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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Thursday, January 19, 2017
MassBudget: Budget Explainer: Transportation
Saturday, October 29, 2016
All electronic tolling is here and the tool booth demolitions begins (video)
MassDOT has prepared a slick video (embedded below) showing the steps in removing the toll booths now that all electronic tolling is in place as of Oct 28, 10:00 PM.
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/EZPassMAProgram.aspx
Additional info
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/TollPlazaDemolitionProject.aspx
https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TollInformation/AllElectronicTolling
http://www.mass.gov/alert/alertlanding.html#2232432
- Do you have your transponder yet?
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/EZPassMAProgram.aspx
Additional info
- on the demolition project
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/TollPlazaDemolitionProject.aspx
- on all electronic tolling (AET)
https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TollInformation/AllElectronicTolling
- The information alert on the MA.gov site
http://www.mass.gov/alert/alertlanding.html#2232432
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Meeting to focus on Regional Transportation Challenges
The 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission, co-chaired by Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Kate Hogan, and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega, will hold a meeting focused on regional transportation challenges.
The 495/ MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission was established by the Legislature in Section 233 of Chapter 165 of the Session Laws of 2015. The commission will study development challenges experienced by edge communities, including transportation, water, cellular, and energy infrastructure, transit services, residential development, reuse of former industrial facilities and historic mills, brownfields reclamation, downtown redevelopment and other such constraints.
The commission will then develop policy responses and recommendations to ensure that edge communities can participate in state development initiatives and benefit from state resources. The commission will focus its investigation and study on the 35 municipalities served by the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. and develop a pilot program to address the issues to be studied and investigated by the commission.
WHEN:
Friday, September 16, 2016, 11:00 am
WHERE:
Warren Conference Center
529 Chestnut St,
Ashland, MA 01721
WHO:
Senator Karen Spilka
Representative Kate Hogan
Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega
Senator James Eldridge
Senator Richard Ross
Representative Carolyn Dykema
Representative David Muradian
http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html |
- Additional info on the Commission can be found her
http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
School Committee begins search process for new Superintendent
My coverage of the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug 23 was interrupted by my own work commitment. (Yes, I do this part time in my spare time and sometimes my work for a global company takes priority).
I did catch up to the Franklin TV recording of the meeting to view the remainder of the ECRA presentation and then the balance of the committee meeting.
The Committee decided to
"4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
3 days of academic training conducted last week for administrators, budget balancing exercise was revealing and worthwhile
worked on the District and School improvement plans
new staff orientation begins, instructional expectations being set
total of 41 new staff starting this year, one of the smaller groups in several years
a really engaged group, wide range of experience some new and some with 10-15 years elsewhere
Transportation update
2681 to be bussed as of 8/20/16
160 signed up in the prior 14 days, 50 on waiting lists (primarily on FHS buses)
1832 in 'pay to ride'; 849 are bus eligible
reduced ridership brought about consolidation of some routes
responding to changes and requests as soon as possible
probably additions can be made towards the end of September as bus counts normalize
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley
approved, 7-0
Note from the earlier sections of the meeting can be found here:
I did catch up to the Franklin TV recording of the meeting to view the remainder of the ECRA presentation and then the balance of the committee meeting.
The Committee decided to
- have Central Office do some reference checks on the two companies that presented.
- find out why MASC did not show up and have them try again at the next meeting
- adjust the next meeting agenda to split the school improvement plans (FHS and middle schools one night, elementary schools, the next)
ECRA Group – John Connolly |
Dr Carolyn Burke, Dr. Art Bettencourt, Executive Director, Dr Sally Diaz - NESDEC |
"4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:
- DJE – Bidding Requirements
- DKC – Expense Reimbursements
- JJF – Student Activity Accounts
- JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
- JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts"
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
- Enrollment Update
3 days of academic training conducted last week for administrators, budget balancing exercise was revealing and worthwhile
worked on the District and School improvement plans
new staff orientation begins, instructional expectations being set
total of 41 new staff starting this year, one of the smaller groups in several years
a really engaged group, wide range of experience some new and some with 10-15 years elsewhere
Transportation update
2681 to be bussed as of 8/20/16
160 signed up in the prior 14 days, 50 on waiting lists (primarily on FHS buses)
1832 in 'pay to ride'; 849 are bus eligible
reduced ridership brought about consolidation of some routes
responding to changes and requests as soon as possible
probably additions can be made towards the end of September as bus counts normalize
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
- Community Engagement
Policy sub committee to meet on Monday, Sep 19 to address the dress code policy
274 backpacks were prepared and 170+ distributed already
Y and Elks coordinated with the School District
backpacks going to schools in the Hockomock area
thanks to the community for stepping up to make a difference for the kids
7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley
approved, 7-0
Note from the earlier sections of the meeting can be found here:
- Real time reporting: 2nd Search Firm - ECRA Group
- Real time Reporting: School Committee - Aug 23, 20...
