Downtown Zoning Discussion with Councilors Hamblen & Frongillo - 12/19/22 (audio)

FM #904 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 904 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, Dec 19, 2022.

We talked about inclusionary zoning and other zoning items from the “Franklin For All” project which are now in the review and discussion process with the Economic Development Subcommittee that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair. 

 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-904-downtown-zoning-discussion-12-19-22

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Cobi’s ride around Franklin taking photos of housing types

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DG0iuZH0MmITC6GVDqL_zsZSV--9eq4s/view?usp=share_link

Cobi shared some Franklin Housing Data from DataTown (provided by MHP) via a Twitter thread  https://twitter.com/CobiFrongillo/status/1516768940579606532

Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html

Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.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"

examples of current Franklin housing from Cobi's bike ride around Franklin

Milford Daily News: "In Franklin, decades of rapid growth haven't changed community's downtown feel"

"When Rick Herrick was growing up, he could walk down Main Street and know most people by name, and the rest by sight.

“That’s not the case anymore, but, that being said, there’s still a great sense of community, which I think is kind of unique," said Herrick, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Commonwealth Real Estate. "People that come to Franklin, it seems like they set roots there and they don’t want to leave.”

Herrick has seen it firsthand — he’s been selling real estate for more than 30 years. He’s worked with people who grew up in, and wanted to buy a home in Franklin, and then another home as their family grew and a third when they want to downsize."

Continue reading the article at Milford Daily News (subscription required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/local/2022/12/15/franklin-ma-residents-say-rapid-growth-hasnt-changed-sense-of-community/69681584007/

 

Milford Daily News: "In Franklin, decades of rapid growth haven't changed community's downtown feel"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

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

a. November 2, 2022

b. November 16, 2022 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_licenses.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-86: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($70,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-86 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._gift_acceptance_fla.pdf

b. Resolution 22-87: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($565)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-87 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._gift.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-888 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-888_stop_signs.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7. Part VI, Use Regulations Schedule: Residential Uses

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d_1.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 51.  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-890.pdf

f. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-88 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-88.pdf

g. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-89 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._1_-_resolution_22-89_-_town_council_creation_of_the_opiod_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

h. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-90 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h.pdf

i. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-91 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/91._22-91.pdf

j. Resolution 22-92: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-92 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-92.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator

b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: Police Patrol, Police Sergeants and Fire Department unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action:

1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-93 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-94 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting - Dec 14 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers

Agenda:

1. Presentation: Mark Bobrowski

a. Chapter 40R - Smart Growth Zoning & Housing Production

i. 40R Article  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nsr3AZscWA6m61C941Z7dHJBtzNjOVJ6/view?usp=share_link

ii. 40R PowerPoint  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZArDb0LoUWh0aW5MTuIjliZNqGkrai/view?usp=share_link

 

The agenda doc includes remote connection info ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_edc_agenda.pdf 

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting

MassCEC Seeking Applicants for Triple Decker Retrofit Pilot

I don't know how many triple deckers we have in Franklin. I believe the current building code is such that we couldn't build one. That I think is an issue. This type of housing could be a worthy addition to our housing stock in Franklin.

 

Apply by Dec. 21st!

View this email in your browser The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is now accepting applications for the market rate track of the Triple Decker Retrofit Pilot. This pilot builds on the lessons learned from our Triple Decker Design Challenge and will offer selected triple decker owners: Technical support to implement a high-efficiency, all-electric retrofit Financial incentives: Up to $70,000 for a standard triple decker retrofit Up to $125,000 for triple deckers adding a new unit as part of the project Performance monitoring  This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your triple decker into the 21st century! Please share this opportunity with your network! If you might be interested, please reach out with any and all questions to buildings@masscec.com.   Learn More & Apply Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 294 Washington St. Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02108

