Showing posts with label traffic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traffic. Show all posts

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Beaver St Interceptor construction detour alert for week of Jan 22, 2024

With last week’s weather causing slight delays, construction crews will now be advancing further onto Old West Central St. and traffic will be detoured to Tri-County Drive beginning Monday January 22nd.

Residential traffic only on Pond St., Rolling Ridge Rd., Hilltop Rd. and part of Old West Central St.

The detour will be in place Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM.
During this construction phase, the adjacent medical building remains accessible, though Starbucks will be accessible via 140 only. Access to this area may look different as work continues. We are working with school staff to ensure safety.
Please visit our interactive construction map for details https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/.../sid.../index.html...
We will update and communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map. #onefranklin #franklinmassachusetts #franklinbsi #keepfranklinflowing

Beaver St Interceptor construction detour alert for week of Jan 22, 2024
Beaver St Interceptor construction detour alert for week of Jan 22, 2024

2 Master Plan subcommittees meet before the full Committee meets on Wednesday


Sustainability Subcommittee
Event Date:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 7:00pm

CSFC Subcommittee
Event Date:  Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - 5:15pm
no agenda posted at this time

Master Plan Committee
Event Date:  Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - 6:30pm

2 Master Plan subcommittees meet before the full Committee meets on Wednesday
2 Master Plan subcommittees meet before the full Committee meets on Wednesday

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee
Agenda
January 10, 2024 - 5:15 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
Room 205, 2nd Floor
355 East Central Street

1. Approve last meeting minutes
2. Revisit 2013 Goals & Objectives
3. Develop list of questions for relevant departments
4. Next steps:
a. Outline of meetings by topic


Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

 

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10
Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Detour begins Dec 14

Beaver Street Interceptor -> CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Starting Thursday December 14th,
the area of Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.
will be impacted by a construction detour.
Access to this area may look different as work continues
but LOCAL BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN!


Beaver Street Logo

Please visit our interactive construction map for details 
https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae 
We will update and communicate regularly via social media,
our dedicated email list, and the construction map.


Please see our interactive map below for more details.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd. will be impacted by a construction detour
Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.will be impacted by a construction detour

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project
This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe
here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).
 

History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.

The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements. 

The Project includes the following key components:

  • New 6 MGD Beaver Street Pump Station and 4,000 LF of 18-inch Force Main from the pump station to discharge at Pond Street.
  • Rehabilitation of 6,100 LF of BSI using Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL)
  • Installation of 6,000 LF of new gravity sewers
  • The work will take place at 5 MBTA/Keolis Railroad Crossings including 3 pipe replacements using jack and bore technique and 2 pipe rehabilitation locations using CIPPL.
  • Abandonment of BSI from Panther Way to Franklin Village Plaza and Route 495 crossing

For additional information see links below:

Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates

Presentations:
Beaver Street Interceptor Public Outreach Meeting October 26, 2023
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20

Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure

Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )

Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)

(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175) 

March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening

June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more

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Saturday, October 14, 2023

Franklin (MA) Police Department Community Service Results & Action Plan

Community Survey Results and Action Plan                     October 11, 2023

The Franklin Police Department conducted a Community Survey from July 25, 2023 – September 3, 2023.  This survey was anonymous and it was looking for community feedback in order to gauge how the department was doing in several different areas including community involvement, safety, procedural justice, performance and satisfaction of officer contact.  This survey was posted on all of our social media platforms and our web site with the intent of reaching as many citizens as possible.

There were 315 responses to this survey.  The results of the survey are below and can also be found on our web site at: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/pages/2023_community_survey_results_data.pdf

The command staff at the police department have looked at this data and have found the following:   

Franklin (MA) Police
Franklin (MA) Police

Community Involvement

  • Although most people feel we do a good job at interacting with the community, we feel we can do better at making it easy for community members to provide input to the department.  We are working on ways for people to be able to provide information and suggestions using social media platforms or other communication platforms.