You can view the Franklin TV video
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
FISH of Franklin needs volunteers
FISH is an all volunteer, non profit organization that provides free transportation to Franklin residents to medical appointments. We have been providing this service for almost 43 years.
We are in need of volunteers, particularly drivers. We are looking for men and women who are able to volunteer for as little as a few hours per month. Most of our clients have appointments within about a 20 mile radius of Franklin.
If anyone is interested in helping or would like more information, they may call FISH at 508-528-2121, leave a name and # and we'll get back to them.
FISH of Franklin needs volunteers |
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Do you have some time to help FISH?
FISH is an all volunteer, non profit organization that provides free transportation to Franklin residents to medical appointments. They have been providing this service for almost 43 years.
They are in need of volunteers, particularly drivers. They are looking for men and women who are able to volunteer for as little as a few hours per month. Most of the FISH clients have appointments within about a 20 mile radius of Franklin.
If anyone is interested in helping or would like more information, they may call FISH at 508-528-2121, leave a name and # and they'll be in contact.
FISH - provides transportation to Franklin residents for medical appointments |
If anyone is interested in helping or would like more information, they may call FISH at 508-528-2121, leave a name and # and they'll be in contact.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Environmental Merit Award for Regency Transportation
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160510/epa-recognizes-franklin-hopedale-companies
Regency Transportation can be found on the web at http://regencytrans.com/
"Sixteen winners from Massachusetts were recognized Tuesday at the 2016 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s New England regional office. The environmental leaders were among three dozen recipients across New England honored for helping to improve New England’s environment.
Each year EPA New England recognizes individuals and groups in the six New England states who have worked to protect or improve the region’s environment in distinct ways. The merit awards, given out since 1970, honor individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160510/epa-recognizes-franklin-hopedale-companies
Regency Transportation |
Regency Transportation can be found on the web at http://regencytrans.com/
Saturday, March 19, 2016
MassBudget: Maintaining an effective transportation system
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Franklin commuter rail approaching the Main St bridge |
Sunday, January 17, 2016
MassBudget: Building a Strong Economy: The Roles of Education, Transportation, and Tax Policy
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screen grab of MassBudget report |
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Live Reporting: School Committee - Aug 25, 2015
Summary:
- The Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Franklin and the School Committee/School District was review, some minor changes made to the prior agreement and the whole item was approved by a 7-0 vote. It now goes to the Town Council for their approval.
- Several updates on the preparation for opening school next week were provided. Additional administration changes were made, additional enrollments are still being seen (6 families enrolled today).
- "increased complexity and rigor" is the theme for the coming school year for improvements to the instruction and curriculum.
- The transportation plan was reviewed. Links provided for the bus schedule and several forms related to bus stops.
- The reduced price lunch application form is now online (link provided)
- Security was addressed by a number of 'minor' changes. The major security review is still in process by the vendor. The full report is expected later this year with any recommendations to be included in the capital budget planning (also later this year) and then for potential decisions with the budget reviews by the Finance Committee and Town Council in an April/May 2016 time frame.
Franklin Matters |
When I discovered that I was missing a few key components to my mobile reporting tools, I resorted to using Twitter to post my notes and then put together a Storify summary.
I am getting to like this method. You'll have to let me know if it works for you.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
"the next generation of transportation"
The Milford Daily News provides an update on the Metrowest area's top 10 traffic and transportation challenges that were identified 10 years ago. There has been progress made.
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140119/NEWS/140118592#sthash.Swa8pjX3.dpuf
9. I-495 at Rte. 119 in Littleton and I-495 at Rte. 140 in Franklin
The Littleton area has seen work in conjunction with development, including a project with developer Sam Park to widen part of Rte. 119, reconstruct sidewalks and add signals and turn lanes.
