Reminder: Accessory Dwelling Units legislation up for discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meeting - March 22 at 6 PM

One of the ways we can help our housing and affordable housing situation is with accessory dwelling units. The discussion at the meeting Wednesday night will review the proposal for recommendation to the Town Council that could change the zoning and regulations around accessory dwelling units.

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 22, 2023 - 6:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Accessory Dwelling Units legislation

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_-_march_22_2023.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - March 22, 2023

Listen to this discussion on housing, zoning, and getting the process to produce what we need (audio)

FM #942 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 942 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Brad, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, February 8, 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 that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Brad for this session to include his insights as Franklin resident and CEO, Camford Property Group, based here in Franklin. 

Brad helps us make progress in understanding the differences between “by right” and “special permit”. The image of sausage making and turning the gears to turn out the product can help to visualize what the discussion is about.

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 65 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-942-franklin-housing-zoning-discussion-02-08-23

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Brad Chafee’s Camford Development web page -> http://camfordpg.com/ 

Franklin's current design guidelines, here's the link: www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/guidelines.pdf 

Guidelines for making "New England character" downtowns: https://outside.vermont.gov/agency/ACCD/ACCD_Web_Docs/CD/CPR/Planning-Your-Towns-Future/CPR-Z4GN-Guide-Final-web.pdf 

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

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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!

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

Listen to this discussion on housing, zoning, and getting the process to produce what we need (audio)

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting - 09/27/21 (audio)

FM #615 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 615 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Planning Board meeting held on Monday, September 27, 2021. The recording was captured via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on 40 Alpine Row discusses multiple updates and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 38 seconds)

• Public hearing on 5 Fisher St discusses multiple items and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 21 minutes)

• Public hearing on Housing Production Plan (HPP), after clarifications on the "plan" as being Town based/Town controlled (not State), still requiring much work to make happen, and that the Planning Board would still "get a bite at the apple", the HPP is approved 5-0 roll call vote  (in recording at approx. 46 minutes)

• Site plan modification request to split 2 plots into 3 approved by 5-0 vote via roll call  (in recording at approx. 1 hour 11 minutes)

• Citizen comment on complete streets (begin approx. 1 hour 19 minutes)

 Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 1 hour and 36 minutes, so let’s listen to the Planning Board meeting of Sep 27. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/048d7b83-9e78-43fc-bfae-c5ebf1650595

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Planning Board agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf 

Planning board meeting documents:

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/331296 

 

My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/planning-board-recap-92721-housing.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"

 

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting

Town Council Recap: Sep 2, 2020 - Building Dept update, plot line changes approved, gifts accepted

Recap: The Town Council heard from the Building Commissioner, Gus Brown as he provided an update on the work of the department and coordination with Planning, Planning Board, ZBA, Inspections, etc. The presentation included photos of the variety of projects worked on recently.

This is one of a series of department updates to the Town Council to increase awareness of the work being done by some of the 'less known' departments. Board of Health coming up next.

The 4th set in the series of plot line zoning changes was covered in a public hearing and then ultimately moved to a second reading. Over time a particular plot of land may have ended up straddling 2 or in some cases 3 or more zoning categories. This clean up moves the plot into a single zone. 

The Town Council approved a series of donations. They also accepted a sewer line extension for a single property off Daniels St not currently served by sewer and where the ground can not handle a septic system.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0902
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0902?src=hashtag_click 

