Showing posts with label zoning board of appeals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zoning board of appeals. Show all posts

Saturday, June 15, 2019

“No one wants it but the town doesn’t seem to care about that"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Plans for a new cell tower are causing a stir in Franklin. 
Homeowners near the proposed site of the 116-foot tower, on Edwards Street, say the project will hurt property values and pose a safety risk. They’re also accusing a town official of unethical behavior. 
“It’s going to be an eyesore. My house value is going to go down,” said Christine Maguire. “And even the thought of it possibly being a health hazard is bothersome to me.” 
Vertex Tower Assets, LLC, needed special permission from the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals to build in Maguire’s neighborhood, which is not zoned for the 116-foot tower. At a public hearing in early May, and over the protests of a few residents, according to meeting minutes, the board granted that approval."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainment/20190614/cell-tower-angers-franklin-neighborhood

Where is the cell tower to be located?




With the Police Station so close, why couldn't the Town get the additional revenue?


Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Zoning Board of Appeals: Public Hearing - June 6


Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Board of Appeals will hold a Public hearing on June 6, 2019 in the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA At: 7:40 PM

Applicant: Madison Place Holdings
Address of Subject Property: 120 Union Street (278-207-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance

To Allow: Applicant is seeking to construct two, single family townhouses that are 14’from the right side yard setback where 20’ is required, 14.6’ from the left side yard setback where 20’ is required, 12.1’ from the rear set back where 20’ is required and 39.7% of maximum impervious coverage where on 35% is allowed. The building permit is denied without a variance from the ZBA.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/120_union_street_-_legal_ad.pdf

120 Union Street (278-207-000-000)
120 Union Street (278-207-000-000)

existing plot lines and setbacks
existing plot lines and setbacks

proposed plot lines and setbacks
proposed plot lines and setbacks

owner info
owner info

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

“There’s a great need”

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

"A proposal for an affordable housing facility for seniors will be in front of the Zoning Board early next month. 
The 40B project has been in the works for over a year and will go to a public hearing at the Zoning Board meeting on June 6. 
The project, named Franklin Ridge Senior Housing, will be constructed on Veteran’s Memorial Drive off Panther Way near Eaton Place Apartments. The proposed three-story building will contain 60 dwellings for residents over 60 years old. 
The building will be placed on 6.5 acres of town-owned land. It will have 45 single-bedroom units at 700 square feet and 15 two-bedroom units at 900 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190520/proposal-for-senior-development-goes-before-franklin-zba-next-month


building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8
building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8
building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Zoning Board of Appeals: Public Hearings - May 2, 2019

Zoning Board of Appeals, Town of Franklin
Public Hearings - Posting
For Hearing on: May 2, 2019


At: 7:30 PM
Applicant: ROBERT AND JENNIFER PELUSO
Address of Subject Property: 745 Pond Street (Map & Parcel 225-094-000-000)
Petition Type: Special Permit
From Section (or Schedule): Article 185, Attachment 7 (use regulations schedule part V16.3.b.)
To Allow: Applicant is seeking to convert an existing addition into an accessory dwelling unit. The building permit is denied without a special permit from the ZBA

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-02-19_legal_-_745_pond_street.pdf


At: 7:35 PM
Applicant: J.R. KING
Address of Subject Property: 5 GREAT POND ROAD (318-014-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance
From Section (or Schedule): Article 185, Attachment 9 (Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements)
To Allow: Applicant is seeking to construct an addition that is 34.1’ from the side yard setback where 40’ is required. The building permit is denied without a variance from the ZBA.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/5_great_pond_road_-_legal_0.pdf


At: 7:40 PM
Applicant: EDWARD FOTI AND KIM FOTI
Address of Subject Property: 19 BRUSHWOOD HILL (253-032-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance
From Section (or Schedule): Article 185, Attachment 9 (Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements)
To Allow: Applicant is seeking to construct an addition that is 17.8’ from the side yard setback where 25’ is required. The building permit is denied without a variance from the ZBA.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/19_brushwood_hill_-_legal.pdf


At: 7:45 PM
Applicant: JAMES E. ADAMS, TRUSTEE OF ADAMS FAMILY NOMINEE TRUST
Address of Subject Property: OFF BENT STREET (Map & Lot: 215-023-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance
From Section (or Schedule): Article 185, Attachment 9 (Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements)
To Allow: Applicant is seeking to create a single buildable lot with 41.22’ of frontage where 200’ is required and 41.22’ of lot width where 180’ is required. Compliance with zoning is denied without a variance from the ZBA.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/off_bent_street_-_legal.pdf


