Showing posts with label vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vision. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Master Plan Update: Community Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals

Over the next couple of days, sections of the Master Plan Update "final draft" will be shared to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Nov 14. The presentation and hearing will begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Municipal Building. Franklin TV is scheduled to broadcast the event (and record for future viewing).

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3. Community Vision and Goals

The Master Plan Mission Statement and Vision include the core values and goals that guide community development and decision-making.

Mission Statement

Franklin is an inclusive community that strives to support its citizens, land, and businesses in a sustainable, fiscally responsible manner. We value high quality education, the arts, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources, and the superb delivery of public services, now and into the future, for residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

We are committed to creating a sustainable community by protecting open spaces, recreation, and natural resources while promoting balanced growth that enhances the pluralism of our community. We work to promote various housing opportunities, as well as to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non- profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center and community. 

We continue to work to improve and enhance the safe, healthy, and efficient movement of people and goods within Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated and sustainable transportation options.

Vision

Our vision of Franklin is to be a vibrant, inclusive, pluralistic, innovative, and sustainable community.

Pillar Goals

The six pillar goals, or overarching goals, of the Franklin Master Plan are:
Housing Diversity
Complete Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Connectivity
Vibrant Downtown
Natural/Historic Conservation and Accessibility
Resource Efficiency
 
Master Plan Goals

Master Plan Goals are the objectives that a community aims to achieve through implementation of a master plan. The goals are typically broad and long-term in nature, and they guide the implementation of policies and strategies that will help achieve them.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Work to revitalize Franklin’s Downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.
2. Support the creation of mixed-use Neighborhood districts throughout Town that integrate small commercial uses near residential areas.
3. Boost tourism by highlighting, enhancing, and expanding amenities, events, and attractions.
4. Build organizational capacity to support and strengthen the Town of Franklin’s business retention and attraction initiatives, activities, and strategies.
5. Encourage the redevelopment of underutilized properties and otherwise explore opportunities to expand Franklin’s commercial and industrial bases.
6. Adopt strategies that will promote workforce development, attract skilled workers to the region and increase employment options for the Town’s current residents.

HOUSING
1. Increase Housing Diversity to encompass a range of housing types, sizes, and price points to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of residents, including Innovative housing solutions, such as tiny homes, co-housing communities, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and co-living arrangements, to offer housing options suited to specific needs or lifestyles within the community.
2. Expand and Enhance the Downtown and Neighborhoods by prioritizing them for housing development and investments in neighborhood character that include improving infrastructure, amenities, community engagement, and quality of life for residents.

LAND USE 

1. Preserve and enhance existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin.
2. Encourage development of diverse housing options in areas of Town where property is underutilized or needs redevelopment, and where public transit is available.
3. Promote mixed-use development in appropriate areas.
4. Encourage expansion and retention of current businesses and attraction of new businesses in appropriate locations.
5. Provide guidelines on Franklin character and develop a more clearly defined review process.
6. Make the permitting process more transparent, streamlined and in alignment with overarching Town goals.
NATURAL, CULTURAL & HISTORIC RESOURCES
1. Protect, preserve, and enhance Franklin’s natural environment and biodiversity through land and water management, regulation, and public education.
2. Provide quality arts and cultural resources as a vital part of the creativity and growth of our community.
3. Preserve and protect community historic resources while respecting and planning for future growth.
4. Advocate for the preservation and protection of Franklin’s natural, cultural and historic resources.
5. Implement growth management, sustainable development and low impact development techniques to preserve, protect, and enhance the Town's natural, cultural, and historic resources.

OPEN SPACE & RECREATION
1. Increase public awareness of and access to open space and recreational resources.
2. Preserve and enhance existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin.
3. Provide opportunities for inclusive and accessible passive and active recreation to meet the community’s evolving needs.
4. Implement sustainable practices in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Franklin’s public parks and playgrounds.
5. Work to obtain the funding and other resources necessary to implement the open space and recreation goals, objectives and actions outlined above.

COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES
1. Regularly reference and use the Master Plan in developing annual budgets and prioritizing capital improvements, programs and services.
2. Obtain  sufficient  resources  to  implement  the  Master  Plan’s  priority  capital improvements, programs and services.
3. Maintain, update and expand the Town’s utilities, infrastructure and facilities to satisfy the demands of the Town into the future in alignment with previously established plans for conservation or preservation.
4. Superb delivery of public services.
5. Maintain the quality of Franklin’s municipal buildings, public school facilities, and all other town owned properties, and utilize facilities as effectively as possible.
6. Ensure the superb delivery of public education, from Pre-K through adult.