Safety

  • The top three issues identified by the public as the greatest problems in the community are the same, we, as a department, have also identified as top priorities.  They include:
    • Traffic Issues (49.2%)
    • Mental Health Issues (44.4%)
    • Drug Abuse (31.7%)
  • Here are the things that the police department have been and will continue to do regarding these issues:
    • Traffic
      • We have hired three of the four additional officers that the town has appropriated and once filled will bring us to a total of 58 sworn officers.  These officers have been assigned to our operations division and will be assigned to uniformed patrol.  This will increase the ability to conduct traffic enforcement during times between calls for service.
      • Our patrol division has increased traffic stops in FY23 by approximately 79.4% (3,348 stops) from the year before (FY22 – 1,868 stops).  With the addition of the four new officers, we have directed our operations division to continue this trend and expect an additional 25% increase of traffic stops and directed patrols this year.
    • Mental Health:
      • The department has started its own Co-response Mental Health Program to continue its good work that began with Advocates.
      • We have hired a team of mental health clinician who works directly for the Town of Franklin.  We have hired a FPD Co-response Program Manager and we are in the process of hiring two additional clinicians.  These clinicians will ride with officers to calls for service where mental health issues are a factor.  These clinicians are trained to recognize the problems, they understand the challenges, and can assist officers in real time, while on scene, by getting the individual the services they need quickly.  The new clinicians will start in November of 2023.
    • Drug Abuse:
      • We have one detective that is assigned to narcotics investigations.  All other detectives are crossed trained in narcotics investigations and can assist when needed.
      • Our detectives and clinicians conduct follow up investigations after drug overdoses in order to provide information and support services.
      • Our department participates in a county overdose database in which information is shared between member departments.  This allows us to follow up and provide services to those who are Franklin residents but may have overdosed in another jurisdiction.
      • We have a working partnership with the SAFE coalition and other organizations to provide support services to individuals and families suffering from drug addiction.

Procedural Justice

  • We are happy to see that a majority of respondents trust the police, find us respectful and find us fair.  We will continue to strive to meet those expectations the community deserves.

Performance

  • Although most found the overall performance of our agency satisfactory, we can improve on proactivity and addressing community concerns.
  • We will encourage officers to get out of their cars while on patrol and engage more with the community.
  • We will continue to encourage more community engagement through use of special vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles and foot patrols of high pedestrian areas (i.e. Downtown, malls, etc.).

Conclusion

First of all, we would like to thank the community members who took the time to complete the survey.  Your feedback is extremely important to gauge what the community thinks of our performance.  We take all of this feedback extremely seriously and will do our best to improve.  Our goal is to provide the best possible service that we can, the level of service that our residents deserve. 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/police-department-community-service-results-action-plan


Thursday, September 1, 2022

Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)

FM #836 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 836 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

  • EDC prioritized their ‘short list’ at Aug 10 meeting

  • Green community & Cultural Council presentations at August 17 Town Council meeting

  • Dean College President/Chancellor scheduled for the Sep 7 Council meeting

  • 5 year fiscal outlook published 

  • #1 complaint to the Town - speeding

The conversation runs about 33 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Franklins-Forecast-e1n7023


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

Franklin for All webpage https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Cultural Council presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf 

Green Community presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

Green Community story map https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community 

5 year fiscal outlook ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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"

Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)
Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)

Monday, August 29, 2022

#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.
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 ..."
 

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting (audio)

FM #814 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 814 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development SubCmte Plus meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. 

  • Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, B Wierling, G Rondeau, B Hunchard
  • Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, L Rivera, B Taberner, A Love

Discussion on the process for selecting priorities among the recommendations (or in addition to) by the committee members as a way of prioritizing the Towns work overall. Not everything can be done, but if everyone uses 3 priorities, they can bubble up what should be worked first, etc.


Meeting scheduled for Aug 10, 6 PM to do the prioritization. This was selected in light of the MAPC report due at the end of June, time to digest, should also have the final requirements coming from the State on the MBTA community incentives by that time as well.


The recording runs just over an hour, so let’s listen to the Economic Development SubCmte Plus discussion on June 8, 2022.


Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-814-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-06-08-22


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


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"

 
Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting
Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting

Friday, May 6, 2022

Franklin Downtown Traffic Alert -> Dean Commencement Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM

The Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony will be held in front of Dean Hall (rain or shine), along Awpie Way, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM

For more about the Commencement visit   https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/ 

Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn for major events
Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn for major events

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

MassDOT Safety reminds us that "Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!"

MassDOT Safety (@MassDOTSafety) tweeted on Mon, Oct 04, 2021:
"October is #PedestrianSafetyMonth and we want to remind everyone how travel speed impacts crash injury severity. Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!

#EveryoneIsAPedestrian
#VisionZero https://t.co/WZ453dimIK"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassDOTSafety/status/1445019668557832196?s=03

MassDOT Safety reminds us that "Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!"
MassDOT Safety reminds us that "Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility!"


Wednesday, June 23, 2021

MA News Briefs: traffic is back, legislature rebuffs Gov Baker, remote access should stay for meetings

“Traffic, for all intents and purposes, is back to about 2019 levels on most roadways in Massachusetts at this point,” Gulliver said in a presentation to the Department of Transportation’s board.
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/21/metro/massachusetts-traffic-is-back-2019-levels-massdot-says/

"House lawmakers on Tuesday rejected Governor Charlie Baker’s proposal to spend $2.8 billion of federal funds provided to the state through the American Rescue Plan, opting instead to stow the majority of the $5.3 billion in aid into a separate account under the Legislature’s control.

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka said in a statement Tuesday that by placing the money in a separate fund, it will allow lawmakers to decide how best to use the money with input from the public."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/22/metro/legislature-rejects-bakers-spending-plan-federal-covid-funds-governor-concerned-with-delay-disbursements/

"As we look back on the hellish year gone by, it’s also time to sort through those changes worth keeping, those things that actually made improvements in our lives.

And those changes don’t begin and end with to-go cocktails — as much fun as they were. One of the best things to come out of the pandemic lockdown was the way most government bodies from Beacon Hill committees to municipal boards and commissions adapted, allowing their own members and members of the public to attend meetings remotely — from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Computer screens became that critical window on the political world that allowed the public to tune in to legislative committee hearings on crucial issues, city council hearings, town meetings. And not merely to tune in, in many of those cases, but also to offer remote testimony. Distance or disability was no longer a factor. Nor was the inability to get a babysitter or reluctance to make the hours-long trek from Pittsfield to Boston."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/22/opinion/remote-access-public-meetings-post-pandemic-must/


Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Files New Legislation to Improve Road Safety

@MassGovernor tweeted
"Today (Monday, Apr 26, 2021) we filed road safety legislation that includes several provisions we previously filed in 2019 and several new proposals like increasing penalties for individuals who cause personal injury while driving on a non-administratively suspended license."

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Can you identify signs of labor trafficking?

Mass. Municipal Assn (@massmunicipal) tweeted on Tue, Jan 19, 2021:
.@MassAGO @maura_healey's office launches new training video & digital toolkit to help people identify signs of labor trafficking & generate referrals to her office for potential investigation & prosecution.

MMA article to provide context for the new awareness campaign https://t.co/dMFDXPzpZx

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

"None of the three scenarios developed by MassDOT expect full crowds to return to public transit for at least several years"

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

"The morning rush hour on Massachusetts highways is unlikely to return to pre-COVID crowds until at least 2024, and even more drivers may not return to the fray if economic recovery drags or if working from home remains common, according to new Department of Transportation projections.

That might come as good news to commuters who are enjoying this pandemic-inflicted stretch with fewer cars on the road, but it’s bad news for the MBTA, which attracts a significant chunk of its riders by offering an alternative to grinding congestion.

The new multi-year traffic and ridership models MassDOT developed and presented Monday prompted the MBTA to downgrade its already-strained financial outlook, placing even more pressure on decision-makers as they prepare to implement a package of service cuts almost guaranteed to be unpopular.