At: 7:50 PM
Applicant: JAMES P. DACEY AND CAROL A. DACEY
Address of Subject Property: 345 Lincoln Street (250-059-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance
From Section (or Schedule): Article 185, Attachment 9 (Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements)
To Allow: Applicant is seeking relief from the following on Lot 1: 19,461 sq. ft. of lot area where 40,000 sq. ft. is required, 9.7’ of right side yard setback where 30’ is required, 25.2’ of left side yard setback where 30’ is required, 39.5’ of front yard setback where 40’ is required, 94.56’ of frontage where 175’ is required and 94.56’ of lot width where 157.5’ is required. Applicant is seeking relief for the following on Lot 2: 32,017 sq. ft. of lot area where 40,000 sq. ft. is required, 9.6’ side yard setback where 30’ is required, 151.56’ of frontage where 175’ is required and 151.56’ of lot width where 157.5’ is required. Compliance with Franklin Zoning Code is denied without a variance
from the ZBA.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/345_lincoln_street_-_legal_0.pdf


At: 7:55 PM
Applicant: VERTEX TOWER ASSETS, LLC
Address of Subject Property: 13-15 Edward Street (Map & Parcel 269-047-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance
From Section (or Schedule): To construct a wireless communication facility not allowed in the SFR IV zone, which is otherwise not located in the wireless communication overlay district as outlined in section 185-44 & 185-45.
To Allow: Applicant is seeking a building permit to install a 116’ tall cell tower within a proposed wireless communication facility. The building permit is denied without a variance from the ZBA

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-02-19_-_legal_ad_-_13_-_15_edward_street_0.pdf

Zoning Board of Appeals: Public Hearings - May 2, 2019
Zoning Board of Appeals: Public Hearings - May 2, 2019

Saturday, March 9, 2019

In the News: Store location to become a mini-mall; Jeep snow sculpture capturing attention

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

Store location to become a mini-mall

"The Bob’s Store building on East Central Street may be springing back to life.
A Wellesley company is proposing to bring an indoor trampoline park to the building at the Horace Mann Plaza.
 
The Planning Board is hosting a public hearing Monday at 7:15 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers on the proposal from Franklin Shoppers Inc. 
Bob’s Stores’ corporate parent, Vestis Retail Group, announced in November that the store was closing, but did not disclose when that would occur. For now, the store remains open. 
Town Planner Amy Love said Thursday that the 26,656-square-foot building at 303 East Central St. will be subdivided into five spaces, with the trampoline park proposed for the largest of those. She said it’s unclear what, if any, other businesses are planned."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190308/franklin-indoor-trampoline-park-sought-for-bobs-space

MDN twitter photo
MDN twitter photo


Jeep snow sculpture capturing attention
"Sometimes when life gives you piles of snow, you’ve just got to make a sculpture out of it. 
That’s exactly what Kerry-Lynn Houghton, of Franklin, did in the wake of this week’s snowstorm – the first significant snowfall this winter. 
When she looked out at the snow, she didn’t see just a giant shoveling chore. In the loads of snow that fell in her family’s yard, she envisioned a snow jeep and set to work to carve it out - not unlike Michelangelo, who famously remarked, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” 
“I love jeeps and I thought it would be great to build something the kids could actually sit in,” Houghton said of her inspiration to create the snowy vehicle rather than a more traditional snow person."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190309/snow-jeep-turns-heads-in-franklin

Friday, February 8, 2019

Zoning Board of Appeals: Public Hearing Notices - Feb 21



Zoning Board of Appeals, Town of Franklin
Public Hearings - Posting
For Hearing on: February 21, 2019
Printed 0n: Thursday, February 7, 2019 and Thursday, February 14, 2019
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Board of Appeals will hold a Public hearing on February 21, 2019 in the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA At: 7:35 PM

Applicant: Michele Ellertson – The Dog’s Pace
Address of Subject Property: 25 Kenwood Circle – Unit J (Map 295, Lot 011)
Petition Type: Special Permit
From Section (or Schedule): Article 185, Section 2.21 (Attachment 3)
To Allow: Applicant is seeking to site an animal training center. The use is denied without a Special Permit from the ZBA

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/02-21-19_meeting_newspaper_page_2_0.pdf

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

Zoning Board of Appeals, Town of Franklin
Public Hearings - Posting
For Hearing on: February 21, 2019
Printed 0n: Thursday, February 7, 2019 and Thursday, February 14, 2019
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Board of Appeals will hold a
Public hearing on February 21, 2019 in the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA At: 7:30 PM

Applicant: Milford Regional Physician’s Group
Address of Subject Property: 1262-1288 West Central Street (Map 274-002-000-000 and 274-003-000-000)
Petition Type: Variance
From Section (or Schedule): 185-20, 185 Attachment 10
To Allow: Applicant is seeking to install a total of 275.25 sq. ft. of signage where 60 sq. ft. is allowed. Signs on the upper floors facing the street are not allowed and that equates to 226.75 sq. ft. of the total signage. The building permit for the signs is denied without a variance from ZBA.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/02-21-19_meeting_newspaper_page_2.pdf

ZBA: Public Hearing Notices - Feb 21
ZBA: Public Hearing Notices - Feb 21

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Zoning Board of Appeals: upcoming hearings - Nov 29

Zoning Board of Appeals - upcoming hearings:

Nov 29 - Applicant is seeking to convert an addition into an accessory dwelling unit
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/167_conlyn_avenue_-_newspaper_page_2.pdf

Nov 29 - Applicant is seeking to increase the impervious coverage to 26.40% where 25% is allowed
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/8_addison_avenue_-_newspaper_page_2.pdf

Nov 29 - Applicant is seeking to construct a 20’ X 5’ covered porch that is 35.6’ from the front setback where 40’ is required
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/17_sherman_avenue_-_newspaper_page_2.pdf

Nov 29 - Applicant is seeking to construct a 24’ X 28’ detached garage that is a replacement for a pre-existing, nonconforming shed and garage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/205_west_central_street_-_newspaper_page_2.pdf

"The Zoning Board of Appeals currently consists of three (3) members and one (1) associate members appointed by the Town Administrator, subject to the confirmation by the Town Council, for terms of such length and so arranged that the term of one member shall expire each year. There is currently one (1) opening for associate member. 
The Board holds Public Hearings for variance requests, special permits (including gravel removal) and Chapter 40B applications. The Board also makes determinations on land use and zoning issues. All necessary forms and applications may be obtained through the Building Inspection Department and via Board of Appeals website. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets in Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building on Thursday evenings usually twice a month."
http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals

http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals
http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals



Friday, December 29, 2017

Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. I'll highlight some key sections from the current report over the next week or so.

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 70-71 (actually 77-78 of 264)


"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Municipal Building
355 East Central Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
lkerwin@franklinma.gov
Telephone: 508-520-4926
Direct line: 508-553-4856
FAX: 508-520-4906

The Zoning Board of Appeals currently consists of three (3) members and two (2) associate members appointed by the Town Administrator, subject to the confirmation by the Town Council, for terms of such length and so arranged that the term of one member shall expire each year. There is currently one (1) opening for an associate member. The Board would like to thank Casey Thayer for her service as ZBA Secretary and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

The Board of Appeals holds Public Hearings, as advertised, for Variance(s), Special Permits (including gravel removal), Findings and Chapter 40B applications.

The Board also renders determinations on land use and zoning issues. All necessary forms and applications may be obtained through the Building Inspection Department and via the Zoning Board of Appeals website at http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets in Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building on Thursday evenings usually twice a month, at 7:30pm.

The calendar may be viewed via website at http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals. All meetings are open to the public.

The Board has been very active this fiscal year and the following agenda is a list of all applications filed, indexed and recorded with the Town Clerk.

Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

Member, Since
Bruce Hunchard, Chairman, 1991
Robert Acevedo, Vice Chairman, 2003
Timothy Twardowski, Clerk, 2010
Philip Brunelli, Associate Member, 2009
Ian Luke, Associate Member, 2016
Leeanne Kerwin, ZBA Secretary"

Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals
Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals


You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Town of Franklin exceeds the 10% affordable housing threshold

In a letter to the Town Council, the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, Jeff Nutting announced that Franklin had risen back above the critical 10% for Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI).

1. The 288 Glen Meadow apartments were recently purchased by a new investor. He was successful in obtaining funding from MassHousing to do some updates to the property. The purchase was recently completed; hence, all of the Glen Meadow apartments were added back into the SHI. 
2. As you will see, the Town has 11.89% of its housing stock as affordable by the state. until this number drops below 10% again, the Town will not be susceptible to proposals that seek to override local zoning. 
3. It is important to note any 40B proposal that has already been filed previous to Friday, June 23, 2017 will continue to through the process. 
As many of you know, the Town has bumped up and down over the 10% line for many years. Today's announcement is a compliment to the Town, including the hard, proactive work of the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust and the town's overall receptiveness to having a diverse housing stock for families of all incomes. 
Jamie and I are available for any questions you may have.

the stage on the Town Common in the rain
the stage on the Town Common in the rain


You can find the full memo and inventory listing on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017-06-26_franklin_shi_update_and_memo.pdf




Friday, April 14, 2017

Live reporting: Land Use Planning Workshop - April 13

I took notes via Twitter for the workshop conducted by Town Council with participation by Town Administration, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and members of the community. Lots of discussions and viewpoints shared, some consensus seemed to have been reached on "inclusionary zoning". Work would be required to draft the bylaw language for further review and discussion through the Planning Board before the Town Council would make a decision.



(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)



The poster boards referenced during the meeting

Franklin map with MultiFamily dwellings highlighted
Franklin map with MultiFamily dwellings highlighted

Franklin map  where the area is 5 acres or more (parcels in purple)
Franklin map  where the area is 5 acres or more (parcels in purple)

Franklin map  showing the different zoning districts
Franklin map  showing the different zoning districts

view from the back of the Council Chamber
view from the back of the Council Chamber



Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Madalene Village public hearing continued to March 2

The Madalene Village proposal public hearing has been continued (yes, again) to March 10 this time. The next ZBA meeting is actually scheduled for March 2. During the intervening time, the developer is supposed to work out some issues with the peer reviewer as well as revise the submitted waivers listing to better reword some of the requests.

Partial summary of open issues:
The stream is still an issue as it is referred to as a 'ditch' and not acknowledged as a viable and valuable water resource.

The town has a current drain from Fletcher Field into the 'ditch.' The developer says Franklin has no easement for it. Franklin says it is on their land. This should be interesting to resolve.

There was a bunch of discussion on 'subsurface structures' and the definition of that versus an 'infiltration basins'. The dispute is around what design standards from MA DEP requires. A 'mounded analysis' is hence required by the Town and is questioned by the developer.

The developer has yet to meet with or engage in anyway the Conservation Commission. Conservation issues are being addressed to the ZBA, which respectfully speaking, is not their subject of expertise.

The wording of many of the waivers requested seem to be broader than required. Some of them were acknowledged as being worthy of refinement.

Recap on process
The ZBA does not need something from the Conservation Commission before the ZBA makes a decision. The concept is before the ZBA. If the board is so inclined to proceed with a permit, they would still come back with the construction design to approve that formally. If they (the developer) goes to the Conservation Commission and can't meet the State regulations, then the development would stop.

You can view the ZBA meeting here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=434

Files released before the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/madalene-village-documents-for-zba.html

and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/zoning-board-of-appeals-meeting-feb-16.html

Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development
Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Feb 16 for Madalene Village


DATE: Feb. 14, 2017

TO: Mr. Bruce Hunchard, Chairman
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

FROM: George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent

RE: Comprehensive Permit Application, Madalene Village
21 Peck-180 Cottage Streets

I have read the minutes of the Board concerning the above project.

Neither my office nor the Conservation Commission members have been contacted by the applicant concerning this project. Further, until a formal application is presented to the Commission, no comments over and above what have been transmitted to the Board by my office can be made without prejudicing the Commission on an application upon which they must decide. The minutes of 11/17/16 state:
. . . ConComm doesn’t want anything to do with it until they file. Mark: I always take the position that, if someone requests a waiver from a local ConComm rule, we ought to get what the ConComm thinks. Chairman: Their agent responded that they didn’t want to look at it until they file. . . .
Although these minutes have been accepted, I need to go on record that my office has repeatedly indicated that the applicant should be discussing this project with my office. I in fact do “ . . . want to look . . .” just as would happen at a tech review meeting. What must be avoided is compromising the Commission from taking a position before the application is filed.

It is still my opinion that at least some preliminary discussions on the project concerning the wetlands issues are warranted and should have already taken place and that the waiver of the local wetlands by-law is not in the best interests of the Town.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Letter From Conservation Commission
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczajZ2YWZESXJGUjlFUUZteUZSUkMtSE92a25j

Flyer
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdzktaHRvYlI3U1RFWENFM1B0bHU5ZnUwTTgw

Town Engineer letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREF1UFJEN0s4Z191bUtXdFlkZ1lfWUxTdXpj/view?usp=sharing

Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development
Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Annual Report 2016: Zoning Board of Appeals

"The Zoning Board of Appeals currently consists of three (3) members and one (1) associate member appointed by the Town Administrator, subject to the confirmation by the Town Council, for terms of such length and so arranged that the term of one member shall expire each year. There are currently two (2) one (1) opening for associate members.  (Updated to reflect current status rather than than of June 2016 when report was submitted)

The members would like to take this opportunity to thank Nancy Danello for her 3+ years of dedicated service.

The Board of Appeals holds Public Hearings, as advertised, for Variance(s), Special Permits (including gravel removal), Findings and Chapter 40B applications. The Board also renders determinations on land use and zoning issues. 

All necessary forms and applications may be obtained through the Building Inspection Department and via Board of Appeals website at http://www.franklinma.gov/.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets in Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building on Thursday evenings usually twice a month, at 7:30pm. The calendar may be viewed via website at http://www.franklinma.gov/.

All meetings are open to the public.

The Board has been very active this fiscal year and the following agenda is a list of all applications filed, indexed and recorded with the Town Clerk.

Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

Bruce Hunchard, Chairman
Robert Acevedo, Vice Chairman
Timothy Twardowski, Clerk
Philip Brunelli, Associate Member
Casey Thayer, Administrative Secretary"


Spruce Pond Brook is one of the key items around the 40B application for Madalene Village
Spruce Pond Brook is one of the key items around the 40B application for Madalene Village



Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016


Prior year annual reports can be found
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports


Thursday, December 15, 2016

Live reporting: Zoning Board of Appeals - Dec 15, 2016

Present: Kerwin, Hunchard, Twardowski, Acevedo, Luke,
Absent: Brunelli 

21 Peck Street and 180 Cottage Street, 

Madalene Village - MV Cottage Development LLC
Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 40 unit townhome style development. The building permit is denied without a comprehensive permit from the ZBA.

abutters who wish to speak need to sign in on the sheet at the meeting

added a sewer lift station to the plans
32 units, approx 9,000 gallons for project
tunnel tank to hold storage, approx 15,000 gallons
equipped with a valve pit for maintenance
located adjacent to the stream

adjusted calculation for stream flow
relocation of stream actually should calculate as getting less water with the proposal

issue with infiltration affects the flow
and affects the number of units

constructing the waiver list to get to the board

will be requesting an extension
waivers to be submitted next week
next week is Jan 5th

will write up extension

looking to negotiate on the number of units pending a  connection for sewer

Angela Wislaw, Bob
haven't had a chance to see the sewer station, so the extension is a good thing
Conservation Commission has sent letters to the Office
Dr Craig here to talk about impact to the wetlands area
streams sometimes to need to be field verified, rather than just using an application

applicant seeking waivers from the local bylaws which should be addressed

Army Corp of Engineers has jurisdiction over the re-routing of the stream
has spoken to the developers in regarding the re-direction

the storm water report raises questions
Q7 - did the drought factor in for the measurement of the water table
test pits dug over the course of time, how did that affect the calculations
it is extensive to keep the basins clear and free to enable drainage flow, is there something build in to cover the cost in the future for repairs
Fire Chief has concerns expressed in a letter to the Board

the density of this project is still a concern, something needs to be designed for the safety of the residence

the plot plan raises a question, inconsistencies about a section appearing to be owned by Town of Franklin
A - the land is owned by the developer

relocation of the sream would move the boundary to the Town lands as it owuld abut Fletcher Field

Dr Craig - to speak a little more to the environmental issues
the area is wetland, and greenspace
(doctor of biology and background in wildlife management)
strong stream present even in a drought, definitely a wetland issue to be addressed
does provide wildlife habitat in the center of town

A - test pits were done and evaluated by certified personnel

A - condo association would be responsible for the costs in the future
there is a maintenance schedule specified by the manufacturer


Joanne Pasquentonio - why does the brook need to be re-routed?

