Town Council Meeting: recognizes Roger Magalhaes; neither 7-Eleven nor Liquor World show for their Compliance Check hearings - 04/13/22 (audio)

FM #778 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 778 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick recap:

Recognition: Roger Magalhaes - Recipient of The Immigrant Learning Center’s Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in Outstanding Business Growth

 

Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check

Jimmy D’s LLC d/b/a Jimmy D’s - 338 Union Street - appeared properly for their hearing, and will serve their one day suspension on 4/20/22

Neither TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380 - 664 Union Street Nor Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World - 365 West Central Street appeared for their hearings and they were continued to the next meeting May 4. .     

 

Presentation: Community Planning: DHCD Multi-Family Housing Guidelines for MBTA Communities - Bryan Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development allows the Town of Franklin to ‘check the box’ for this requirement in order to maintain compliance with the current draft regulations for an MBTA community

 

Only item of legislation was a key one in that the easement will enable the work for the intersection of Grove and Washington Sts. 

Resolution 22-26: Acceptance of Easement of Property at 732 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-26 - Majority Vote)

 

The meeting runs about an hour and 15 hours (1:15)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of April 13, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-778-town-council-meeting-04-13-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_13_2022.pdf

My notes from the meeting  ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tjSu0nkX9nkLF7fc3WPim7NVwH2nznJr/view?usp=sharing 

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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 www.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"

Town Council recognizes Roger Magalhaes

Economic Development Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council

FM #776 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 776 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the 3rd Floor Training Room.  

Quick recap:

• Two items on the agenda, first up - parking update for the East/West & Nason Sts area; Chief Lynch and Lt Riley provided updates on parking pattern and parking fee structure in comparison to some neighboring communities, draft presented for review in agenda doc. Key discussion from community and councilors was around what amount would change the behavior of the students without creating a negative impact on businesses and residents. Ultimately passed for consideration by full council amending overtime violation to be set at $35

• Second item - changing the hours of parking zone, and setting no overnight parking, attempting to keep vehicles in movement creating space for others to use, running out of time (due to first issue) but this moved to the Council for additional discussion as well.

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-776-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-13-22

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Meeting agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJ1cfHPu9_ev2IYBa8Rj1nyRad0sDj89/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 Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 13, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 13, 2022 - 7 PM

1.     ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a.     This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b.     Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2.     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.


3.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.

4.     PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a.     Recognition: Roger Magalhaes - Recipient of The Immigrant Learning Center’s Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in Outstanding Business Growth

5.     APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6.     HEARINGS - 7:00 pm
a.     Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_memo_and_backup.pdf
i.          TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380 - 664 Union Street
ii.          Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World - 365 West Central Street
iii.          Jimmy D’s LLC d/b/a Jimmy D’s - 338 Union Street

7.     LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8.     PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a.     Presentation: Community Planning: DHCD Multi-Family Housing Guidelines for MBTA Communities - Bryan Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._dpcd_memo_to_tc.pdf

9.     LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a.     Resolution 22-26: Acceptance of Easement of Property at 732 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-26 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-26_acceptance_of_easement_732_washington_street.pdf

10.  TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11.  SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a.     Capital Budget Subcommittee
b.     Budget Subcommittee
c.      Economic Development Subcommittee

12.  FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13.  COUNCIL COMMENTS

14.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

15.  ADJOURN
 
Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda and associated documents released for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_13_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 13, 2022 - 7 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee: Agenda - Apr 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

3rd Floor training room & Zoom option

Agenda:
1. Downtown traffic and parking improvements

a. West Street neighborhood follow-up

i. Town Administrator Memo

ii. Town Bylaw Parking Fines

b. Downtown Main Corridor Parking

i. Map Amendment proposal

Full agenda and associated documents including remote connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 

West Street neighborhood parking follow-up

Economic Development Subcommittee meeting runs out of time to review the details MAPC shared - 04/06/22 (audio)

FM #768 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 768 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 in the Council Chambers.  

MAPC presented a summary of the survey results which were quickly cobbled together as the survey had closed April 1. They also presented three scenarios for dealing with the MBTA community initiative and the meeting ran out of time to fully explore these ideas. (Town Council was scheduled to begin at 7 PM).

Copies of the presentation documents will be shared when available. The MAPC web page still touts completing the survey by April 1. 

The recording of the meeting runs about an hour and 15 minutes.  

