Talking about the Master Plan Committee with Glenn Jones - 02/06/23 (audio)

FM #941 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 941 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. We met in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio to talk about the opportunity to help develop the “Master Plan” for Franklin. 

The Committee was recently established by the Town Council (01/04/23 meeting). Glenn has just been appointed as Chair. Councilor Cobi Frongillo will be Vice-Chair and Councilor Melanie Hamblen will be Clerk of the committee.

Applications for the 6 resident members of the committee are open and due by March 3, 2023.

The audio recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and all that it will involve. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-941-master-plan-opportunity-with-glenn-jones-02-06-23

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Applications for the Master Plan committee and other volunteer opportunities as discussed https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities

Master Plan charter (Town Council resolution creating committee) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._23-07_master_plan_update_comm.pdf 

Master Plan from 2013 (full 200+ pages) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/master-pan-2013 

Master Plan from 2013 (abridged version) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/goals-policies-and-implementation-plan 

Master Plan update as of 2020 ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/2020-master-plan-update 

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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 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"

The current Master Plan was completed in 2013 and due for an update

Inclusionary zoning moved to Town Council by unanimous Economic Development Steering Cmte vote (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee "Plus" met as scheduled on Wednesday in a longer session and they accomplished in the longer session what they had not been able to do in their shorter session; have a healthy discussion and bring multiple topics to a conclusion. 

After multiple votes to narrow down the choices on a couple of items in the table, agreement was reached and the full inclusionary zoning referral was made unanimously.

The Franklin TV replay for this session is available ->   https://youtu.be/HukEWlkid6Q

The agenda doc for the meeting can be found here ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_jan_25_2023.pdf

The audio and my recap will be available in a couple of days. In the meantime my notes via Twitter can be found in one PDF here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/19389zqBsU2LEnQMp64-WnpJKMFJHB5W8/view?usp=share_link

All seven members of the committee were present in the Council Chambers

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 25, 2023 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Zoning - Inclusionary Zoning

a. 22-889: Use Regulations Schedule - Residential

i. September 15, 2022 DCPD Memo & Staff Recommendation

ii. Map of a half mile circle from the train station

iii. Sample of a 40,000 square foot development in GRV

2. Initial Discussion: Accessory Dwelling Units

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_jan_25_2023.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Joel for this session to include his insights as a lifelong Franklinite, a property owner, and a former Town Councilor.

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio recording -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-downtown-zoning-discussion-01-18-23

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47 Summer St as referenced during the discussion

• Google map ->  https://goo.gl/maps/UsP5DQJXsVGTmQ7WA 

• Storm water map -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

Prior discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html

Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.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"

Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St

Madalene Village docs from the archives

The initial application information and series of documents as Madalene Village moved through the Franklin approval cycle had been posted here and while the posts are available, the links to the docs themselves got broken over time.

The Mass EPA has scheduled hearing and input sessions for their portion of the approval required, in particular to the proposed move of the stream (at least as I understand it).

I have recreated the links in chronological order, newest first, oldest last. If you are looking for something and it doesn't appear here, let me know and I'll if I have it.

Developer Letter - Feb 2017

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTWNCb2xaMTR3VnpJbjU5WmltOE81NGg5bmVn/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-VsXX3K27SuPGlEps0YYXmw

Town Engineer memo Feb 2017

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREF1UFJEN0s4Z191bUtXdFlkZ1lfWUxTdXpj/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Ly6IU3-GjrOUMEeWf8773A

Storm water report - revised Dec 2016

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczM3hIMzJzd0VmaEk/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-HlYSo0ig7DxQ24DtOcufYw

Storm water report Nov 2016

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMGp4Vm1QeWpFb28/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-KLuZEdnhWpjVvZsEIrViWg

Local Bylaw - follow up Dec 2016

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdmRYeEotTm5sV2s/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-RAnBMkpa3PPW3rHNiBIf9w

ConComm local bylaw - Dec 2016

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNlM2M1FvY01hSE0/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-OkVFL4aV1UeH76-pJ34Bfw

Architectural Narrative - Apr 2106

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczXzNlTDNwNjJkRE0/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-iqwmH9nKH0N8-yJOK0fA9g

Site approval letter - Apr 2016

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSEFEVjcwb2dlcDA/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-w4wsF4HDGlHRKBmVuVdHnA

Franklin Concerns - Apr 2106

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSzlyYURXTGxJSmM/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-iHZpD5iRE0fz2rPvuBATTg

Madalene Village docs from the archives

Project Narrative document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczXzNlTDNwNjJkRE0/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-iqwmH9nKH0N8-yJOK0fA9g

Plan for the Foundation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVHQtcEx5em4zTTQ/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-KDt0g5Qhw-NSbFFFPzjerA

Plan for the first Floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTzRoSjhSQ3pWZVE/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Czjx3emYkD7SfHeq3k7E9A

Plan for the Second floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZ0VXYXZOV18zbGc/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-lMlhueSGnpoYsQk3ekWDYw

Front view and Rear view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREZVTjAyZmZYNkU/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-qsM8eHchkhrrFwZ6VITakw

JPG of building as proposed

unit model and elevation

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting - Dec 14 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers

Agenda:

1. Presentation: Mark Bobrowski

a. Chapter 40R - Smart Growth Zoning & Housing Production

i. 40R Article  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nsr3AZscWA6m61C941Z7dHJBtzNjOVJ6/view?usp=share_link

ii. 40R PowerPoint  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZArDb0LoUWh0aW5MTuIjliZNqGkrai/view?usp=share_link

 

The agenda doc includes remote connection info ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_edc_agenda.pdf 

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting

Economic Development Subcmte recommends next lot line changes; the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal, will pick up again at Nov 30 meeting (audeo)

FM #882 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 847 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022 in the Council Chambers.  