A - The brook runs down the center of the proposed roadway

Chris Parish - if under the Town's jurisdiction today
If the stream re-routed, who owns the stream then?

Hunchard, I would assume it would be the Condo association responsibility

Responsibility of the stream re-routing lies outside the area of the ZBA
9.35% affordable, we are not at 10%

waivers of local ConComm being asked for, hence the State regs would come into play

the applicant will be more specific in the waiver declaration
make the extention nfor the 19th to cover for winter events, coming up the for the next meeting Jan 5th

motion to continue the public hearing at 1/5/17 at 7:35PM
seconded, passed, unanimous





The video replay for this meeting is now available from Franklin TV
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=417

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Madalene Village - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - Dec 15 - 7:35 PM

"This Thursday, December 15th at 7:35 pm will be the last public Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regarding Madalene Village, a proposed 32-unit development next to Fletcher Field with entrances on both Cottage Street and Peck Street.

While attendance at these ZBA meetings has been strong when this development is on the agenda, we're looking to make the most impact possible at the last one. It's clear that the ZBA members have noticed our attendance and listened to our concerns, so I'm hopeful we can make a lasting impact.

Could you help us spread the word?

I've posted as much info as we have on the Facebook group, but if you have any questions, please let me know."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/


The revised Storm Water Report (270 pages)




Letter from Conservation Agent

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSnJYbHJEeks4NTA/view?usp=sharing


Letter from Fire Chief

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTUwcE9hdXBMYU0/view?usp=sharing

draft of plan for Madalene Village proposal near Fletcher Field with entrance from Cottage and Peck Streets
draft of plan for Madalene Village proposal near Fletcher Field with entrance from Cottage and Peck Streets

Monday, December 12, 2016

“I’m worried about the density”


"One week after a developer pitched a 21-story apartment building for Coolidge Corner, selectmen have asked state officials to back a temporary moratorium on the review of future projects proposed under the state’s affordable housing law. 
Brookline has 10 separate projects seeking waivers from local zoning that would add hundreds of new units under Chapter 40B. 
The latest is a proposal from developer Chestnut Hill Realty that would bring 320 apartments in a complex on Waldo Street. Under the plan, 64 apartments would meet affordability rules and the rest would be market rate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/12/07/brookline-officials-want-moratorium-new-affordable-housing-developments/QKlw5g5xAQq7Ep8mBtpH6H/story.html

For resources on MA.GOV for 40B  http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/40b-plan/

The Zoning Board of Appeals handles the 40B applications in Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals
Zoning Board of Appeals

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

SAVE SPRUCE POND BROOK

SAVE SPRUCE POND BROOK! 

STOP MADALENE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT 

ATTEND THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING AND BE HEARD

OCTOBER 20, 2016 7:30 PM

There are three attachments for this post. 

  1. a flyer calling for attendance at the ZBA meeting.
  2. the plans for the development
  3. the letter from the developer

sign in the Peck St, Wachusett St and Cottage St neighborhood of the proposed development
one of several signs in the Peck St, Wachusett St, and Cottage St neighborhood of the proposed development










Thursday, July 28, 2016

In the News: neighbors concerned about development, 2-way traffic arrives

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

"Neighbors have expressed their concerns about a potential affordable housing development off Peck and Cottage streets. 
At issue is a multi-unit townhouse-style development - called "Madalene Village" - that is now before the Zoning Board of Appeals. 
Angela Woislaw, one of those opposed to the project, said neighbors are worried about the housing's effect on the environment and flooding. 
"The residents believe that this is a very poorly designed development," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160727/franklin-residents-concerned-about-housing-development

sign in neighborhood around proposed development
sign in neighborhood around proposed development


"At 5 a.m. Tuesday, the proverbial switch was flipped on traffic in downtown Franklin, going from a one-way, counter clockwise motion around the center business block to moving both ways. 
Digital advisories and signs were placed around downtown, along with orange traffic cones, and police officers were posted at key spots, to help direct drivers through the new flow. 
While there were some small hitches, overall, the switch "went very well," Police Chief Thomas Lynch said. 
"The contractor, Walsh Construction and the Mass Department of Transportation/Mass Highway authorized a number of details, so we had plenty of help up there," he said.


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160727/two-way-traffic-begins-in-downtown-franklin-first-day-went-well