TRAFFIC & CIRCULATION
1. Make the Town increasingly more walk-able and bike-able by creating and maintaining safe interconnected pedestrian and bicycle routes between key destinations within Franklin, including residential areas, Downtown, employment centers, commuter rail stations, schools, parks and recreation facilities, and commercial areas.
2. Work to improve existing, and develop new, public transportation for the Town's residents and visitors, as well as the business community and their employees.
3. Improve and maintain the Town's public roadway system to assure adequate service, maximize public safety, accommodate desirable growth, and serve existing and future land use patterns.
4. Improve vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation in the Downtown and neighborhood areas.
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Decarbonize all Town/school buildings and facilities.
2. Adopt and support sustainable development policies and practices.
3. Support and encourage sustainable practices among residents and businesses.
4. Strengthen resilience to climate change impacts.
5. Support programs to reduce waste.


Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions

Master Plan Strategies are intended to inform decision-making and ensure that community development aligns with the goals of the master plan. These strategies are crafted through an assessment of current conditions, emerging trends, and future projections for the community. Once established, these strategies serve as a framework for decisions related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation infrastructure, and various elements of community development.

Master Plan Action Items represent specific tasks required to achieve the goals and objectives detailed in the master plan. They are individual steps necessary to implement the guiding strategies and achieve the desired outcomes.

The next level - strategies and actions will be shared tomorrow. If you want, you can go directly to the full plan and review those sections

Master Plan Update: Community Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals
Master Plan Update: Community Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals


Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Help for blind and impaired vision coming via MA Blind Commission

"The commission has now officially turned the page. Last month, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh replaced D’Arcangelo with John Oliveira, a veteran worker whose appointment prompted sustained applause during a staff meeting when it was announced, according to union representatives.

Head of Massachusetts child welfare agency to leave for D.C. advocacy organization
Oliveira, 62, is respected and well liked, said people who fought to oust the previous commissioner, but his appointment alone won’t rebuild an agency that remains plagued with slow service and overwhelming case loads.

“It took a long time for the commission to deteriorate as much as it did,” said Amy Ruell, a Maine-based national advocate for blind people with impaired vision who until recently lived in Massachusetts. “It’s going to take a long time for it to recapture some of its power and service delivery.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/10/10/metro/blind-commission-massachusetts-darcangelo-oliveira/

John Oliveira, the new commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.LANE TURNER/GLOBE STAFF
John Oliveira, the new commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.LANE TURNER/GLOBE STAFF

Friday, May 19, 2023

"Love Letter" is coming to Franklin Public Library - May 13 through June 24

Love Letter is coming to Franklin. Accessibility is key! 
These will be shared with our Community at the Franklin Public Library beginning Saturday May 13 - June 24th
This textured art collection is dedicated to our low vision and blind community and can be enjoyed by many. It invites you to feel your way around the canvas.

 

Love Letter is coming to Franklin - Amy Adams creates a collection dedicated to love vision/blind
Love Letter is coming to Franklin - Amy Adams creates a collection dedicated to love vision/blind

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Heard about the Franklin For All Forum? the audio and transcript are now available

FM #748 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 748 in the series. 


This shares the Franklin For All Forum that was held on Monday, March 7, 2022.


The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. It was hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) via Zoom and broadcast via Franklin TV as well as live streamed. 


This recording runs about 2 hours and 25 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Franklin For All Forum held Mar 7, 2022.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-748-franklin-for-all-forum-03-07-22


NEW: A transcript of the recording is available. The transcript is part of a pilot by Franklin Matters using the transcription service provided by Otter.ai https://otter.ai/  (Note: if there should be a more accurate spelling of your name, please let me know and I can update the online copy. For those whose name could not be determined via the recording, please let me know.)


Transcript =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WEsjmEFESie06Bx4bAOSxhMbhpY45gsL/view?usp=sharing


Links to the meeting information and my notes captured during the Forum are in the show notes. 