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0902 Chair Tom Mercer opens with the meeting statement and protocol. Meeting is available via local cable Verizon/Comcast and live stream via Town website
• Statement from Town Clerk on a number of early voting ballots not counted as of last night, the matter is being addressed and the results will be shared when available #tc0902
• Citizens comments: Dale Kurtz reminding bricks on sale for veteran walkway #tc0902 Laura Stevens speaking about kitchen use when she doesn't have a commercial grade kitchen. Can't use shared space due to COVID-19 requirements.
• Moving to approval of minutes from July 29, motion to approve via roll call 8-0 (1 absent - Earls) #tc0902 opening public hearing on lot line changes along Beaver and Oak St, 4th of this session. Previously voted on by planning board and EDC
• Most of the property owned by Town where FHS and school complex is #tc0902   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf Abutters and owners notified prior
• Bissanti raises concern on reducing amount of Res 4 zoning. Zoning doesn't really apply to town property, usage or value doesn't change. Simplifies the zoning map as part of the overall plan. #tc0902 motion to close hearing, second, via roll 8-0 (1 absent - Earls)
• Gus Brown, building commissioner to provide update. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._building_department_09-16-2020_tc_presentation_0.pdf  doc linked here. #tc0902
• FYI over 30 participants for the Zoom portion of the meeting, also available via cable via Verizon and Comcast as well as live streamed via Town web site #tc0902 Bruce Hunchard of ZBA speaks to their role
• Viewpoint online permit process implemented in July 2019 if not the building permit process would really have stopped during COVID-19 #tc0902 thanks to multiple folks by Gus for their help in getting online.
• Examples of work done #tc0902
• More examples #tc0902
• First of series of presentations scheduled for TC update, Board of Health coming up next. #tc0902 unregistered cars are not allowed on private property, some say one is, not ever is Gus' time has one been allowed.
• "Change is a tough process but sometimes it is for the better" #tc0902 virtual inspections performed, pictures were taken and reviewed thoroughly, going back out now to sites where they do have pictures to confirm.
• Pellegri can't remember a complaint during the time she worked with him as town clerk #tc0902 vacant property bylaw (not blight) did get money via fines from some of the banks, property owners for vacant property
• Solar project in on Spring st will be paved to the new parking lot for access to both SNETT and Town forest trails. The rest of Spring st will be decommissioned sometime #tc0902 Jamie provides updates on solar project
• Audience opportunity, no one takes it up. Gus makes closing comments thanks Jamie for leadership and Council for guidance #tc0902 
• Moving to subcommittee reports; budget meeting 9/16 . EDC met earlier tonight recorded and broadcast Chandler joined to take Earls place
• Motion on gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-51_-_veterans_department_gift.pdf  #tc9902 seconded, passed 8-0 (1 absent) Attny Cerel chimed in that with all Council present no need for roll call This closes VFW info for the walkway, xfers funds to Town; ledger coming to help with location
• #tc0902 motion on change of date from Nov 11 to the 4th https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-52_updated_2020_tc_schedule.pdf  Motion carried 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 regular transfer of cable funds to cable group https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-53_-_peg_funds.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 motion to accept gift for senior center https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-54_gift_acceptance_-_senior_center.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 acceptance of deed and easement https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-55_roadway_easement_-_rossi.pdf   motion passes 8-0 (1 absent) housekeeping issue, easement referenced but not formally declared previously compensation was made 20 years ago
• #tc0902 zoning bylaw for the plot line changes for the public hearing earlier in this session. Move to 2nd reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf   Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 sewer system extension proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20g._bylaw_amendment_20-859_-_sewer_system_extension_100_daniels_street.pdf Motion to move to second reading, seconded, passes 8-0 (1 absent) property owner has no other options. Owner will maintain line; consider a public extension? Would require pump station for public
• Town administrator report, all set. Requesting item for beer, wine licenses for consideration during this pandemic. #tc0902 Councilor comments, Chandler thanks for EDC Davis Thayer study? Jamie to forward link. Chandler censured on facebook for first time. Hamblen grants coming
• Pellegri questions on report of museum, good reminder report should be forthcoming. Time spent initially on getting the vendor contract signed. CPA info session coming up Sep 8. #tc0902 unfunded mandates from schools? Jones asked before and hasn't seen yet.
• Mercer on south meeting house, light on? Can we turn it off? Or for safety? #tc0902 Gus Brown came back to thank the town folks and contractors for their patience. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0. That's all tonight, catch you next time

Town Council agenda doc  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html

Photos captured during the virtual meeting broadcast   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Fc56adksVZyJvt1A 

Building Commissioner Gus Brown

Public Hearings - Planning Board - June 17

• 40 Alpine Row

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit and Site Plan application titled "As-Built Brewing, 40 Alpine Row" prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc, Franklin, MA, and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development by As-Built Brewing LLC, 279 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

The site is located at 40 Alpine Row in the Downtown Zoning District (Assessors Map 279, Lots 181 & 182). The purpose of the Special Permit is to allow Brewery with Tasting Room under 185 Attachment 4, Use Regulations Schedule Part Ill, Section 3.13 — Brewery with Tasting Room.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_-_40_alpine.pdf

• 195 Main St, Hayward Manor

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 7:15 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit & Site Plan Modification application titled "195 Main St, Hayward Manor" prepared and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning & Community Development by Anglican Church of the Redeemer, Inc., 31 Hayward St, Franklin, MA 02038.

