1. Discussion: Zoning
a. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw
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| the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal |
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| Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes a point during the housing density discussion |
a. Area on or near Lincoln Street and Lincolnwood Drive
a. Multifamily Housing Densityb. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw
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| examples of duplexes from Councilor Cobi Frongillo bike ride |
The Vicious Cycle of Automobile Dependency
Unsustainable planning practices reinforce a cycle of increased automobile use, more automobile-oriented community redevelopment, and reduced mobility options.
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/vTpFy1UlTc
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| The Vicious Cycle of Automobile Dependency |
The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced final guidelines outlining how MBTA communities can comply with the new multifamily zoning requirement. Learn more and register for an informational webinar on September 8: mass.gov/MBTAcommunities
Register for the webinar -> https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KBSNAXLuR9yrnmklDPFx-g
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| Franklin's statistics per MA EOHED calculation |
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| MBTA Communities Zoning Guidelines Webinar - Sep 8 at 1 PM |
a. Staff Memob. Franklin For All Executive Summary and Final Report (96 pages - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_for_all_executive_summary_summary_memos.pdf)c. Franklin - DHCD Approved Housing Production Plan (92 pages - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf)
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| Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022 |
1. Update: MAPC “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and surrounding neighborhoods
a. Draft set of Recommendations - Slideshow from 5/16/22 Presentationhttps://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf
b. Updated Memo & Timeline
"ULI’s TAP will be in Town on June 8, 2022 to perform a day long assessment of a new development concept developed by DPCD ‐ North Grove PDA Revitalization and Access Roadway Project. The Technical Assistance Panel consists of professionals in the fields of development, planning, real estate, economic development and environmental science.
In general the TAP will work to answer the following questions:1. Is the Town’s North Grove PDA/EOA Revitalization and Access Roadway Project actually feasible given existing constraints, or are there better options to clean up and redevelop the Town’s Nu‐Style property and stimulate private investment in the North Grove PDA?2. Can the Town create a public/private development partnership to implement the Proposed Project (or other project conceived during the TAP) where all parties gain in the end?3. What specific process should the Town (and/or public private partnership) take to implement the chosen revitalization project?
The TAP professional will present their findings at your meeting on June 8, 2022. I look forward to seeing the results of their work. "
The full agenda doc and remote participation information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-08-2022_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf
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| Back to back Wednesday: EDC hears recommendations; Town Council gets an update on Nu-Style property |
a. Draft set of Recommendations - Slideshow from 5/16/22 Presentationhttps://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf
b. Updated Memo & Timeline (see below)
Re: Franklin For All Project Future Dates
a. The Planning and Community Development department will be located at the intersection of Dean Ave and Main Street, directly across from the stage.b. Attendees will be able to connect with Franklin for All project staff regarding the proposed recommendations.c. Enjoy a town sponsored magic mirror photo booth experience to document the fun and resident aspirations of downtown revitalization.
a. Each member of the Steering Committee will be given 3 votes to prioritize recommendations by MAPC to the staff. This is an effort to allow the committee to discuss the recommendations and give the staff some initial priorities to help focus our work and alleviate the potential to be scattered.b. The Committee dates over the summer have not been set. We are hopeful that at the June 8th meeting we can set those dates in July or August on an evening without additional meetings after it.c. The staff will also have some additional recommendations to consider that are not a part of the MAPC recommendations that focus on areas outside of the study zone, these are issues that have arisen locally that need to be addressed or have been discussed during this process.
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| Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda - June 8 at 5:30 PM |
This recording runs about 70 minutes https://youtu.be/Ps5BnZdeqYY
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| Emma Battaglia, MPAC |
The Franklin For All project got an update from MAPC on the proposed recommendation Monday, May 16 in a hybrid forum at THE BLACK BOX.
While the presentation should have been made available before hand to create an informed discussion that night, it is now available for us all to read, review and think about.
What should downtown Franklin be in the future? What do we need to consider doing to get there?
Or read the embedded copy here
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| word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC |
There is a public meeting scheduled for Monday, 6:30 PM at THE BLACK BOX.