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**** Visioning Survey ****  The survey is open for your input ->       https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce 


Franklin For All project page -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/  


My notes captured via Twitter and shared in summary form

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iojwdwbOUUfrvfnwuy_xn59P8yVws5Jq/view?usp=sharing 


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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 www.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"


QR code takes you to the Franklin For All page
QR code takes you to the Franklin For All page

QR code takes you to the Franklin For All visioning survey
QR code takes you to the Franklin For All visioning survey

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Franklin Health Department: Screen Time Survey Launched for All Ages to respond to

Franklin Health Department: Screen Time Survey Launched

Survey closes Wednesday, March 16, 2022

The Town of Franklin Health Department is releasing a survey to all residents regarding time spent using a computer, laptop, iPad, video games, phone and television (screen time) for all ages. Data will be collected by the health department to assist in applying for grant funding. 

The deadline for survey completion is March 16, 2022.

Survey is available here:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RWkMgyoIgxdIbWJCUwWqrCZ2BeeAKH1q-tHocOOjtTc/viewform?edit_requested=true


Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-health-department-screen-time-survey-launched

Screen Time Survey Launched for All Ages to respond to
Screen Time Survey Launched for All Ages to respond to

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Election results could lead to a community vision

The election results are in and unofficial for a period of time. The Town Clerk's office will validate all the totals and then make them 'official'. Given the posted 'unofficial' results, there are not likely to be any significant changes due to the margins shown in the races.

Now the real work of the newly elected officials commences. These are volunteer positions (with the exception of the Town Clerk). They will begin (or resume)  working to provide oversight and make policy decisions for all of us on how the Town of Franklin operates.

The challenges ahead of us remain. 
  • How do we come out of the devastation wrought by the pandemic? 
  • How do we address the issues of inequity or gaps raised by the pandemic? 
  • How do we properly fund our schools and all the Town services we need as a community?
Maybe we can frame this in a discussion of what we want to be in 2028? Why 2028? The 250th anniversary of the Town's incorporation on March 4, 1778.

Maybe by working to develop a community vision, we can determine how to get there. There may still be differences of opinion or priority but with agreement on a 'common goal' we might be able to move the discussion from divisive to constructive and respectful.

We are neighbors. Let us celebrate the diversity among us. Let us figure out what we need to be like in 2028 and get the civil discussion going.

For me, Franklin does matter, and I'd much rather prefer to be in a civil discussion on the vision for Franklin than in any divisive discussion.


Your Community information director
Steve Sherlock


The unofficial results are shared here:

Thanks to Jamie Barrett for bringing music to end the day at the polls on Tuesday!

Election results could lead to a community vision
Election results could lead to a community vision


Thursday, August 12, 2021

Announcing free Virtual Concert: Afternoon Serenade with Precious Perez - Aug 13


Join Us For a Free Virtual Concert:
Afternoon Serenade with Precious Perez
Precious Perez standing outside holding a guitar

When: Friday, August 20, 1:00 PM
Where: Join on Zoom or by phone
 
Precious Perez is a classically trained pop/R&B and Latin vocalist/songwriter currently pursuing a double major in music education and vocal performance at Berklee College of Music. Her goal is to make a difference through doing what she loves and showing the world that blind people are as capable as everyone else. She hopes to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and be successful in the same way that she has, because she knows that anything is possible, and giving up is never an option. As an activist and music educator, she will be able to make a difference by using her reach as a Puerto Rican Spanish speaker to crush stereotypes by sharing her experiences across cultures and doing what has not been done while advocating for all of the communities she represents. She is confident that she can lead, she can achieve, and she can be the one who alters the way people see.
 
Join us as Precious shares her talent and her message! Below is the information to join via Zoom on by phone.
 
Time: Aug 20, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting Here:
 
Meeting ID: 869 5396 5465
Passcode: 268762
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,86953965465# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,86953965465# US (Chicago)
877 853 5247 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 869 5396 5465

Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired | 200 Ivy Street, Brookline, MA 02446

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Saturday, October 12, 2019

MBTA's Rail Vision Update: Open House and Presentation on Wednesday, October 23




MBTA's Rail Vision Update: Open House and Presentation on Wednesday, October 23
Dear Rail Vision Subscribers,

The MBTA and MassDOT invite you to participate in a Rail Vision Open House and Presentation. It will take place on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Transportation Board Room at 10 Park Plaza (2nd floor). The goal of the event is to provide updates on the results of the analysis for the Rail Vision alternatives, while gathering input from riders and non-riders alike on these futures.