The site is located at 195 Main Street in the Rural Residential I Zoning District (Assessors Map 268, Lot 236). The purpose of the Special Permit and Site Plan Modification is for transfer of ownership of the property, to allow office use on the first and second floor.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_-_195_main.pdf

• Site Plan 1256 West Central St

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 7:20 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit & Site Plan Modification application titled "Site Plan 1256 West Central St" submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning & Community Development by GTE Franklin, LLC, 120 Bergeron Way, Stoughton, MA 02072.

The site is located at 1256 West Street in the Industrial Zoning District (Assessors Map 274, Lot 001). The purpose of the Special Permit and Site Plan Modification is to allow non-medical marijuana facility under 185 Attachment 3, Part Il Section 2.23 of Franklin's Zoning By-Law.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice-_1256_west_central_street.pdf

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board's website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Anthony Padula, Chairman

As Built Brewing (Facebook image)

What is the story with 278-280-300 West Central St?

On the Town Council agenda for the meeting Wednesday, April 24, 2019, there is an Executive Session scheduled to discuss two items, one of which is a current lawsuit concerning the Planning Board and developer Joel D’Errico around his proposal for property at 278-300 West Central St.

I went back into the Town and Franklin Matters archives to pull together the relevant meeting notes as the subject property was proposed for a zoning bylaw change in 2016, approved, and then is now under consideration for a proposal to change it back. In the middle of this is the long story (yes, settle in) and read along as the developer meets with the Planning Board several times in 2017 and into 2018 before being rejected and then attempts to comeback with a revised proposal later in 2018.

Why would these parcels get their zoning changed and now three years later be proposed to get their zoning changed back to what it was? Good question.

I did become interested when it came up for discussion during the March 13, 2019 Town Council meeting. My notes were captured as follows:

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes from General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV, an area on or near West Central Street- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5)) 

Joel D'Errico with story on the proposal for the propertyAttny Cerel alerted the Council that there is a suit against the Planning Board and they should be cautious in their response to Mr D'Errico 

Mr Marguerite speaks in favor of the R5, he has a deal with Mr D'Errico 

motion to approve, seconded, passes 4-3 (simple majority due to the presence of 7)Hamblen, noDellorco, noKelly, noCasey, Jones, Mercer, Earls all yes

So the Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837 moved to the Planning Board for the second time. Let’s step back into 2016 and follow what happened to get us to this point.


Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753

Planning board meeting to review proposed Zoning bylaw amendment 16-753 and voted against it by 4-0
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/april_25_2016.pdf

Public hearing at Town Council
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-apr-27.html

From official Town Council Apr 27, 2016 meeting minutes
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/minutes_04-27-2016_0.pdf

Zoning Bylaw change 16-753 was continued as first reading at Town Council Meeting May 11, 2016
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-11.html

From official TC Meeting May 11, 2019 minutes
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/minutes_05-11-2016_0.pdf

Zoning Bylaw change 16-753 at second reading/vote to approve
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-25.html

TC Meeting May 25, 2016
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/may_25_2016_tc_meeting_budget_hearing_0.pdf

After the zoning change is approved in May 2016, we find nothing in the Planning Board records until October 2016

Proposal for 278-280-300 West Central St

A discussion on the proposal with no vote or formal submittal at this time
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/october_17_2016_1.pdf

A full year goes by before the proposal is officially brought forward

Planning Board - Initial hearing Oct 30, 2017
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/october_30_2017.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued Dec 4, 2017
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/december_4_2017.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued Dec 18, 2017
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/december_18_2017.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued Jan 22, 2018
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/january_22_2018.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued Feb 5, 2018
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/february_5_2018.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued Feb 26, 2018
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/february_26_2018.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued on March 12, 2018
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/march_12_2018.pdf

Planning Board hearing continued to April 9, 2018 for site density study
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/april_9_2018.pdf