Crews improved the Rte. 140 area in Franklin in the mid-2000s by relocating and widening a 1.5-mile stretch of Rte. 140 and improving and widening the 140/495 interchange, according to the MassDOT website. Nagi said there are still some transportation challenges there, including parking at the nearby commuter rail station.
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140119/NEWS/140118592#sthash.Swa8pjX3.dpuf
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
"They have control over only so many dollars"
The Milford Daily News provides the story behind the MPO letter published to the Franklin website and shared here recently.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915451163/Franklin-officials-State-transportation-funding-system-needs-to-be-changed#ixzz2n4FuXSRv
You can find the Metrolpolitan Planning Organization (MPO) letter here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/metropolitan-planning-organization-mpo.html
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Franklin has benefited from past TIP projects. But recently officials have not seen the same value in the program.
The communities competing for the funds have to pay the engineering costs associated with the project, which can mean millions of dollars, typically with no guarantee that they will receive any money in the end.
"The issue that we face now is there are so few dollars available in comparison to the need," Nutting said Friday. "It’s hard for the town to justify paying the engineering costs only to then wait 10 years or 15 years to never get that road approved for construction because of the competition."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915451163/Franklin-officials-State-transportation-funding-system-needs-to-be-changed#ixzz2n4FuXSRv
You can find the Metrolpolitan Planning Organization (MPO) letter here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/metropolitan-planning-organization-mpo.html
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Letter
This letter was posted to the "News" section of the Franklin home page. It is unsigned and lacking a description as to who or what group authored it.
MPO seems to be the acronym for Metropolitan Planing Organization. MassDOT has 13 MPOs to cover the state according to the map located here. It appears that Franklin is part of the Boston Region MPO which would explain why getting assistance and funding from the MPO is difficult.
More about the MPO and process can be found on this MassDOT page
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/planning/Main/PlanningProcess/RegionalPlanning.aspx
MPO seems to be the acronym for Metropolitan Planing Organization. MassDOT has 13 MPOs to cover the state according to the map located here. It appears that Franklin is part of the Boston Region MPO which would explain why getting assistance and funding from the MPO is difficult.
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a transportation policy-making organization made up of representatives from local government and transportation authorities. Federal legislation passed in the early 1970s required the formation of an MPO for any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000. MPOs were created to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation project and programs are channeled through this process.
As transportation policy-making entities, MPOs have five core functions.
- Create a fair and impartial setting for effective regional decision making in the metropolitan area.
- Evaluate transportation alternatives and needs through appropriate studies and activities as detailed in the MPOs Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
- Maintain a Long-Range Transportation Plan (RTP). Develop a 20-year transportation planning document which identifies existing infrastructure conditions, projects future transportation needs and provides a plan or program to attain the stated goals and visions.
- Develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Develop a program based on the long range plan and designed to serve the MPO’s goals using spending, and other financial tools.
- Involve the public. Involve the general public and all significantly affected sub-groups in the four essential functions listed above.
More about the MPO and process can be found on this MassDOT page
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/planning/Main/PlanningProcess/RegionalPlanning.aspx
Friday, May 10, 2013
MassBudget: 1) comparing revenue proposals & the investments they fund, 2) health care in the House Budget
Our state budget describes not only what we want to do together as a Commonwealth in the coming year but also longer-term investments to strengthen our communities, create high-wage jobs, and ensure the future vibrancy of our economy.
In recent months, the Senate, the House, and the Governor have all committed to raising various amounts of new revenue to support some new investments. "Comparing Revenue Proposals for Transportation, Education, and Other Investments" outlines the differences between their plans--both for next year and for FY 2018, when the plans are fully phased in.
"Comparing Revenue Proposals for Transportation, Education, and Other Investments" is part of a series of MassBudget briefs analyzing key elements in the budget proposals for FY 2014.
Health Care in the House Budget
A new factsheet, The House FY 2014 Budget for Health Care, describes the Massachusetts House of Representatives' Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other subsidized health coverage programs.
The House's budget bill allocates $13.38 billion to these programs, about $221 million (1.6 percent) less than the Governor's proposal. As in the Governor's budget, the House bill reflects the significant changes to health care programs that will occur midway through the fiscal year, when central provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act take effect.
This brief is the second in a series of reports describing the effect of each budget proposal on Health Care programs in Massachusetts. The briefs are produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute--and published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI).
Read about HEALTH CARE IN THE HOUSE BUDGET
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