The first half-hour will be an Open House format, with maps, boards describing the service alternatives, and providing an opportunity for discussion with the study team. There will be a presentation at 6:00 PM, followed by Q&A.

Please share the meeting information as widely as you can with your organizations, communities and contacts. It is posted on the project website (https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision).

Just a reminder as well that the Advisory Committee meets on Friday, October 18, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, also in the Transportation Board Room at 10 Park Plaza, 2nd floor. Public comment is welcome at the end of the meeting.

The Rail Vision Team


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of the: Massachusetts Department of Transportation · 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160 · Boston, MA 02116 877-623-6846 GovDelivery logo

Friday, March 15, 2019

MBTA's Rail Vision Update -Survey open until March 29

Dear Rail Vision Subscribers,

Thanks to more than 100 participants at last week's Rail Vision Open House. Our team heard lots of comments and suggestions, explained the alternatives, and learned about your challenges and preferences. You can follow up by visiting the project website where there are fact sheets on each alternative that include a map of the service area, service features, and a summary of benefits and trade-offs. You can share additional comments by emailing us at RailVision@state.ma.us.

The Rail Vision Non-Rider Survey remains available until March 29. It can be accessed on any device by visiting www.MBTARailVisionSurvey.com. The survey takes about 20 seconds to complete and is a creative way for people who do not regularly use the rail system to let us know what is important to them. Non-rider voices and their responses will help frame alternatives we hope will inspire more drivers to leave the highway and board a train more regularly. Please share the survey link widely.

If you were not able to attend the open house, you can find the presentation on the study website, along with materials from our past Advisory Committee meetings. You can also send comments and questions via the website.

The Rail Vision Team


This location is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request (including but not limited to interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, open or closed captioning for videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats, such as audio tapes, Braille and large print), as available. For accommodation or language assistance, please contact MassDOT's Chief Diversity and Civil Rights Officer by phone (857-368-8580), fax (857-368-0602), TTD/TTY (857-368-0603) or by email

MASSDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us. Requests should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting, and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language, CART or language translation or interpretation, requests should be made at least ten business days before the meeting.

Title VI Notice of Nondiscrimination: MassDOT complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related federal and state statutes and regulations. It is the policy of MassDOT to ensure that no person or group of persons shall on the grounds of Title VI protected categories, including race, color, national origin, or under additional federal and state protected categories including sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, veteran's status (including Vietnam-era veterans), or background, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity administered by MassDOT. 

To request additional information about this commitment, or to file a complaint under Title VI or a related nondiscrimination provision, please contact MassDOT's Title VI Specialist by phone at (857) 368-8580, TTY at (857) 368-8580, fax (857) 368-0602or by e-mail at MASSDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us.

If information is needed in another language, please contact the MassDOT Title VI Specialist by phone at (857) 368-8580.






MBTA's Rail Vision Update  -Survey open until March 29
MBTA's Rail Vision Update  -Survey open until March 29



Monday, January 7, 2019

Senior Center - Low Vision Lecture - Jan 8

Low Vision Lecture features Dr. Nicole Ross from the New England College of Optometry. Dr. Ross is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Specialty and Advanced Care a the NE College of Optometry. 

Her clinical area of expertise is in Low Vision Rehabilitation. She will answer questions on the latest developments in low vision rehabilitation. 

Please call to sign up (508) 520-4945

For more about the Franklin Senior Center: https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Senior Center - Low Vision Lecture - Jan 8
Senior Center - Low Vision Lecture - Jan 8

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Unleashing the Power of Culture



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Graphic banner with Mass Cultural Council logo and the copy "Culture elevates." Banner photo credit: Mural, Lynn Cultural District.

Unleashing the Power of Culture 

Executive Director Anita Walker
Vibrant cities and towns. Children experiencing the delight of discovery while exercising their creative minds. Our icons of liberty preserved and celebrated. Our science museums, helping us understand our world and inspiring a new generation to make it even better.

This is the Power of Culture.

The Mass Cultural Council is committed to unleashing this power across the Commonwealth.


Learn more about our work to elevate the cultural life of the Commonwealth through the arts, humanities, and sciences to enrich communities, grow the economy, increase accessibility, and foster creative youth development.
Our New Vision



About the Mass Cultural Council

The Mass Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists.
Copyright © 2017 Mass Cultural Council, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Mass Cultural Council
10 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116