MBTA Community Webinar Series videos and materials available

All the session recordings and accompanying material can be found in one page

https://www.housingtoolbox.org/recorded-workshops-and-trainings/mbta-community-webinar-series

event recaps, materials, and more

Thank you for joining MHP's MBTA Community Webinar Series More Than Compliance: Multifamily Districts That Work in Your Community If you missed the webinar series or wanted to rewatch any of the sessions, recordings and all supporting materials are now available online. The series was held on 10 Wednesdays between Sept. 21 and Nov. 30. The focus was MBTA zoning and how communities can design districts that meet their unique needs. Topics covered include: Making the Case for Complete Neighborhoods Water and Wastewater Basics Complete Streets and Neighborhoods Encouraging Family-Friendly Housing Getting Started for MBTA Communities Exploring Housing at Different Densities Making the Case for Affordable Housing Siting Your District and Site Plan Review Including Affordability in Your MBTA District All Webinar Series Materials The series is part of MHP's Complete Neighborhoods Initiative, which supports the state's efforts to build more multifamily housing near transit, downtowns, jobs and services. Additional resources and trainings for MBTA communities will be rolled out regularly throughout the law's two-year compliance period. Don't forget to self-report CM credits! For interested AICP members, we have created a tip-sheet for this webinar series which provides information and guidance on the self-reporting process. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm. Technical assistance will be provided in collaboration with Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Barr Foundation.

Massachusetts Housing Partnership | 160 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 Sent by emcgurren@mhp.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Economic Development lacks consensus on approach to inclusionary zoning proposal (audio)

FM #889 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 889 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in the Council Chambers with one member (Hunchard) participating virtually (hence roll call vote).  One member absent (Wierling)

Present: Chair M Hamblen, G Jones, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Rondeau (Plng Brd), B Hunchard (ZBA)

Quick recap:

• The discussion centered on the inclusionary zoning proposal carried over from the prior meeting. While the group had more time to review the matter, they still could not reach consensus on a recommendation and yet did move the item for discussion by the full Council. 

• In my view, this group, which in principle approves of the concept, and yet can't recommend an approach, likely sets the full Council discussion up for failure. Stay tuned, this is an important discussion, and no matter the next vote, Franklin needs to address this properly.

My Twitter thread:

• Ready for Iive reporting on back to back meetings; first up, economic development subcommittee and inclusionary zoning #edc1130 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

• Planning Director Bryan Taberner provides an overview of the proposed changes to introduce this measure. #edc1130 map being shown on the screen of the zoning areas

• Clarification on 4 vs. 5 in some of the prior drafts, should be 5 in all places. #edc1130 consideration of getting affordable units after 30% of development (so if something happens, and they were planned for the end and didn't happen, the Town would be left short)

• Also consideration for the affordable units #edc1130 that are permitted in another area. Back to the 5vs4 question, from 5 units to 14, only 1 required as affordable to meet 10% requirements; Planning Board would need to approve the alternative site

• Question on 15 units vs 20 units gives the Planning Board ability to regulate - this is part of the density piece not part of inclusionary #edc1130 Frongillo, Q on how did we get to 10%, Hellen explains cap by state rule at 10%

• 10% also aligns with the 10% 40b units, it is a middle road. Rondeau clarification questions answered. Halligan (from audience) comments great example of a walkthrough to say we should be working on setbacks, etc. To make the building feasible #edc1130

• Hellen asks Q, what is the percent that would make it work? If not 35%, then 50, 70, 100? #edc1130 Frongillo still to the point this won't get us anything (maybe up to 15-20 units be4 requiring affordable) would like to work with developers to find the #s that work

• Hamblen Qs is what is the starting point, 5, 8, 10 (vs Frongillo at 20-25 or so). #edc1130 motion to send to full council for recommendation to planning board, 6-0 via roll call 

• Motion to adjourn, 6-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-889-economic-development-plus-cmte-11-30-22

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The agenda and doc released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://youtu.be/sUk0eqtUzXE

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

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"

the zoning map shared on the screen attempted to focus the discussion