Hearing continued to April 23, 2018 for full hearing, at which the hearing is closed
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/april_23_2018.pdf

Nothing until the June 18 meeting, and a schedule for vote at July 9, 2018 meeting
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/june_18_2018.pdf

Planning Board vote on special permits July 9, 2018 meeting denies Special Permits
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/july_9_2018.pdf

Planning Board September 10, 2018 meeting - discussion on re-submitting as there have been ‘substantial and material’ changes
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/september_10_2018.pdf

Planning Board September 24, 2018 meeting - further discussion on whether it can be resubmitted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/september_24_2018.pdf

Planning Board October 15, 2018 meeting further discussion and request to submit, no decision without a submittal
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/october_15_2018.pdf

Planning Board January 7, 2019 meeting - item resubmitted, public hearing opened
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/january_7_2019.pdf

Planning Board January 28, 2019 - hearing continued, then voted against allowing the resubmittal
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/minutes/january_28_2019.pdf

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837
Current proposal to change subject property from SFR V back to SFR IV in 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10l._zoning_map_amendment_19-837_-_town_council_submittal_-_02142019_1.pdf

First meeting of referral to Planning Board March 13, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

See my notes as reported in the beginning of this story.

The Planning Board was scheduled to review this item per their April 8, 2019 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/april_8_2019.pdf

There are no published minutes for the Planning Board meetings after January 2019.

What is the story with 278-280-300 West Central St?

In the News: distillery hearing Feb 25; MA at forefront of national climate change forum

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

Distillery hearing Feb 25

"Depending on the outcome of a public hearing in a couple weeks, Franklin could have a new distillery in town. 

Local resident Patrick Downing, 51, and his wife, Beth, are looking to take over the space of the recently closed Incontro restaurant to create GlenPharmer Distillery. They’ll not only be serving food, but creating their own liquor from scratch. 

The couple plan to make gin, whiskey, vodka, rum and other drinks. 

The old mill building at 860 West Central St. may soon be home to the distillery and restaurant after a public hearing on Feb. 25. The hearing will take place at 7:30 p.m. during a Planning Board hearing in the Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190216/franklin-to-hear-distillery-proposal-on-feb-25


MA at forefront of national climate change forum

"As proposals for global warming legislation gain traction on a national level, several Massachusetts officials have emerged as key players in the conversation. 

Sen. Edward Markey has joined Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in announcing the Green New Deal, a sweeping policy bill that aims to drastically reduce carbon emissions in multiple sectors of the economy while also creating clean energy jobs. 

Markey, who has made environmental issues a signature component of his career while representing Massachusetts in the U.S. House and Senate, called climate change “the most important issue facing this country” at recent a press conference in Washington. 

Larry Stoodt, a member of the legislative team of the MetroWest node of 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future, a climate activist group, said a Green New Deal in Massachusetts is still in the development phase. But he commended Framingham’s three state reps - Maria Robinson, Jack Lewis and Carmine Gentile - for endorsing bills the group asked them to co-sponsor."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190216/mass-at-forefront-of-national-climate-change-forum

In the News: distillery seeking permit for operation; Library has dungeons and dragons club

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

"After the abrupt closing of Incontro Restaurant last week, a new owner is looking to take over the space – GlenPharmer Distillery. 

The old mill building at 860 West Central St. may soon be home to the new distillery and restaurant after a public hearing on Feb. 25. The hearing will take place in the Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building at 7:30 p.m during a Planning Board meeting. 

The company, owned by Franklin resident Patrick Downing, is seeking a special permit to distill spirits on site. Town Planner Amy Love said that Downing plans to distill many types of alcohol, including vodka, gin and whiskey. A tasting room is also planned. 

“With Incontro closing, he (Downing) does still want a restaurant in there,” Love said. “At this time we really don’t know what it’s going to be.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190211/distillery-may-replace-incontro-restaurant-in-franklin

Milford Daily News photo

"There is a unique realm in the recesses of the Franklin Public Library that young adventures can explore any plane imaginable – Dungeons and Dragons for Kids. 

One player on put a hand on the handle of a long sword, just for precaution, as the team walks into a building in what looks like a deserted town. There’s a gnome sitting in what used to be a shop, lavender-colored clouds of smoke pluming from his pipe as he watches the young adventurers make their way into the room. 

