Showing posts with label zoning bylaw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zoning bylaw. Show all posts

Sunday, August 25, 2024

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

FM #1263-1264  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1263-1264 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  All 9 members were present in Council Chambers. We split the audio into 2 parts, creating a section just of the State legislature update by Senator Becca Rausch and State Rep Jeff Roy, and leaving the opening hour, and remainder of the Council session in the first part.


Quick summary of Part 1 (#1263)

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

Unanimous approval for the appointments/re-appointments. This should complete the slate of current board, committee, commission positions with a couple of exceptions. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updated that likely early in 2025, an effort to solicit more volunteers for the various positions would be conducted to help refill the potential candidate pool for future opportunities. Note: all the positions appointed are for staggered terms within the respective boards, etc. This is done to enable some organizational knowledge retention among the members of each org. It is easier for 1, 2, or 3 members of a committee to ‘get up to speed’ than it is for an entire group.


PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule

The passage of these 3 measures should bring us into compliance with the MBTA Community requirements set out by the State. We were close to begin with, and then with the changes started with the Franklin For All project, we got closer. There are still some improvements possible that could be coming as part of the Master Plan. These 3 get us into compliance with the State requirements which keeps the coffers open for grant opportunities. The 3 measures were approved unanimously.


d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing

This measure rezones the area along Union and Cottage near the Mill Store and sets it up for redevelopment in mixed use, both residential and commercial/retail space. You can see what the developer is doing with the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott building as an example of what can happen here. This should be good. It was approved unanimously.


PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION


a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Alarm Robotics Club 2079

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell


Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)


Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule


Part 2 (#1264)

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

Rep Roy and Senator Rausch provided updates on the legislative session that formally closed on July 31. They also responded to questions from the Council and community members present in the room or remotely participating in the meeting.


The recording runs 3 hours and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of August 14, 2024


Audio link - Part 1 (#1263)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1263-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-1-of-2/



Audio link - Part 2 (#1264)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1264-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-2-of-2/


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The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour 40 minute session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?t=73s 


Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/view?usp=drive_link

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

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"


August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )
August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

Saturday, August 17, 2024

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)

FM #1260 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1260 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning August 15, to recap and condense the 3 and 40 minute session to about 30 minutes. 


We look to focus on 

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Topics for this session:

  • Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members


  • PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule


d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing


  • PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Alarm Robotics Club 2079

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell


  • Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)

  • Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule


The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1260-town-council-quarterbacking-08-15-24/



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?si=guHDipisHqH_Q9hn&t=73 


Agenda and docs released for this session  -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf 


My full set of notes as captured during the meeting via Twitter/X ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/view?usp=drive_link 


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

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"


This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)
This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Gus Brown & I talk inspections, permits, line of sight, and the need for smart building (audio)

FM #1256 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1256 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Building Commissioner Gus Brown. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

Gus Brown & I talk inspections, permits, line of sight and need for smart building (audio)

We talk about 

  • His road to the Building Commissioner role

  • Inspections department scope and permits

  • Key info for residents (on permits, pools, line of sight, etc.)

  • Need for smart building to keep growing revenue


The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1256-town-of-franklin-gus-brown-07-18-24/



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Building & Inspections page => https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department   


Permit information page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/22/files 


Online Permits page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department/pages/line-permitting 


Town of Franklin business guide -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_business_guide_5_0.pdf 


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

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"


Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Signatures being looked for to oppose the Autumn Hill development

The Summer St residents group has a webpage and petition underway.
"We strongly oppose the proposed senior development called Autumn Hill, located at 496-498 Summer Street. This property is zoned for single family residential uses, RR1 and RR2. However, the Town of Franklin can override the zoning due to the Senior Village Overlay District. See 185-48 by-law amendment. This allows the densest development possible 
Bruce Hunchard, the chairperson of the zoning board, also the owner of the property, is calling this a senior development. It is actually condominiums, 2-3 bedroom, full basement, and 2 car garage that will sell starting at $850,000. In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors in need of affordable housing. 
This is a clear conflict of interest for Mr. Hunchard who owns the property and is Chairperson of the zoning board."
Continue to their webpage to find more info and the petition ->  




From the Franklin Matters Archives

Sunday, July 28, 2024

MBTA Communities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted on Sat, Jul 27, 2024:
#MBTACommunities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning intended to comply with the law and create multi-family zoning districts in their communities. https://t.co/pvB4R30esm

MBTA Communities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning
MBTA Communities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning

Note: after the August 14 Town Council meeting, assuming the 2nd readings of the 3 bylaw changes to bring Franklin into compliance are approved, and after the submittal by the Town to the State to confirm, our status should change from grey to blue on the map and increase the overall compliance number.

The set of three zoning changes were all moved to second reading by an 8-0-1 vote (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 - absent) at the July 17, 2024 Council meeting.
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3.  Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-906_907_908.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._24-908.pdf