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-768-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-06-22

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Meeting agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-06_edc_agenda_2.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter during the portion of the meeting I attended (approx. 10-15 mins late due to coverage of the Board of Health meeting upstairs) 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jMCegUZ6abWjrXrR-FSS81XrXRIq1D1y/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"

1 of the slides shared during the meeting; copy of presentation to be shared when available

Great summary of the MBTA community zoning initiative

While we wait patiently for MAPC to share the documents the showed at the Economic Development Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 6, we can also review this thread from Clark Ziegler, Executive Director of the MA Housing Partnership (https://www.mhp.net/about-us/staff). A great summary of the MBTA community zoning initiative.

Link to the Twitter thread (PDF) ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e5DKbp_E_YA7peYacj5SDS24PPuuhcpP/view?usp=sharing

Embedded PDF doc to read

photo of one of the pages of the presentation shared on Weds evening

Additional slides from the portion of the meeting I was able to attend. Had been late to this session as I was covering the Board of Health meeting upstairs in the Municipal Bldg.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pLeLHhi3GZ6UtSyP8

Note 1 - Communication is best facilitated when the audience is prepared to discuss the topic at hand. Audience preparation is critical to a worthy and productive dialog. Sharing information in advance of the meeting (especially when the info is loaded with details) is much more productive than teasing the audience and forcing a delay in interaction or dealing with speculation about the intent of the data. 

Note 2 - the audio recording of the meeting will be available along with the transcript so that those who did participate can return to review details, and those who were unable to do so at the time, can also hear what was covered.

Franklin for All survey responses due Friday, April 1, 2022

Franklin! You have until Friday, April 1 to provide your feedback on the Downtown for Franklin for All survey. The responses from the visioning survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create the draft zoning recommendations.

To learn more about Franklin for All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-one-week-left-complete-visioning-survey

Franklin for All survey responses due Friday, April 1, 2022

Boston Globe: 2 opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing

Two opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing. 

"For too long, affordable homes have been out of reach for people across the Commonwealth. But a tool exists that can help communities solve this persistent problem: a real estate transfer fee.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking the Legislature’s approval of a home rule petition for a transfer fee of up to 2 percent on real estate sales of $2 million or more in the city. The money would pay for new affordable housing and provide tax cuts for low-income seniors.

Like Boston, Somerville, Concord, Cambridge, Arlington, Brookline, Nantucket, Provincetown, and Chatham have already passed local home rule petitions calling for transfer fees. The Legislature should approve the proposals and also consider legislation giving all communities across the state the option of imposing transfer fees. "

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/one-tool-help-create-affordable-housing-real-estate-transfer-fees/ 

"What can be done? Housing activists and those in the business of building homes should get on the same page and support policies that will increase supply. Highly restrictive neighborhood zoning needs to be changed to reflect the fact that Boston needs height and density to house more of the people who want to come here or remain here when they retire.

The City of Boston’s legendarily long permitting cycle also should be revised. Permitting a new apartment building takes years when it needs approvals from Boston agencies, including Planning and Development, Zoning, Boston Civic Design Inspectional Services, Transportation, Water and Sewer, Air Pollution Control, Conservation, Public Improvement, Public Works, and others. And that doesn’t include state and federal hurdles."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/transfer-fees-arent-solution-bostons-housing-crisis/

The Parker under construction in July 2021 on Lagrange Street, will feature condos.SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey! - Due April 1

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey!

Franklin! You have one more week to give us your feedback on the Downtown for Franklin for All before the survey closes on April 1st. The responses from the visioning survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create the draft zoning recommendations.

To learn more about Franklin for All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-one-week-left-complete-visioning-survey

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey! - Due April 1

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

• Chair, Melanie Hamblen, Town Council 

• Beth Wierling, member of the Planning Board

• Cobi Frongillo, member of the Town Council

• Bruce Hunchard, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals

 

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation about the Franklin For All project and process. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22

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Respond to the survey by April 1 => https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce  

Franklin For All Forum - March 7, 2022

• Transcript =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WEsjmEFESie06Bx4bAOSxhMbhpY45gsL/view?usp=sharing

• Audio recording => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-748-franklin-for-all-forum-03-07-22

• Video recording =>  https://youtu.be/9fewoumulN4 

 

Franklin For All project page ->  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/ 

 

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights