Massachusetts Housing Partnership: Compliance timeline for MBTA communities

"Heads up town officials: In support of MA efforts to provide info on zoning requirement near transit, we've posted compliance timeline for MBTA communities. 

Find this & more key info about new law at https://t.co/WrLyJINwNx " or https://www.mhp.net/community/complete-neighborhoods-initiative   

@massmunicipal @APA_Mass @MassEOHED @ChrisKluchman

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/x7Aa1gzUIj

As part of the "Franklin For All" project, the zoning around the downtown area will be addressed. Since we are an MBTA community with two commuter rail stations, what will be done around the Forge Park station remains unclear at this time.

Info about "Franklin For All" -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

More about the Massachusetts Housing Partnership -> https://www.mhp.net/about-us

Massachusetts Housing Partnership: Compliance timeline for MBTA communities

MBTA Communities Upzoning Guidelines, Explained (and yes, Franklin is one)

MBTA Communities Upzoning Guidelines, Explained
@BosIndicators @bostonfdn

"This law represents an important shift, with the state taking action to ensure that most eastern Mass. cities and town contribute to addressing our regional housing shortage."

Guidelines -> https://t.co/RVtXX3zeBW 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/KQCPlC1an1

MBTA Communities Upzoning Guidelines, Explained (and yes, Franklin is one)

Economic Development Subcommittee "Plus" Mtg - 01/05/22 (audio)

FM #692 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 692 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

The meeting was started in a hybrid mode; all four committee members were participating with the MAPC representatives participating via the Zoom connection. Some public participants and the Town Administration staff were in person. Other public participants were able to via the Zoom conference bridge. 

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes.  This recording misses approx. the first 15 minutes and runs about 47 minutes. 

Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting for Jan 5, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-692-economic-development-subcommittee-plus-mtg-01-05-22

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Meeting agenda 

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf

 

Presentation document shared during the meeting

(not yet available) https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Frankling-for-All-Steering-Committee-Meeting-1-Presentation.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-economic-development-subcommittee.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"

Emma Battalgia, Senior Housing and Land Use Planner from MAPC

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee becomes a "plus group" as it starts "Franklin For All" zoning study

Quick Recap:

• The promised zoning study for downtown Franklin kicked off at this meeting branded as "Franklin for All". Emma Battaglia, Senior Housing and Land Use Planner from MAPC, provided an overview of the project and Community Engagement Plan. 
• "The EDC will serve alongside two representatives from the Planning Board, Greg Rondeau and Beth Weirling, and one representative from the ZBA, Bruce Hunchard, to form the “EDC+” “Franklin For All Steering Committee”
• Stay tuned for focus groups and forum sessions (dates and times in the doc linked below) as the study works through its process.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conference bridge. 

 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ShPnhpjx3tMBNRR76

Note: for some reason, the way the presentation was displayed via Zoom, it did not enable me to go full screen to view each or any of the slides. So while I usually can grab some 'screen captures' that was not possible for this meeting and we will need to wait for the presentation doc to be posted (as was promised).

The presentation doc is available -> https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Frankling-for-All-Steering-Committee-Meeting-1-Presentation.pdf

The Twitter hashtag #edc0105 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478864954082177030

• Shifting zoom to the #edc0105 meeting in progress
• Emma from http://mapc.org presenting #edc0105 meeting agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf
• Newsletter included the ink to the new 'Franklin for all' page referred to. Slides not previously shared. Not able to screen grab with current view of this hybrid meeting #edc0105
• Link to new Franklin for all page https://mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/… #edc0105
• Communication materials to be developed for sharing, forum coming  Mar 7, 2022 #edc0105 
• Opens ? To committee, need to define terms used, as Franklin center can mean multiple things. Will this address design too? Yes
• Alternative trans methods? Through infrastructure aspects
• Q on what can be done to address recalcitrant property owners? What can be done to get the owners to the table and involved? How do we get Dean involved too? #edc0105 Jan 24 forum with owners key. Presentation doc to be posted to ToF page later
• How do you involve stakeholders that are not here? Aware of opportunity at forge park, owner not interested currently. That is a larger area of concern given the other stakeholders required. MassHighway, etc. #edc0105
• Motion to adjourn, passes via aye vote and meeting ends. Up next Town Council at 7 #edc0105

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

The Community Engagement Plan can be found in the full agenda doc (linked above) or in the extracted section -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/franklin-for-all-community-engagement.html

Emma Battaglia, Senior Housing and Land Use Planner from MAPC

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 5, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:
1. EDC + Steering Committee: Franklin For All

a. Presentation and Discussion from MAPC about the “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Downtown Commercial zoning district and C-1 zoning district (Franklin Crossing).

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #604 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 604 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of September 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4.       PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a.        Police Department:

i.          Sergeant Lee Drake - Retirement

ii.         Sergeant Louis Marguerite - Promotion

 

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Janice Prentice - Associate member, Historical Commission   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_prentice.pdf 

b.        Chuna Keophannga - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._appointment_-_keophannga.pdf 

c.         Tyrel Hansen - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_hansen.pdf 

 

7.        LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a.        Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a Franklin Shed, New Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcoholic Beverages, and approval of manager, located at 340 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._web_franklin_shed.pdf 

 

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        SAFE Coalition, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director

b.        Delcarte Conservation Area Weed Remediation, Jennifer Delmore, Conservation Agent  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._delcarte_weeds_pres.pdf

 

10.      LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-53: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library $5,890, Veterans’ Service Department $300, Fire Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-53 - Majority Vote)

b.        Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading

(Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-875 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-875_trash.pdf 

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ff2fbfe-abca-4e0b-893e-e69b66a08c5c

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Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

Volunteer form -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

The report tab is configured for two reports, one on vacancies -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php 

And one on expiring terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/et.php  

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

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"

 

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Planning Board do?

 From the Town of Franklin Planning Board webpage we can share:

"The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term and one appointed associate member.

The Planning Board’s primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town. State and local laws and regulations governing procedures for these approvals are MGL Chapter 40A (the Zoning Act); MGL Chapter 41, Sections 81K - 81GG (the Subdivision Control Law); Chapter 300 of the Franklin Town Code Subdivision Regulations; and the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaws Chapter 185.

The Board conducts meetings and public hearings in compliance with Town of Franklin General Laws to review and consider preliminary and definitive subdivision plans, Site plans and Special Permits, Approval Not Required (Form A) plans, and Certificate of completion applications.

The Planning Board also considers and prepares amendments to the Town of Franklin Zoning By-laws and the Town of Franklin Subdivision Regulations. The Board conducts public hearings on amendments created by the Board and on zoning amendments that are submitted to the Board by way of citizen petition or by landowners or other town boards through the proper procedures for submitting to Town Council.

All material received by the Planning Board in connection with applications is considered public information and can be seen during posted office hours."

Two positions are up for election this year. The positions current held by Anthony D Padula and Joseph F Halligan, Jr. ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_the_biennial_town_election_seats_available.docx.pdf

The Planning Board Project project page on the Town of Franklin site lists the approved projects and the projects currently in the approval process.
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 2, 2021 in the "election collection"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html
 

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Planning Board do?

"Architecture can be a powerful tool for justice"

Franklin's current zoning doesn't allow for triple-deckers. Might this be one option for consideration? 

"At the turn of the 20th century, working-class Boston residents faced a lack of affordable housing and, as a result, the diverse working class struggled to live close to where they worked and faced low rates of homeownership. One of Boston’s most iconic architectural styles, the triple-decker, was a solution to these challenges, not unlike many of the challenges Boston faces today. 

Between 1880 and 1930, Boston responded to the needs of the working class by constructing an estimated 15,000 triple-deckers. This type of housing was popular with immigrants and Black Bostonians as Boston experienced different migration patterns. It also offered an affordable path to homeownership, since a family could live in one unit and rent out the other two, often to relatives. Triple-deckers became a popular and economically viable example of multigenerational housing throughout the region. 

But triple-deckers, with their diverse working-class residents, soon became a lightning rod for racist and anti-immigrant sentiment that fueled policy and building code changes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/28/opinion/triple-deckers-were-once-an-affordable-solution-bostons-housing-crunch-can-be-again/

I'll admit to some bias for triple-deckers having grown up in one in Pawtucket, RI

A triple-decker renovation-in-progress in Dorchester. The finished project was featured on “This Old House” in May. KEVIN O'CONNOR

Economic Development Subcommittee - June 16, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 16, 2021 - 7:00 PM

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.

Agenda:

1. Housing Production Plan  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

2. Home Occupation Business Zoning Discussion

The agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_6-16-2021.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - June 16, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - May 12

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - 5:30 PM

Agenda:
1. Restaurant Revitalization Fund Discussion

a. Online Application  https://restaurants.sba.gov/requests/borrower/login/

b. Sample Application  https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-3172-restaurant-revitalization-funding-application-sample

c. Restaurant Revitalization Funding Program Guide  https://www.sba.gov/document/support-restaurant-revitalization-funding-program-guide

2. Downtown Parking Commercial & C1 Zoning Draft Bylaw Amendment
3. Housing Production Plan Draft

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting posted here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_for_may_12.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - May 12

Boston will soon allow ‘retail residential kitchens’ - maybe something Franklin could consider?

"Boston food entrepreneurs will get a boost beginning on Friday, April 30, when a retail residential kitchens ordinance goes into effect. This allows home cooks to prepare shelf-stable foods in their homes for resale at farmers’ markets, online, and through the mail. They can make up to $25,000 per year.

Boston City Councilor at Large Julia Mejia introduced the ordinance after a conversation with Andree Entezari, who had relocated to Boston from Los Angeles, where he ran a fruit leather business from home. He wanted to do the same here.

“This is a way to test products that aren’t cost-prohibitive,” he said. “Working out of your home reduces start-up costs and engages you in your local community. It allows you to meet others in a special way, through food.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/27/lifestyle/boost-home-cooks-with-small-business-hopes-boston-will-soon-allow-retail-residential-kitchens/