“Franklin For All” Steering Committee (or EDC Plus)

Chair Melanie Hamblen, Glenn Jones, Cobi Frongillo, Pat Sheridan

Greg Rondeau, Beth Wierling, and Bruce Hunchard

 

First - purely an economic development item - the next set of lot line zoning map adjustments. A continuing project and this is the next set of changes. The item after discussion was recommended to the Council for review and consideration.

 

Second - for the Plus side of the committee as it attempted to cover two zooning bylaw proposals that are an outcome of the Franklin For All study as well as part of the MBTA Community planning required. The committee got into a good discussion on one of the two changes proposed, did not get into the second and will pick up the discussion at their Nov 30 meeting.

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-882-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-11-16-22

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The EDC Agenda and released documents ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/11-16-22_edc_agenda.pdf

 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are found in one threaded PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bi19ZIVetLhT2xN0aeJcbltU72XRlZe0/view?usp=share_link

 

Franklin TV's video replay of this session is available ->

https://youtu.be/ZntsmoNK7ss

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

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"

 

the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal

Public Hearing Notice: 237 Pleasant St (St John's Episcopal & The Community Builders - 64 units)

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public/remote hearing on November 3, 2022 at 7:30pm via Zoom Platform. Please go to

Franklinma.gov to view meeting access under ZBA Agenda.

Time: 7:45PM

Applicant: St. John’s Episcopal Church of Franklin and The Community Builders Inc.

Address of Subject Property: 237 Pleasant Street (Map 267, Lot 009)

Zoning District: SFR III

Petition Type: Comprehensive Permit

Zoning By-Law Sections: N/A

Reason for Denial: Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 64 unit multi-family development. The building permit is denied without a Comprehensive Permit from the ZBA. 

An Appeal from the decision of the Board of Appeals may be made by any person aggrieved pursuant to MGL Chap. 40A, Section 17 as amended, within twenty (20) days after the date of the filing of the notice of decision with the City Clerk. All records and files for this project can be viewed in the Building Department on the 1st floor of the Franklin Municipal Building during regular business hours. Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals: (508) 520-4926. Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded the opportunity to be heard. The hearing is accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

Notice shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/legal_notice_237_pleasant_street.pdf

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals/events/339551

St John's affordable housing proposal

Economic Development Subcmte hears timeline on Franklin For All projects; reviews & forwards parking changes to Council (audio)

FM #847 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 847 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 21, 2022 in the Council Chambers.  

“Franklin For All” Steering Committee 

Chair Melanie Hamblen, Glenn Jones, Cobi Frongillo, Pat Sheridan

Greg Rondeau, Beth Wierling, and Bruce Hunchard

Quick recap:

Franklin For All portion

• Full steering committee reviewed the priority listing and time line developed by Planning and Community Development Dept after the steering committee had set the priorities for the Franklin For All recommendations during their August meeting

• Much of the discussion was around clarification on what was included, what was not, and why

Parking bylaw proposal portion of meeting

• Just the Council members remainder on the dias for the longer section of the meeting around the parking proposals (B Wierling did move to the audience and ended upon commenting on the proposal as a resident)

• There was much discussion and input from community and business members on aspects of the proposal

• The subcommittee voted to move the recommendations forward to the Council with a variety of votes. At first they attempted to move all forward, by a 4-0 vote. When they were advised it was complete, a more refined set of votes on aspects of the proposals results in 3-1 votes (Hamblen, Frongillo, Sheridan for; Jones against). Another motion for an amendment (for residential parking) by Sheridan did not get a second so it died there. One of the proposed amendments (from Frongillo) was to expand the role of the Town Administrator to set more than just the rates. This was objected to (by Jones) and the resulting discussion did not result in a vote

• The proposals will come before the Council at one of the October meetings

The recording of the meeting runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-847-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-09-21-22

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Meeting agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/09-21-22_edc_agenda.pdf 

Franklin TV YouTube video -> https://youtu.be/0juF7Nd2ngk 

My notes taken via Twitter and captured in one PDF can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V880A9wPIyLuq-GjD9f6AJ0mYbGIzwrs/view?usp=sharing

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

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 hears timeline on Franklin For All projects; reviews & forwards parking changes to Council (audio)

What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?

From Mass Housing - https://www.masshousing.com/programs-outreach/planning-programs/40b 

Chapter 40B, the Commonwealth's regional planning law, promotes responsible housing growth by creating a streamlined permitting process for eligible projects that utilize subsidized financing, and that meaningfully accommodate lower-income residents.

Since its passage in 1969, Chapter 40B has supported almost all affordable housing construction in Massachusetts outside of the Commonwealth's largest cities. Approximately 70,000 total units have been produced under Chapter 40B, of which over 35,000 units are restricted to households making less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Chapter 40B promotes regional planning solutions and new housing consistent with local and regional planning needs. The law balances the regional need for affordable housing development with local public health, public safety, design, and environmental welfare needs.

The statute allows eligible affordable housing developments to receive a comprehensive permit, even when projects require waivers of local zoning. In cities and towns that achieve certain affordable housing production goals, zoning boards of appeal may reject 40B proposals without facing an appeal from the developer, giving those communities great discretion over 40B development. Municipalities that have not achieved minimum affordable housing production thresholds have a more limited ability to reject 40B proposals.

The Town of Franklin is currently over the 10% minimum affordable housing and wants to stay that way, hence they are proposing a “friendly 40b’ process to help foster affordable housing growth. 

The Friendly 40b proposal can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/friendly_chapter_40b_process.docx.pdf 

Franklin’s Housing Production Plan https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf 

Franklin’s Master Plan update in 2020 (overall plan is due for revision in 2023)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf 

What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?