FM #1480 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1480 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training Room.
3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.
Quick recap:
Item 1 - Crossing Neighborhood
TA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625
Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actually includes the proper language; apparently in the draft, the section language got left out. It can be included (and should) without vote to modify this. An oversight on version control. This identifies a couple of updates to the online zoning codes as they were changed just not reflected in the current versions
After much discussion
Motion to amend 2.3 8a from no to planning board special permit Passes 3-0
Motion to move to Town council as amended, second passes 3-0
Item 2 - Use Variances
Discussion on Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals
Discussion on elimination of use variance from approval by the ZBA, which in those cases tend to overstep their authority; the restriction was intentionally made by the zoning bylaws with PB and Council approval and then the ZBA can act on their own...
After much discussion, Motion to move to council for further discussion (Jones)
Not seconded, hence the move does not take place. There will be some discussion overall on this topic in a positive manner per Hamblen
Item 3 - update on World Cup
FIFA requirements will host the fan center in Boston. We are still figuring out what we can do. Artificial Turf fields are not used by international games (Gillette is redone with real grass for international games)
Lots of other events at the same time; Highland games, Tall Ships, etc
Marketing via MetroWest on the benefits of Franklin. Hotel outreach, transportation planning needed; Porchfest, 4th of July also in similar time frames... Found in Franklin market for goods, crafts
Item 4 - EDC goals
On the one hand, given the length of the meeting and discussions there seemed little interest in this item; only one member Frongillo was prepared with a short list of priorities
Recognition from TA Hellen that until B Taberner's replacement is hired, there is very little staff to do the additional work
Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0
The recording of the meeting runs about 3 hours.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1480-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-07-16-25/--------------
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| Economic Development Subcmte mtg |
Franklin TV video replay is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/6hKdQIw9rpQ
The EDC agenda and supporting documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-1818
My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ME-F_qCpL61vAQz0NeBnFDIakEXX3mzO/view?usp=drive_link
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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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