Dungeon Master, 11-year-old Soren Harrington, set the scene on Monday afternoon, reading from a guide while creating situations of his own as the other players made their way through the path that he partially created. 

It’s the imagination and creativity involved with the game that draws the young players into the game, said Assistant Youth Services Librarian Mitzi Gousie. The idea to start a Dungeons and Dragons club at the library wasn’t her own, she said. It was inspired by one of their frequent youth visitors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/franklins-dungeons-amp-dragons-club-gaining-popularity

Franklin Public Library

When one door closes, another opens

From the Milford Daily News, article of interest for Franklin

Incontro Closes Suddenly

"Prospective customers pulled at locked door handles at the Incontro Restaurant on Thursday afternoon, unsure why they were shuttered during lunch hours. 

The once popular Italian restaurant shut down suddenly on Wednesday, but the reason for its closing is unclear. 

Jim Clark, owner of Incontro and partial shareholder of Rock N’ Coal Pizza and Sports Bar in Bellingham and Millis, said that Incontro will not reopen in the original Franklin location, but he hinted that the restaurant isn’t dead yet. 

“This was kind of sudden to me and we don’t have any immediate plans at the moment,” he said. “We’ll see how things play out.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190208/franklin-incontro-restaurant-abruptly-closes

Milford Daily News photo

Special Permit for "Distillery with tasting room in addition to the existing restaurant"

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 7:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit & Site Plan Modification application titled "Proposed Site Conditions for Glen Pharmer Distillery" prepared and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning & Community Development on February 4, 2019 by Brookdale Mill Realty, LLC, 860 West Central st, Franklin, MA 02038. 

The site is located at 860 West Central Street in the Business Zoning District (Assessors Map 271, Lot 019). The purpose of the Special Permit is to allow Distillery with Tasting Room in addition to the existing restaurant, under CH 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulations, Schedule, Part Il, 2.9.

From the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/public_hearing_notice_38.pdf

"The permitting process seems to be working as intended"

As I missed the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, the Milford Daily News today reveals some of the discussion on one of the many agenda topics.

The council’s Economic Development Committee will examine the various special permit criteria and report its findings. 

Such a permit is needed when certain aspects of a project do not meet the requirements of a zoning district. It gives the town granting authorities – the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals – oversight on projects not allowed by right. 

"Right now I’ve counted a little more than 106 special permit uses in our zoning tables," said councilor Andrew Bissanti. "I find that a little excessive, that’s all." 

In the case of the Starbucks proposal, the planned drive-thru would sit about 120 feet away from a residential property, which allowed the Planning Board to impose restrictions on the hours of operation.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140905/NEWS/140908124/1994/NEWS

The posted agenda for the meeting Wednesday can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-3.html

The video of the meeting when posted will be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Webdocs/videoarchive

Should a nursing facility be located in a residential area?

From a reader:

I love your emails. I was wondering if you could help spread the word about the Athena Health proposed 138-bed nursing facility at 864 Lincoln St. 

The location is currently a residential rural zone 1, the faculty would need a zoning ordinance to proceed. 

Only those with property touching the proposed site were notified of the meeting.

agenda item - Athena Health

The Zoning Board of Appeals agendas can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202014/


The video of the meeting is not yet available for replay. If someone knows what occurred at the meeting, please let me know.

Update:

I did go to the meeting.
Many voiced opposing opinions.
The board continued until July 24 at 7:30.
They requested a full traffic study be done on Lincoln St.
The fire chief sent a memo but was not in attendance. The memo opposed the building permit as it would put addition strain on the Emergency Response which would affect all residence. He also cited poor response times for that area of Franklin would put home residents at at potential risk.

Price Chopper or rock pile?

The proposal for a Price Chopper market starts the process all over again as if it had never happened due to a technicality.

The rock pile along RT 140 at the intersection of Chestnut Ridge would be replaced by the supermarket, IF the proposal goes through. It requires a special permit as well as approval for the site plan from the Planning Board.

Stay tuned to the Planning Board for the hearings on this proposal. It will resume discussion on Aug 9th.

Conservation Commission meeting of May 13th
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/conservation-commission-price-chopper.html

Planning Board meeting of May 17th

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/live-reporting-franklin-market-price.html

Franklin, MA