothing

motion to adjoin
next meeting Apr 22

Walking Franklin in the Snow

As many of you know I spend time on the weekends walking around Franklin, "Reporting by walking around." With 43" os snow deposited in such a short period of time, the range of my walks has been challenged. Yesterday, I did get to venture a good deal in and around downtown testing the sidewalk status. As shown in the sample photos here, the status of the sidewalks varies greatly.

Some sidewalks are cleared by the DPW, some by the residents or business owners, some not at all.

I'll need to do some research in the Town bylaws to find out what if anything is said about clearning sidewalks. I recall there is a policy against putting snow into the streets. For some of the businesses on Main St, they don't have much of an option for where to put the snow, other than to pile it further on the sidewalk. Doing so creates a narrow path way restricting handicap access, nevemind making it more challenging for people to walk together.

Main St in front of the Depot Building

Dean St on the side of Dean Bank

Main St in front of Dean College

Along the side of St Mary's on Daniel McCahill Way (leading to Oak St)

Oak St, along the side of the parking lot for the Oak St/Horace Mann school complex

Oak St, parking lot entrance to Oak St/Horace Mann and Franklin High School

RT 140 in front of Akin Bak

Keller Sullivan getting new sidewalks

As part of the Lincoln St road work, the Keller Sullivan schools are getting new sidewalks. I managed to get out for a visit this weekend to grab some photos.

from Lincoln St looking up to the schools

part of the way up looking back down the entrance 

Keller Sullivan sign

sidewalk on Lincoln St at entrance

more art at the Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park is getting ready to open officially in August. A new piece was installed this week with two more pieces scheduled to be installed before the opening. Separate but related construction is underway to put in the sidewalk along Panther Way. The sidewalk is being funded as part of the new high school but will also help those looking to visit the Sculpture Park.

The Sculpture Park sign also appeared this week

new Sculpture Park sign

There was a Police alert on Wednesday:

"The Franklin Police Department has an artist amongst the ranks! 

Lieutenant Mark Manocchio recently completed this painted steel sculpture, which has been installed in the new Franklin Sculpture Park, off of Edward’s Street. (Panther Way) 

Mrs. Rea’s third grade students, at the Keller-Sullivan School, helped out and painted each flower."

Mandy's Flower Garden

sidewalk construction on Panther Way

a rain garden to help with drainage

a 'pull out' section along Panther Way at the Sculpture Park

For those who bought a brick to help raise money for the Sculpture Park, the bricks are now laid out on the walkway to the park.

some of the bricks

some more of the bricks

Related posts on the development of the Sculpture Park

Sep 2013 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/sculpture-park-update.html

Nov 2013 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/sculpture-park-november-update-video.html

Mar 2014 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/sculpture-park-in-snow.html