Current Zoning for Downtown Commercial District does NOT require parking for Commercial in a "mixed use" development

Current Town Code:  § 185-21Parking, loading and driveway requirements.

“Parking schedule. The number of parking spaces required for a particular use shall be as follows:

[Amended 7-13-2011 Bylaw Amendment 18-805; 8-8-2018 by Bylaw Amendment 18-805]

(1)  In the Downtown Commercial Zoning District:

[Amended 8-14-2024 by Bylaw Amendment 24-907R]

(a) Residential dwelling units: one parking space per residential unit in a mixed use development.

(b) Nonresidential uses are exempt from this section (§ 185-21B).

(2) In the Commercial I Zoning District:

(a) Residential dwelling units: 1.5 parking spaces per residential unit.

(b) Nonresidential uses: one space per 500 square feet of gross floor area.”

Background:

Zoning was changed in 2024 for Downtown Commercial for mixed use buildings to remove parking requirements for “commercial use” and retain for “residential use”

Economic Development Cmte meeting - recommends change to Town Council - April 10, 2024

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/economic-development-moves-proposal-to_0742567348.html

Town Council

- August 14, 2024 agenda 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for.html 

- August 14, 2024 - meeting recap

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/august-14-town-council-meeting-audio-in.html 

MBTA Compliance

MBTA zoning status update July, 2024

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/mbta-communities-update-71-communities.html

MBTA Zoning Summary - April 1, 2026

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9325/MBTA-Communities-Council-Presentation---4126?bidId=

Before the MBTA Compliance became "a thing" Franklin was already working with the Metroplitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on the Franklin For All project. 

You can listen to the podcast series for background on many of the topics still coming around regarding development:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

Additional info can be found on the Town page - https://www.franklinma.gov/292/Franklin-for-All

The Excess Sewer Capacity segment of the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to extend the meeting 1 hour and fortunately finished before that time.

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliO20lR8Cc 

The three key sections of presentation & discussion are shared via audio here:

1786 - The FY 25 Audit report presentation and discussion. The recording runs about 25 minutes.

1787 - The 300 Fisher St presentation by the EPA and resulting discussion. The recording runs about 54 minutes

1788 - Excess Sewer Capacity presentation from Charles River, including Medway & Millis representatives as well as the extended discussion to be continued Sept 2. The recording runs about 97 minutes.

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1788-excess-sewer-capcity-segment-at-the-town-council-mtg-07-22-26/

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

The full agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

The 300 Fisher St segment of the Town Council meeting July 22, 2026 (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to extend the meeting 1 hour and fortunately finished before that time.

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliO20lR8Cc 

The three key sections of presentation & discussion are shared via audio here:

1786 - The FY 25 Audit report presentation and discussion. The recording runs about 25 minutes.

1787 - The 300 Fisher St presentation by the EPA and resulting discussion. The recording runs about 54 minutes 

b. 300 Fisher Street

i. Environmental Protection Agency Overview Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10232/EPA-Presentation

ii. Town Administrator Memo on history of 300 Fisher Street  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10234/11b-2---MEMO---300-Fisher-Street-History

iii. 300 Fisher Street Town site map  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10235/11b-iiii-Map

iv. 300 Fisher Street property card  

1788 - Excess Sewer Capacity presentation from Charles River, including Medway & Millis representatives as well as the extended discussion to be continued Sept 2. The recording runs about 97 minutes.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1787-300-fisher-st-segment-of-the-town-council-mtg-07-22-26/

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

The full agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

The FY 25 Audit report segment from the July 22, 2026 Franklin Town Council (audio)

FM #1786-1787-1788 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1786-1787-1788 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to extend the meeting 1 hour and fortunately finished before that time.

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliO20lR8Cc 

The three key sections of presentation & discussion are shared via audio here:

1786 - The FY 25 Audit report presentation and discussion. The recording runs about 25 minutes.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx 

1787 - The 300 Fisher St presentation by the EPA and resulting discussion. The recording runs about 54 minutes 

1788 - Excess Sewer Capacity presentation from Charles River, including Medway & Millis representatives as well as the extended discussion to be continued Sept 2. The recording runs about 97 minutes.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1786-fy-2025-audit-report-at-the-town-council-mtg-07-22-26/

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

The full agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features the 300 Fisher St Discussion at the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-300-fisher-st-segment-of-town.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 320 - Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0305566455.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Thinking snow? In July? Town Council approves increase in parking fines during snow storms

"At the July 22 Franklin Town Council meeting, the Council approved increased Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban fines.

Effective this winter, the following fines will apply to vehicles parked on Town streets during declared winter storm overnight parking bans:

• 1st offense: $100
• 2nd offense: $200
• 3rd & subsequent offenses: $300

Keeping streets clear helps snowplows and emergency vehicles travel safely."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbTrC75lMit/?

Agenda item for 7/22/26 Town Council meeting

e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10272/12e-26-953-Fines-Increase

• Vote on the motion, passed by 8-1 vote (Morrongiello voted no)

Full agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Franklin TV video -  https://www.youtube.com/live/mliO20lR8Cc?&t=133

Audio recording of the July 15, 2026 Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting (audio)

FM #1782 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1782 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

 

Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella also participated. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.

Quick recap:

• The joint email response policy was approved by the subcommittee to bring to the full Council as amended (4-0 vote)

• The vote on social media guidelines for elected & appointed officials as amended was also approved to send to the full Council by a 4-0 vote

• Discussion on the work plan, Max raised some items discussed in prior meetings that did not make it to this listing

• Discussion on the scope of the committee, is it for Town Council communications or for communications on all of Town business?

The recording runs about 2 hours & 23 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1782-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-07-15-26/

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

The Franklin TV video is available https://www.youtube.com/live/waSCPZX58RM?&t=247 

The agenda and released documents for this session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-2412 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjT_rM8lx14IKucFaXsUAC26x6f-k6wk/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Franklin Town Council votes to extend session past the 4 hour cutoff (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22 in Council Chambers. All 9 members of the COuncil were present to participate in person.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/mliO20lR8Cc?&t=133

The agenda for the session (including docs released for this meeting) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

Quick recap for 10:00 PM to closing of session

• These three resolutions were not acted upon and will be rescheduled to the December September 2 meeting
• b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote) c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote) d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)
• c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)
• d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)
• Vote to extend meeting to continue past the 4 hour deadline
• The Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban was approved after 2nd reading by an 8-1 vote (Morrongiello voted no)
• Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense  voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD  voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4  voted to approved by a 9-0 vote