Franklin For All is a community-driven process to establish a vision for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and adjacent neighborhoods, and make rezoning recommendations to best achieve the vision. This will unlock development to expand housing choices, support local business, take advantage of new infrastructure, and foster a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. There will be multiple engagement opportunities for the public to weigh in on their vision for Franklin Center and the proposed approach to rezoning.
The Project’s Timeline
Franklin enjoys a compact downtown with an MBTA Commuter Rail Station, a museum, a performing arts theater, Dean College, and a mix of restaurants and retailers. There are also events throughout the year, including the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, that draw large crowds to the area. Significant time and resources have been devoted to enhancing the area with a focus on improving traffic flow, safety and emergency response time, improving roadways, fostering a pedestrian environment, improving the overall appearance, and stimulating private sector investment.
Franklin For All seeks to build on Franklin Center’s existing assets and become a vibrant, mixed-use destination. More people living in a walkable downtown means more spending at local shops, fewer car trips and less greenhouse gas emissions, and more interactions amongst residents, fostering a stronger sense of community. Through rezoning, we can remove restrictions that hold back quality projects to encourage development that directly meets a shared vision for Franklin Center.
To learn more: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.
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| Franklin TV: Franklin For All Forum - Monday, May 16, 6:30 PM |
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| Reminder: Franklin For All Public Forum on Monday, May 16 |
FM #790 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 790 in the series.
This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 4, 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 of Harriet DiMartino on her 100th birthday
Compliance check failures continued from prior meeting; both 7-Eleven & Liquor World acknowledged and accepted violations, agreed to one day suspension of license effective May 11
Public hearing for street acceptances held, both ultimately passed via legislation with 8-0 vote (1 absent)
Congressman Jake Auchincloss, 4th Congressional District, appeared to provide multiple updates and answer questions from the Council and meeting participants. First Federal elected official to appear before Council
Melanson & Heath presented an overview of the just completed FY 2021 audit results; the results are good, no issues found, nor was a management letter included also a good sign that the financial processes are in good order
Bylaw to adjust parking fines tabled for 2nd meeting in June, more discussion clearly required on this topic. As reported, there was no consensus among the EDC which brought it forward and there remains no consensus on how to proceed
Second bylaw parking zone map proposed changes to add a ban on overnight parking downtown. Almost got tied to the other bylaw item (they are separate but related) but did get moved to a second reading
Update on Davis Thayer provided by Town Administrator. The building is still in School Committee control, confirmation received from MSBA on their awareness of closing and that the closing should have no impact if the Town does decide in future to go for MSBA funding. Not sure why the Council remains “impatient” with this status as they could have started their planning process to determine a future use anytime after the building actually closed. The School District is not using the building for education, another use can start to be determined, it will take time to do so, and likely be still not finally decided by the time the School Committee turns the building over legally to the Town
The recording runs about 3 hours and 35 minutes (3:35)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 4, 2022
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-790-town-council-meeting-05-04-22
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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_may_4_2022.pdf
My notes of the meeting captured via Twitter are shared in one PDF here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fMWY7GtMKVFxIC_v1UtFIWXE7iIrLK4a/view?usp=sharing
You can find the Franklin TV video link here -> https://youtu.be/eTzFFC_N9ds (the meeting starts at 2:50)
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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"
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| Congressman Auchincloss poses with Town Council, Town Administrator, and Town Clerk |
FM #789 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 789 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
Next Franklin for All Forum is scheduled for May 16, at THE BLACK BOX. MAPC may provide the recommendations beforehand to enable a worthy discussion as they are looking for feedback on the high level proposals. The subcommittee expressed desire to have such documentation beforehand. While MAPC was present they did not commit to do so,
Much of the meeting was simply discussion among the subcommittee on the goals, how to accomplish them, etc. Towards the end of the discussion, they did get to some of the key items in that some of the process for making things “by right” need to be improved, so the discussion on what those should be can be expected to occur at subsequent meetings.
The recording of the meeting runs about 56 minutes.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-789-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-04-22--------------
Meeting agenda doc ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-04_edc_agenda_.pdf
Franklin TV YouTube video -> https://youtu.be/UnEXp2fNNtU
My notes taken via Twitter and captured in one PDF can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sirs0iYh47R0ECMd0VBWK16NIpKNGhP8/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"
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| Economic Development Subcommittee discusses Franklin For All objectives (audio) |