The new models, built using Moody’s Analytics economic forecasts, Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys and travel data, outline three potential scenarios for transportation trends in Massachusetts: one in which public behaviors gradually return to pre-COVID conditions, another in which telecommuting remains common even as more businesses resume physical operations, and a third in which the pandemic’s economic damage lingers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
The three scenarios presentation doc
"None of the three scenarios developed by MassDOT expect full crowds to return to public transit for at least several years"
"None of the three scenarios developed by MassDOT expect full crowds to return to public transit for at least several years"


Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Traffic Advisory for Union Street - Jun 6-7

Traffic Advisory for Union Street

June 6th Traffic Advisory for Union Street

The MBTA/Keolis will be performing maintenance at the track crossing on Union Street over the June 6th weekend. The work will involve closing the roadway with a detour in place. 

Work is expected to begin on Saturday June 6th and the road closure may extend into Sunday, June 7th.

Traffic Advisory for Union Street - Jun 6-7
Traffic Advisory for Union Street - Jun 6-7

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

In the News: Franklin dancers take lead in dropping gendered titles; AAA traffic outlook for the 4th of July

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Kathy Brophy has always been a leader, not a follower.

In the world of ballroom dancing, those titles are traditionally gendered – male dancers lead while female dancers follow. But once Brophy took the hand of Maria Melchionda during a dance lesson to prepare for the “first dance” at their 2002 wedding reception, she knew she would take the lead.

Fifteen years later, Brophy, a Millis resident, continues to lead as a competitive pro/am smooth and rhythm-style dancer, practicing at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Franklin. But for the past decade, she’s been limited to same-sex dance competitions and barred from dancing in mainstream competitive dance contests - unless she were to follow and dance with a man.

Traditionally, and according to the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) rule book, a couple is defined as “one man and one woman.” Competitors can only compete in NDCA sanctioned events as a follower if they are a woman and as a leader if they are a man."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190701/franklin-dancers-take-lead-in-dropping-gendered-titles-from-fred-astaire-ballroom-competitions

https://www.fredastaire.com/franklin/
https://www.fredastaire.com/franklin/


"Hitting the road to the beach, campground or a family barbecue during the July 4 holiday? You won’t be alone.

AAA predicts a record-breaking 48.9 million Americans will travel during the holiday, up nearly 2 million – or 4.1 percent – from last year. A projected 1.3 million Massachusetts residents will be among those traveling, with about 1.1 million by car, according to the motor club.

A strong economy, record low unemployment and significantly lower gas prices are driving forces behind the increase, said Mary Maguire, AAA director of public and legislative affairs. The average gas price in Massachusetts is $2.64 a gallon, $.23 lower than this time last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190701/aaa-expects-record-breaking-travel-numbers-during-july-4-holiday

https://twitter.com/aaanortheast
https://twitter.com/aaanortheast

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

In the News: Boston area among worst traffic; Inside the 40B rules

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

When the MBTA has trouble, it doesn't help to know traffic is worse
"If you spend a lot of time in bumper-to-bumper traffic you’re not alone. A new report says Boston has the worst rush-hour traffic in the country. 
The study from transportation data firm Inrix said gridlock during morning and evening commutes around Boston was worse than any other U.S. metro area in 2018. INRIX, Inc., the world leader in mobility analytics and connected car services. 
Boston was the only U.S. city included in the top 10 most congested cities worldwide. It ranked eighth, behind Moscow, Istanbul, Bogota, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, London and Rio De Janerio. Washington, D.C., which ranked second in the United States, come in 19th in the world, according to the report."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/boston-area-drivers-have-worst-commutes-in-united-states


Inside the 40B rules
"Want to ruffle some feathers? Bring up the subject of 40B in Massachusetts. 
The affordable-housing program, known technically as Chapter 40B, has existed for five decades and is the subject of endless debate across the Bay State. 
The subject, however, is often clouded with confusion surrounding the program, how it exists and why it creates so much friction in a state where affordable housing is so tough to find."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/breakdown-of-40b-affordable-housing

280 units coming to West Central St via 40b
280 units coming to West Central St via 40b
Franklin currently sits above the critical 40B threshold