Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

Franklin Planning Board

Public Hearing Notice

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM and the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street (also available to be attended remotely) to consider amending Chapter 185, Section 5 of the Code of the Town of Franklin.

ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 24-905 

Zoning Map Amendment 24-905 (formerly 24-901) would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing parcels 313-061-000 and 313-062-000 parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, Chairman 

Franklin Planning Board 

Tom Mercer, Chairman

Franklin Town Council

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_24-905.pdf

Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we condense the 4 hour meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1172 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1172 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, and we get together on Thursday morning to condense the meeting. In this case, one of the longer ones at 4 hours.  We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

• New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

• Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A

• Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500), Franklin Historical Museum (~$600) 

• Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B 

• Town Administrator report

Press release on Cantoreggi reinstatement

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-04-11_dpw_director_press_release.pdf 

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.Audio link https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1172-town-council-quarterbacking-04-11-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WPC4cB_S4 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1labnvYVykW4HGk01mHIQDk7d725ikuLn/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WC1n843rA3AQwjTg7 

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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"

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we condense to 4 hour meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

FM #1170 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1170 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcmte meeting held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 4 members participated; (3 in Chambers, 1 remote (Frongillo).

Quick meeting recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant

• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project

• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting recording runs about 60 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1170-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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 moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. Three members were in the chamber, one remote. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

Quick recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant
• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project
• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Subcommittees: Land Use & Zoning OR Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

You have a choice of two Master Plan subcommittee meetings to view or attend on Monday, March 18, 2024.

• Master Plan-Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2024-03-18.pdf

• Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources (OSRP) Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_march_18th_2024.pdf

And don't forget about the Master Plan Open House at Dean College on Saturday, March 23  https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/pages/events

Master Plan Subcommittees: Land Use & Zoning OR Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources 

Video replay available for the Economic Development Subcommittee held March 13 (video)

Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 beginning at 5:45pm. 

The agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-03-13_edc_agenda_.pdf

The meeting was recorded and live broadcast by Franklin TV to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yNNjaJCSkg 

I was recording the School Committee subcommittee meeting upstairs that started at 5 PM and joined the meeting about 6:15 so my reporting won't be available immediately.

Meet with both the Land Use & Sustainability Master Plan Subcmtes at the Library, Saturday, March 2

Come meet with the Sustainability and Land Use Subcommittees on March 2nd! From 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM.

Land Use Master Plan Subcmte

Sustainability Master Plan Subcmte

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1762466700937642348

Visit the Master Plan Update Committee on the Town page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Franklin, MA: Town Council public hearing scheduled for rezoning 2 parcels

There is expectation that a full agenda will be published soon. It was not yet posted to the calendar, nor the Town Council agenda page, as we go to press.

The public hearing agenda can be found. https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/public-hearing-zoning-bylaw-amendment-24-901-formerly-23-901-king-street-area

"We're not going to overcome this deficit anytime soon just building single-family housing."

Jonathan Berk (@berkie1) posted  Sun, Dec 17, 2023:

America's Housing Shortage Explained In One Chart 🏠

"We're not going to overcome this deficit anytime soon just building single-family housing."

"There aren't enough homes to keep up with the increase in households"

From the article quoted:

Why it matters: There aren't enough homes to keep up with the increase in households.

• Other estimates also put the size of the country's housing shortage in the millions. 

What they're saying: "We're not going to overcome this deficit anytime soon just building single-family housing," Hines managing director Ryan McCullough tells Axios.

• Between the lines: Apartment construction surged in recent years.

Yes, but: Most newly built housing is high-end, and not widely affordable.

Link to article -> https://t.co/kGUhvcuQLC   or https://www.axios.com/2023/12/16/housing-market-why-homes-expensive-chart-inventory

Shared from -> https://t.co/PJv2oBkbOh

Shared from Jonathan Berk  "Supporting a new generation of walkable neighborhoods with housing abundance, active public realms, & thriving small business ecosystems. Founder: 

@remainplaces"

Master Plan Update Committee & Subcommittee scheduled meetings for this week 11/27 to 11/29

Monday, November 27, 2023 - 7:00pm

• Land Use and Zoning Subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2023-11-27.pdf

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 7:00pm

• OSRP and NCHR Subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_november_28th_2023.pdf

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - 5:00pm

• Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_november_29th_2023.pdf

 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - 6:30pm

• Master Plan Update Committee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_29_2023.pdf

Link to the Master Plan Update Committee page ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Master Plan Update Committee & Subcommittee schedules for week of 11/27 - 11/30

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 15, 2023 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 15, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. SWEARING IN OF TOWN COUNCIL

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Town Council Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk

3. ADOPTION OF TOWN COUNCIL PROCEDURES MANUAL

a. Resolution 23-60: Adoption of the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-60 - Majority Vote)

4. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

5. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 18, 2023

7. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Cynthia Garboski

8. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

 

a. Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Approval of Pledge of Liquor License, and Approval of Bhaveshkumar Patel as the Manager - Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #9a

9. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Approval of Pledge of Liquor License, and Approval of Bhaveshkumar Patel as the Manager - Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

10. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #9f

b. Discussion: Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Ethics and Conducting a Public Meeting - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney

11. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 23-58: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY24 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-58 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 23-59: Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Reduction FY24

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-59 - Majority Vote)

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-903 to a Second Reading)

d. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-902 to a Second Reading - ⅔ Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 23-61: 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-61 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-62: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-62 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-63: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,975)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-63 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 23-64: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Town Administrator Evaluation (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-64 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 23-65: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Review of Rules of Procedure of the Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-65 - Majority Vote)

12. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

13. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

15. COUNCIL COMMENTS

16. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

17. ADJOURN

Agenda doc and additional docs released for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov15_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 15, 2023 meeting

Amy Dain published her exclusionary zoning research (video)

Amy Dain (@amydain) posted at 4:25 PM on Thu, Nov 09, 2023:

In case you missed it, here is the presentation of my research on the history of exclusionary zoning in Boston's suburbs.

https://t.co/ZuzT8JttzR  or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL2rdeie2jY

 

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Report presentation from Amy Dain at the November 8, 2023 release event for "Exclusionary by Design: An Investigation of Zoning's Use as a Tool of Race, Class, and Family Exclusion in Boston's Suburbs, 1920s to Today," which was released as part of Boston Indicators’ Racial Wealth Equity Resource Center. Read the full report here: https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-detail-pages/exclusionary-by-design

Direct link to PDF report -> https://www.bostonindicators.org/-/media/indicators/boston-indicators-reports/report-files/exclusionarybydesign_report_nov_8.pdf

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/amydain/status/1722727218290336046

In this Talk Franklin episode, we start with the State announcement on temporary housing of migrants (audio)

FM #1050 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1050 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 24, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Notification on State arranging to place migrants in Best Western Hotel

Davis Thayer Reuse; suggestions gathered, some interesting & new

Economic Development, Small zoning change

Police Station Building Cmte, Starting work

School opens, drive safely

The recording runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1050-talk-franklin-08-24-23

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Davis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

 

Notification on migrant temporary housing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.html

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

In this Talk Franklin episode, we start with the State announcement on temporary housing of migrants (audio)